Hellcat pushrod V-twin sets speed record

American niche motorcycle maker Confederate attempted a world speed record in late August with its X132 Hellcat Combat prototype bike and clocked a top speed of 172.211mph (277.146km/h), elevating the motorcycle into the history books - for now - as the world's fastest big block American V-twin motorcycle.

Ridden by James Hoegh, who recounts the ride passionately in the video below, the Confederate X132 eclipsed 170mph which makes it the fastest motorcycle in the APF3000 category - a category which is open to unfaired, naturally aspirated, pushrod V-twin bikes with a capacity of more 2000cc.

The Confederate X132 is powered by a 132ci (2163cc) fuel injected V-twin engine, which outputs 132hp (98kW) and a stump-pulling 203Nm of torque.

However it's clear from the photos the 'Combat' prototype version of the X132 uses shorter exhaust headers and end pipes, and also has a freer flowing twin pod air intake system, which would increase power output. It's likely the bike had different gear ratios too.

What's impressive about this particular record is that James Hoegh managed to pilot the X132 naked bike to almost 280km/h, as the 227kg bike is not very aerodynamic and the various extraneous factors involved didn't help - wheel spin on the salt, cross winds and so on.

The Bonneville salt flats lay in the northwest region of Utah and every August the Bonneville "Speed Week" is held, where cars and bikes are freely allowed to roam the salt flats, and can attempt speed records too.

Expect Confederate to return to the salt flats in future to defend its record.