Delfast has once again proven itself as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle space. This time, they unveiled their prototype electric motorcycle, the DNEPR Electric, at Bonneville Speed Week. Held at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats, the event provided the perfect backdrop for the rebirth of this legendary Ukrainian motorcycle. Not only did it make a splash, but it also broke records.

A Brief History of the DNEPR Motorcycle

The story of the DNEPR motorcycle dates back to pre-WWII when the Soviet Union sought a replacement for its aging fleet of motorcycles. The M-72 model was inspired by the BMW R71, which was chosen due to its superior performance. Although the official narrative credited Soviet engineers for developing the M-72 independently, many historians argue that the design was heavily influenced by the BMW R71. Regardless of its origins, the M-72 became a symbol of Soviet engineering prowess. Initially manufactured at three different facilities, the production shifted to the Irbit Motorcycle Factory following the German invasion in 1941. Later, the KMZ factory in Kyiv resumed production using spare parts and engines shipped from Irbit. By the late 1950s, the M-72 had gained popularity not only within the USSR but also internationally, with the People's Republic of China acquiring its production rights and continuing to manufacture the bike well into the 1980s.

Reviving the Legend: The Electric DNEPR

Fast forward to 2021, Delfast acquired the rights to the DNEPR name and its legacy. Known for creating high-performance electric bikes, Delfast decided to reinvent the DNEPR as an electric motorcycle. Their team replaced the conventional gas engine with an advanced EMRAX-228 synchronous electric motor weighing just 12 kg. This powerhouse delivers up to 100 kW of peak power (equivalent to 136 horsepower) and 50 kW of continuous power (68 horsepower). Backed by a 12 kWh/800V battery capable of delivering 200A, the motor boasts an impressive torque output of 220 Nm.

New Records Set at Bonneville

The Bonneville Salt Flats proved to be the ideal proving ground for the DNEPR Electric. During Speed Week 2021, held from August 7th to August 13th, competitors from around the world gathered to push their limits. Among them was Serhii Malyk, a seasoned Ukrainian racer and multiple Bonneville record holder. Under his expert control, the DNEPR Electric achieved an unprecedented average speed of 107.217 mph in the “A” Omega motorcycle class, shattering Serhii's previous record of 104.78 mph set in 2018.

This remarkable achievement underscores Delfast's commitment to innovation and excellence. From setting a Guinness World Record for the longest range on a single charge with their e-bikes to now achieving record speeds with the DNEPR Electric, Delfast continues to redefine what's possible in the electric vehicle industry. The same cutting-edge technology that powers the DNEPR Electric can also be found in their popular Delfast Top 3.0i e-bike, showcasing their dedication to both performance and practicality.