Delfast is no stranger to breaking boundaries. This time, they brought their electric motorcycle prototype, the DNEPR Electric, to the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats for the 2021 Bonneville Speed Week. The event, held in the heart of Utah’s vast salt flats, is a legendary stage for speed enthusiasts and engineers alike. And this year, Delfast made history with an impressive new record.

The Legacy of the DNEPR

The DNEPR motorcycle has a rich and complex past that dates back to the M-72 model. Before World War II, the Soviet Union sought to replace its aging military motorcycles. They found inspiration in the German BMW R71, which was later adapted into the M-72 DNEPR. The design was reportedly obtained through the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between the USSR and Nazi Germany. While the official narrative claimed the designs were stolen, many historians believe it was a strategic move to mask the pact's true intentions.

Production began in Moscow before being moved east due to the war. After the conflict, the DNEPR continued to be produced in various regions, including Ukraine and China, where it remained in use for decades. Now, Delfast has revived this historic name and transformed it into a modern electric vehicle.

Bringing the DNEPR Back to Life

In 2021, Delfast acquired the full trademark and intellectual property rights for the DNEPR, bringing the iconic brand back to Ukraine. Known for its high-performance electric bicycles, Delfast used its engineering expertise to develop the DNEPR Electric. The result is a powerful, futuristic motorcycle that blends heritage with innovation.

At the heart of the DNEPR Electric is the EMRAX-228 synchronous motor, weighing just 12 kg and delivering 100 kW (136 HP) in short bursts and 50 kW (68 HP) continuously. It's powered by a 12 kWh, 800V battery system, capable of producing 200A and 220 Nm of torque. This makes it one of the most advanced electric motorcycles on the market.

A New Record at Bonneville

Bonneville Speed Week 2021 provided the perfect backdrop for testing the DNEPR Electric’s performance. From August 7 to 13, racers from around the world gathered to push their machines to the limit. Delfast’s team, led by Ukrainian racer Serhii Malyk, set a new average speed record of 107.217 mph in the “A” Omega motorcycle category.

Serhii, a seasoned competitor with multiple records under his belt, surpassed his own previous best of 104.78 mph from 2018. His success not only highlights the capabilities of the DNEPR Electric but also underscores Delfast’s commitment to pushing the limits of electric mobility.

This achievement comes on the heels of Delfast’s Guinness World Record for the longest e-bike range—228 miles on a single charge. The same technology used in the Top 3.0i e-bike is now being applied to the DNEPR Electric, proving that innovation and performance can go hand in hand.

With each new project, Delfast continues to redefine what’s possible in the world of electric vehicles. Whether on two wheels or four, the company is setting a new standard for power, efficiency, and design.