It’s Britain vs France in the pursuit of world speed records
When Max Biaggi set the land speed record for electric bikes in the semi-streamlined class on Voxan’s Wattman he used brute power to achieve it – with 367hp on tap to average 228mph. And British firm White Motorcycle Concepts have every intention of using their radical aeros and two-wheel drive to strip Max of his records.
The brainchild of company founder Robert White, the WMC250EV is 70% more aerodynamic than a Suzuki Hayabusa thanks to the tunnel that runs through its core, lowering the centre of pressure at the front of the bike. The design means there’s more load over the front tyre at speed, helping White’s second innovation – 2WD – via two hubmounted motors. Another two drive the rear wheel, mounted at the front of the swingarm and transmitting drive via an enclosed chain. White is targeting over 250kW (335bhp).
Max-imum aggression
Former GP and WSB star Max Biaggi currently has the lead on the Voxan Wattman. Back in November 2020, the Wattman hit 253.5mph. But not content with setting 11 world records, Voxan overhauled the Wattman and the new version achieved 283.182mph at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, scoring another record in the process. Much of the extra mumbo came from a boost to 429bhp, with peak torque 1003lb.ft from its Mercedes electric engine (the same as the one used by the ROKiT Venturi Racing Team and their EQ Formula E team). Powering the new motor is a new battery that is 48kg lighter than the old unit while Michelin were called on to donate nearMotoGP spec rubber.