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 2021 Bonneville Speed Week. The event is known for testing the limits of speed and performance, making it the ideal stage for this historic machine.

A Legacy Reborn

The DNEPR motorcycle has a rich and complex history that dates back to the M-72 model. Before World War II, the Soviet Union sought a more reliable replacement for its aging military motorcycles. The BMW R71 was chosen as a model, and through the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the Soviets gained access to German technology to produce the M-72 DNEPR.

While official narratives claimed the design was stolen, many historians argue that the story was propaganda meant to obscure the initial nonaggression pact with Germany. Despite this, the M-72 became a symbol of Soviet engineering and was produced in several factories before the war forced its relocation eastward.

In the years following, the DNEPR continued to evolve, even reaching China, where it was produced until the mid-1980s. Now, nearly a century later, Delfast has revived the legacy with a modern twist.

The Electric Evolution

In 2021, Delfast acquired full rights to the DNEPR brand, bringing it back to Ukraine. Known for its high-performance electric bicycles, the company used its expertise to create an all-electric version of the classic DNEPR motorcycle.

The DNEPR Electric features a powerful EMRAX-228 synchronous motor, weighing just 12 kg and using permanent magnets. It delivers 100 kW (136 HP) in short bursts and 50 kW (68 HP) continuously. Paired with an 800V, 12 kWh battery, the bike can handle up to 200A and offers 220 Nm of torque—making it one of the most advanced electric motorcycles on the market.

Breaking Records on the Salt Flats

Bonneville Speed Week 2021 was the perfect place for the DNEPR Electric to shine. From August 7 to August 13, racers from around the world tested their machines on the smooth salt flats. The DNEPR Electric set a new average speed record of 107.217 mph in the “A” Omega motorcycle category.

Piloted by Ukrainian racer Serhii Malyk, who had previously set records at Bonneville in 2017 and 2018, the DNEPR Electric shattered his own previous mark of 104.78 mph. This achievement highlights not only the power of the bike but also the skill of its rider.

Delfast continues to redefine what’s possible in the electric vehicle space. From its Guinness World Record for eBike range to this groundbreaking motorcycle performance, the company remains a leader in innovation and power. The technology behind the DNEPR Electric is already being applied to the current Delfast Top 3.0i eBike, showing how advancements in one area benefit others.