Voxan Wattman zaps to 283mph

Updated: 08 December 2021

Max Biaggi hunched over on the Voxan Wattman speed racer
Voxan Wattman II in partially streamlined form
Voxan Wattman II in naked form
Voxan Wattman II
Max Biaggi on the Voxan Wattman without bodywork
Max Biaggi with Voxan team
The Voxan team are aiming for more electric speed records
Tucked in on the Voxan Wattman
Max Biaggi and the team are preparing for more records

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Not content with setting 11 new world records, Voxan have overhauled their Wattman electric land speed bike and bagged another.

With former GP racer Max Biaggi at the controls again, the new bike achieved an astonishing 283.181mph at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, scoring yet another world record in the process.

Voxan Wattman update: More speed for Biaggi’s record bid

First published on 26 November 2021 by Phil West

Voxan have revealed an improved version of the Wattman – a high electric speed weapon on which ex-GP star Max Biaggi hopes to smash even more records.

The latest version of the French operation’s streamlined electric speed contender will be making a string of record attempts in 2022.

Voxan and Biaggi set sights on more electric speed records

First published on 1 July 2021 by Andy Calton

Former GP and WSB star Max Biaggi is preparing to take the electric bike speed record to a whole new level with his Voxan Wattman.

After setting no fewer than 11 new records in November 2020, the Voxan Wattman is currently being readied for some new standard setting towards the end of summer.

Voxan Wattman: Biaggi blasts to 11 electric bike speed records

First published on 05 November, 2020 by Andy Calton

Ex-MotoGP and WSB superstar Max Biaggi has smashed 11 world records on an electric motorcycle with a best top speed of over 250mph.

Biaggi, 49, steered the Voxan Wattman to success at the 2.17-mile Chateauroux airfield in France. While the outright top speed was captured at 254mph, the record now stands at 228mph as the average is taken from two runs in each direction. That obliterated the existing record of 204mph.

Voxan Wattman: Max Biaggi to pilot electric streamliner powered by race car engine

First published on 23 July, 2020 by Jordan Gibbons

Voxan have revealed their Wattman streamliner, which will be piloted by ex-MotoGP and WSB racer Max Biaggi in an attempt to set a new electric bike world speed record.

If you’re not familiar with Voxan, they’re a niche French motorcycle manufacturer who were acquired by Venturi, an Italian electric vehicle specialist. In 2013 they released the Wattman electric bike before setting their sights on the electric speed record in 2018 with a streamliner version of the machine.

Max Biaggi gets measured up for electric speed record attempt

First published on June 26, 2019 by Dan Sutherland

Six-time motorcycle world champion, Max Biaggi, has teamed up with Monaco-based electric bike firm, Voxan Motors, to try and set a new two-wheeled land speed record.

Announced in April by Voxan’s owners; Venturi, the team will attempt to break the current record in August 2020 on the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. Riding the firm’s Voxan Wattman land speed record machine, the team are aiming for a speed of 330kmh (205.1mph).

Since the initial announcement, Biaggi headed to Venturi’s headquarters in Monaco earlier this month in order to test out the bike’s ergonomics, as well as take his measurements and a number of 3D scans.

Venturi are no newcomers to electric motorsport, having already competed in Formula-E, set four-wheeled land speed records and claimed the longest distance covered by an electric vehicle without assistance back in 2010, at 14,900 kilometres.

Working in tandem with the bike’s designer, Sacha Lakic, this integral part of the design process allows engineers to create the most appropriate set up for Biaggi, whilst remaining compliant with FIM regulations.

The record the team are attempting to beat is for ‘electric motorcycles propelled by the action of one wheel in contact with the ground, partially streamlined, under 300kg.’ This is currently held by Jim Hoogerhyde on a Lightning SB220 at a speed of 327.608kmh (203.6mph).

Speaking about the challenge, Biaggi said: “A lot was learned during this first work session with the Venturi-Voxan team, especially when we were adjusting positioning on the model.

“It’s nothing like the typical racing posture. I literally have to become one with the bike, lying down on it close to the ground. I had to learn to get used to it and work within the technical constraints that we have.

“I feel surrounded by an incredibly motivated Venturi-Voxan team. This is certainly going to be an unprecedented experience and I truly hope to earn Venturi another record.”

Alongside winning four consecutive 250cc grand prix titles between 1994 and 1997, as well as two World Superbike crowns, Biaggi also set a world speed record of 164.198kmh with a Fazi Egraf, in the same category, back in 1994.

“I’m pleased to see the project progressing so well and so fast,” Venturi Group President, Gildo Pastor, said. “I have full confidence in my team of engineers as they tackle the challenge I set them.

“They’re used to developing innovative vehicles and are leveraging the experience they gained designing powertrains for our Formula E race cars. I’m proud of their hard work and dedication and I know that they are just as committed as I am to making this project happen.

“Roll on 2020, when I hope to watch my friend Max Biaggi beat the world land speed record on the Voxan Wattman. We’re dreaming big for 2020, which also happens to be Venturi’s 20th anniversary as a specialised producer of high-performance electric vehicles.”