A Very Fast Electric Motorcycle Ride
Paul Thede now sits atop the pile of wannabes as “the fastest man in the world on an electric motorcycle.”
Thede went over the top and broke the 200 mph mark (well past his previous record of 173.338 mph) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
The new record is now 206.080 mph, or at least it was until a few days later when Thede broke his newly-minted record and reached 215.960.
That run featured a top speed of over 218 mph.
Thede, the owner and president of Race Tech, teamed up with Richard Hatfield from Lightning Motorcycles to accomplish this feat.
“Breaking the 200 mph barrier on an electric-powered motorcycle is so special because it isn’t just another record; it’s a step towards furthering ‘green’ technology around the world,” Thede said. “It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. If you swung a leg over and opened her up, you’d become a believer too”
Paul Thede rode the bike and he also tuned the handling characteristics of the motorcycle by providing industry leading Race Tech suspension components.
Thede is no stranger to motorcycles. He is a former pro motocross racer, Pikes Peak Hillclimb winner, and has set numerous land speed records at Bonneville.
Thede’s first trip to Bonneville was in 2005, and he has broken 13 records over six years. Thede’s experience as a former pro racer, combined with his understanding of engineering and physics, helped him set the new record at Bonneville.
So how did Hatfield factor in?
He brought an extensive experience with electric motors to the table and built this incredible motorcycle. Hatfield says his mission is to “push electric-motorcycle technology to parity with gas-powered motorcycles.”
After asking Thede if topping 200 mph this year means that 210 mph will become the goal for next year, he simply replied, “We’ll see what this year brings.”
Check out Thede and Race Tech at: www.racetech.com.
CONTACT:
Chris Riesenberg – (951)279-6655 – chris@racetech.com
