1991 Bimota Tesi 1D 904SR

1991 Bimota Tesi 1D 904 SR

Miles: 1,737
Clean Utah Title
High Bid (reserve not yet met): $10,500
Auction ends: July 25th 2025
Located in Sandy Utah

The world of rare and exotic motorcycles can already be described as over to top and mildly unnecessary, but there is almost nothing on two wheels that is more superfluous than a Bimota Tesi.  Almost by definition they are on a different plant in terms of design, function and ethos.  While some may dismiss the design as being different for the sake of different, there are others that gravitate to the design for what it represents.  For the work that was put into developing the mechanics and for a company like Bimtoa pushing the boundaries for decades.

From the Seller’s Listing:

This example is VIN: T1D00193. The seller purchased the bike three years ago from BellissiMoto in Las Vegas, Nevada, and states, “I purchased this bike as a dream bike with intentions of riding it until the wheels fell off. I love its looks and presence but the thought of crashing such a rare and unique bike kept me away from riding it very often. I love this bike and that’s partly why I am selling it through Iconic; I want it to go to someone that can appreciate and enjoy it properly.”

“When I purchased it from BellissiMoto, they told me that it was fresh back from service in Denver, CO. I replaced a cracked tail light. I do not have any documentation besides maybe an eBay receipt for the tail light. I have noticed the fuel gauge is not reading the correct level and that the tachometer doesn’t like to work when the bike is cold and its cooler than ~60° outside. The tires are starting to show age.”

These bikes never really went through the standard used phase, they shift from caring owner, to caring owner.  They are never accidentally purchased by someone that does not know what they are, or how to be a good steward of the machine.

The example today is well serviced, and ready to use.  It is not a static display case as if often the case.  The included images from the last major service are beautiful to behold.  The detail in the design and construction are amazing.  The art and theater combine into something magical.

Of the 291 or so of the original Tesi 1D design that were made, only 20 were of the 904SR specification.  The words or so are used carefully as exact details are hard to come by.  Either way there are very few around, and even less here in the USA.  The 904 engines had Bimtoa specific numbers to represent the increase in capacity of the Ducati 851.

The auction really represents an opportunity to a collector.  This opportunity can take many forms.  It could be a ticket to one of the many exclusive events.  The Quail featured Bimota this past year on the lawn.  It could be an opportunity to have something off the wall and stand out at a local bike night.  These are also very interesting and unique riding experiences.  Something well worth exploring.

It is well known that many of the readers of RSBFS.com are keenly aware of how desirable any Bimota is.  The brand is often featured in posts and write ups.  It is also no secret that some of us writers are also owner of Bimota.  While some readers might have wanted to roll and eye why reading this gushing portrayal of this Tesi 1D, it should be taken with the context that I am an owner of a similar 1D 904 SR.  I too might have dismissed one of these due to period reviews of how they handled differently to normal bikes, or stories about how any Italian bike is a nightmare.  While not without some faults, these machines have been a wonderful ownership experience in my humble opinion.  The owners groups are knowledgeable and active.  Bimota Classic Parts can supply almost anything needed.  While I am slightly bias, I struggle to see how in this hobby you can replicate the impact of one of these at any price point.  I very much hope for a robust and interesting conversation in the comment section.