Delfast, a company known for pushing boundaries in electric vehicles, has once again proven its prowess by setting a new record with their prototype electric motorcycle, the Delfast DNEPR Electric. The motorcycle made its debut at Bonneville Speed Week 2021, held at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, where it shattered expectations by achieving a remarkable top speed of 107.217 mph in the “A” Omega motorcycle category.

Reviving History

The DNEPR motorcycle has a rich history dating back to its inception in the Soviet Union. Originally developed as the M-72 model, it was designed to replace outdated military motorcycles after their poor performance during the Winter War against Finland. Drawing inspiration from the BMW R71, the Soviets adapted the design, leading to the creation of the M-72 DNEPR. Despite claims that the plans were stolen from Germany, many historians believe this narrative was propagated to distance the USSR from its controversial alliance with Nazi Germany under the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Production began in 1941 at the Moskovskiy Mototsikletniy Zavod (MMZ) but was soon relocated to the Irbit Motorcycle Factory (IMZ) in Western Siberia following the German invasion. By 1952, the KMZ factory in Kyiv started producing these motorcycles using engines shipped from IMZ. The M-72 became a symbol of resilience and innovation, with production continuing in China until the 1980s.

Electric Evolution

Fast forward to 2021, Delfast acquired the full rights to the DNEPR name and IP, bringing this legendary motorcycle back to Ukraine. Leveraging their extensive experience in building high-performance electric bicycles, Delfast embarked on creating an electric version of the DNEPR. Engineers replaced the conventional gas engine with an advanced EMRAX-228 synchronous electric motor weighing just 12 kg. This motor features permanent magnets and delivers a peak output of 100 kW (136 HP) while sustaining 50 kW (68 HP). Powering this motor is a 12 kWh/800V battery capable of delivering up to 200A with a torque of 220 Nm.

Breaking Records

The Bonneville Salt Flats proved to be the perfect proving ground for the DNEPR Electric. During Bonneville Speed Week 2021, fans gathered to witness competitors push their limits from August 7 to August 13. Under the skilled guidance of professional racer Serhii Malyk, the DNEPR Electric achieved a new average speed record of 107.217 mph, surpassing Serhii's previous record of 104.78 mph set in 2018. Serhii, a multi-time champion at Bonneville, brought his unmatched expertise to ensure the DNEPR Electric delivered a flawless performance.

Delfast’s commitment to innovation shines through in every aspect of their products. From setting the Guinness World Record for the longest range on a single charge with their eBike (228 miles), to now establishing a new benchmark in electric motorcycle speed, Delfast continues to redefine what’s possible in the EV space. The technology behind their record-breaking range is also integrated into their popular Delfast Top 3.0i eBike, ensuring exceptional performance across their product line.