Delfast has once again proven its ability to push boundaries. This time, the company took its electric prototype motorcycle, the DNEPR Electric, to the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats for the annual Bonneville Speed Week. The event, known for testing the limits of speed and engineering, was the perfect stage for this historic revival. And it didn't disappoint — the DNEPR Electric set a new speed record.

A Legacy Reborn

The DNEPR motorcycle is more than just a name — it's a piece of history. Its origins trace back to the M-72 model, developed in the Soviet Union during the early 20th century. Originally based on the German BMW R71 design, the M-72 was meant to replace outdated military motorcycles. However, the political landscape of the time led to some controversy around its production, with claims of espionage and secret agreements shaping its early days.

Despite the complicated past, the DNEPR became an iconic symbol of Soviet engineering. It was produced in multiple factories across the USSR and even made its way to China, where it remained in production until the 1980s. Fast forward to 2021, and Delfast acquired the full rights to the DNEPR brand, bringing it back to Ukraine and reimagining it as an electric vehicle.

The Electric Evolution

Delfast, already renowned for its high-performance electric bikes, saw an opportunity to honor the legacy of the DNEPR while pushing the future of mobility. The result? An all-electric version of the classic motorcycle, powered by cutting-edge technology. Instead of a gas engine, the DNEPR Electric features a powerful EMRAX-228 synchronous motor, weighing just 12 kg but delivering impressive performance. With a peak power output of 100 kW (136 HP) and a sustained power of 50 kW (68 HP), this machine is built for speed and efficiency.

The bike is also equipped with a 12 kWh, 800 V battery system capable of delivering up to 200A and 220 Nm of torque. This combination allows the DNEPR Electric to not only accelerate quickly but also maintain high speeds over long distances — a perfect match for the vast, open salt flats of Bonneville.

Setting the Pace

At Bonneville Speed Week 2021, the DNEPR Electric made history. Piloted by Serhii Malyk, a seasoned Ukrainian racer with previous records at the same venue, the bike achieved an average speed of 107.217 mph in the “A” Omega motorcycle category. This surpassed his own previous record of 104.78 mph, marking a significant milestone for both the rider and the brand.

This achievement isn’t just about speed — it’s about innovation. Delfast has consistently pushed the envelope in the electric vehicle industry, from setting world records for e-bike range to now breaking the speed barrier for electric motorcycles. The technology used in the DNEPR Electric is already being integrated into their current models, like the Delfast Top 3.0i, proving that the future of transportation is electric, fast, and powerful.

As the world continues to shift toward sustainable mobility, companies like Delfast are leading the charge. With each new breakthrough, they prove that electric vehicles can be just as thrilling — if not more — than their traditional counterparts. The DNEPR Electric is more than a machine; it's a symbol of progress, heritage, and the limitless potential of electric innovation.