Posts published in “Bimota”

Very European – 1991 Bimota Tesi 1D

Published May 23, 2023 by Mike

Always a welcome find on the pages of RSBFS, the ultra unique, ultra Italian, ultra rare Bimota Tesi 1D is a Ducati-powered masterpiece. Designed as a replacement for the traditional, telescopic front fork, the hub-center steering works in conjunction with a forward-facing swingarm to isolate braking forces from regular suspension duties. The effect, while visually arresting, is essentially normal from a rider’s perspective. Far more elegant than the mechanical and hydraulic anti-dive fork units developed in the 1980s, the funny front end (FFE) design trends of the 1990s eventually devolved back into additional development of the front fork. Thankfully, delightful examples of the experimental phase of motorcycle front suspension remain with models such as the Yamaha GTS, the Honda Elf experimental racers, the Nicco Baker QCS, and the amazing series of Tesis offered by Bimota. Today’s 1991 Bimota Tesi 1D has fewer than 1,000 miles, is located in Germany, and looks just about perfect. The seller has a lot to say about this unicorn, so read on!

1991 Bimota Tesi 1D for sale on eBay

From the seller:
Original Bimota Tesi 1D 904
The holy grail of motorcycle history…
Just 1 of 20 builts worldwide

This 1991 Bimota Tesi 1D 904 was ordered new in pre-delivery condition by an Italian collector and was on display until 2005 when it was purchased by its last owner (owner of a well-known high-end motorcycle manufacturer).

The motorcycle was then exhibited in Europe to this day.
Bimota produced several variants of the Tesi from 1990 to 1993, with the 904 originally being built for private racing. This example features a 904cc Ducati L-Twin mated to a six-speed gearbox and is finished in white and red with green accents.

Equipment includes front and rear double swingarms, hub-centered front wheel steering, Marzocchi monoshocks, Marchesini wheels, Brembo triple disc brakes and a racing seat.

This 904 is offered by the current owner with metric dashboard, owner’s manual, original Bimota wheel stand, original Bimota red cover and a clean Italian title.

More from the seller:
Bimota built just 20 examples of the 904 in 1991 and 1992 out of a total of 413 Tesi models produced from 1990 to 1993, with each example costing around US$45,000 new.

Finished in red, white and green, this bike features a racing-style solo seat, matching mirrors, street lights, license plate bracket and a see-through windshield.

White Marchesini wheels with three spokes front and rear. Suspension consists of Marzocchi monoshocks mounted on double-sided swingarms at both ends, with the front also featuring hub-centric steering linkages.

The triple Brembo disc brakes are finished with a yellow zinc coating and feature Tesi 1D specific front rotors.

Clip-on handlebars are mounted below the top triple clamp.

The liquid-cooled 904cc L-twin was developed by Ducati based on their 888cc platform and features a stroked crankshaft, four desmodromically-controlled valves per cylinder, and Weber electronic fuel injection.

The motorcycle has only run 1,337 km (835 Miles). For the best possible conservation purpose, the engine oil and brake fluid were nevertheless changed every 2 years, most recently in June 2021. A major service with a change of the drive belts is recommended before commissioning. The six-speed gearbox is connected to the rear wheel via a drive chain.

One tool kits, an owner’s manual, Original Bimota wheel stand, a red Original Bimota indoor cover and two keys are included in the sale.

From the “if you have to ask…” department, the price for this one is going up – and fast. Quickly bid to up over $20k, this bike still has a reserve in place with a few days to go. Undoubtedly a museum piece, it would be glorious to see and hear this one roar! These are about as rare as a factory motorcycle can get, and caries with it a sense of the future. Now 32 years on from its release this bike still offers a sense of Buck Rogers wonderment. The details and pictures from the seller are well worth the deeper dive – check out all of the details on this one HERE. Good Luck!!

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Three’s a Crowd: 3 Bimota DB6 For Sale At One Time.

Published February 27, 2023 by William

If you are a regular here at RSBFS than you know that all of us here are huge fans of Bimota. Any time one comes to market we know that there needs to be a post about it. The comments sections are normally fairly interesting with owners and would be owners sharing stories. From my end I try and convince as many people as possible to take the leap into Bimota ownership. Have repeatedly talked about how good the owners groups are, and how spare parts are easy to come by. These were expensive and exotic bikes when new. Sure they are not what some would call cheap now, but they do offer an amazing ownership experience and will be something to remember.

Normally while scanning the web for rare sports bike, something like this Ducati 1199R would fit the bill. Low production numbers, high performance and oozing with cool, it would look amazing in the posts. Unfortunately the seller is not really overly detailed about the bike in the listing.

From the Seller’s eBay Listing:

Also have tail section for passenger never used it just replaces the solo tail

But now back to the Bimota conversation…

Some might take offence to considering these air cooled, naked street bikes as an alternative to a 200+ horse power semi race bike, but hear me out.

At this point the 1199R is a decade old. It is well past the current crop of two wheeled missiles that are available today. Many buyers are not looking for all out performance, but rather something interesting to use and enjoy.

When was the last time you stopped by the local coffee shop or bike night and saw a Bimota? How cool would it be to be able to be the rider to bring such an interesting machine and show it off? The best part is these bikes are not just some piece of jewelry to sit and look at, these have the performance to back things up.

Not many DB6 were built, and even less came to the USA. While there are currently three listed for sale across the county I assure you that this is just a fluke. We can go months or even years without seeing some of these models listed. With asking prices between $11,000 and $14,000 they should find new homes in the near future. The Blue bike has been listed with RSBFS before, but the others are new to the market.

Where would your money go? A 10 year old all out sport bike? New Monster? Bimota DB6? What color Bimota are you adding to your garage?

6 Responses.

Cheap as Chips – 1998 Bimota SB6R

Published February 22, 2023 by Mike

One time RSBFS contributor and long-term RSBFS friend Marty pointed out this pretty SB6R in the UK with the following note: “Back in the day, the joke on RSBFS was that Bimota SB6’s couldn’t be counted as a Rare Sport Bike because there were always ones for sale on eBay and other sites. Sadly those days are gone…” And this was generally true; the Bimota SB6 series was one of the most popular bikes from the Rimini brand, and were regularly found on eBay and other sites. Today that is not longer true, and one has to look considerably longer to find a decent example (if any at all). And to top it off, today’s SB6 variant is the desired R-spec model. So quicker than you can say “Robert is your father’s brother” let’s dig into it.

1998 Bimota SB6R for sale on eBay

From the seller:
1998 BIMOTA SB6R (not to be confused with the cheaper SB6)
For sale is this HPI CLEAR SB6R
Vehicle Registration Mark: P*** ***.
HPI Category: This bike is HPI clear with no outstanding finance.
V5 present: Yes, the V5 and owners manual are here.
Keys: 1x Genuine Bimota key.
Does bike run: YES and it sounds really good.
Mileage: Just 1562 miles (backed up by MOT history) although I cannot guarantee it. Close inspection of the hidden areas of the bike suggest that it may be true as its very clean.
MOT: All of our bikes are untested and sold as projects. Despite this Im happy to get it through a MOT for the FULL asking price.

More from the seller:
Bad points/Damage: This bike has a few light marks around it from usage. The right hand mirror, right edge of the petrol tank and the right hand frame spar all have some scratching on (see pics). This was all done before I bought the bike so I cant explain it. Please study the pics as this description is just a guide!

More from the seller:
Good points/Extras: This is a Genuine UK bike from new and has just 2 former keepers. Ive ridden it and it goes well. Being the R model it has loads of carbon fibre (including the entire subframe) and has the uprated motor over the standard SB6. It is very low mileage (although I cannot guarantee it) and these rare bikes are currently appreciating in value. I am in no rush to sell this bike as its a lovely thing to own and it wont go down in value.

For those not well versed in their Bimota nomenclature, the “S” in the SB6R stands for Suzuki. In this case, the power is supplied by Suzuki’s mighty 156 HP GSX-R1100 drivetrain. This is the 6th generation of Suzuki-powered Bimotas (the B6 in the title), offering Bimota’s sublime aluminum twin-beam frame and that beautiful embossed aluminum swing arm. The huge front forks are Paioli, rear shock is Ohlins, and the beefy big brakes are, as expected, top-shelf from Brembo. The rest is pretty much carbon fiber.

Located in the west midlands area of the UK (think more Birmingham than London), today’s SB6R is being offered as a 2 owner bike with only 1,562 miles on the LCD counter. This bike has seen some use, and exhibits some minor bumps and bruises. The current ask is £11,000 – which equates to about $13,300 in US greenbacks. You can check out all of the details here. Good Luck!!

2 Responses.

1994 Bimota DB2SR in Australia

Published February 2, 2023 by Dan

I can’t say I’ve ever seen these colors before on a DB2! I’m really digging this purple variation of the tricolor, urban camouflage looking application. But when I did a little research to find out what separates an SR from a standard version, sure enough, there’s the purple.

1994 Bimota DB2SR for sale on eBay AU

With just 4,300 miles showing, this looks like an honest example and deserving of a full detail. These are powered by Ducati’s 900SS V-twin but feature their own bespoke frame, tubular swingarm and significantly upmarket Paoli forks and Ohlins monoshock. The SR designation adds fuel injection over the standard Mikuni carbs. With 85hp and just 375lbs dry, this was a great fit between Ducati’s Supersport and Superbike.

From the seller’s listing:

1994 Bimota DB2SR showing 11907 km and in stunning original condition, the paint is near faultless and colours are as vibrant as the day it left the factory.
Bimota launched the DB2 in 1993 powered by the air/ oil cooled Ducati 900 Super Sport engine. The SR came in two years later but now fitted with fuel injection in an effort to boost power and mid range torque and only 157 or so are said to be built, this one has been very well looked after and has just gone through a full service including timing belts.
This would be the most sought after model after the DB1

At today’s conversion rate, the asking price on this is roughly $17,600 USD. With shipping and importation it will cost a bit more and require some effort and patience to get the job done. To the right collector though this color and the SR specfication may be worth it.

2 Responses.

Motorv8R – 2005 Bimota SB8R

Published January 25, 2023 by Donn

Buying a very limited edition might entail undue risk, or be a leap of faith. The fabulous condition of today’s Bimota seems to have a calming influence on everything but the eyes.

2005 Bimota SB8R for sale on eBay UK

Bimota went with their winning formula – a great powertrain supplied by an engineering powerhouse with an in-house chassis and bespoke components. Suzuki’s brilliant four valve V-twin lays down 135 hp and gobs of torque, but Bimota’s aluminum spars and carbon sideplates allow it to shine. Add ( or subtract ) the weight savings from the carbon seat subframe and the SB8R tips the scales some 46 pounds lighter than the Suzuki. 46mm Paoli forks, Brembo’s current 320mm brakes, and wide Antera alloy rims testify in defense of the $23.5K MSRP. The massive looking fresh air intakes and long underseat exhaust fib a bit, and the SB8R reviewed as an agile superbike with WSBK on its agenda.

Just one question mark, as the auction states the SB8R is a 2005 – which seems to be a year for the later SB8K, but this example certainly has the early tail section. Bears checking, but doesn’t take away from the outstanding condition in every photo. Mum’s the word in the walkaround – video – but there are a few notes in the eBay auction –

A perfect original example of this iconic super sport limited edition SB8R.
Only done 3,798 miles from new.
Only 250 SB8R ever made.
Superb looking machine with beautiful looking frame, swingarm, plenty of carbon, stainless exhaust system, Antera wheels, Paioli forks, Brembo brakes with Suzuki V-twin TL1000 engine used.
Very very clean all round including paintwork, wheels, frame, exhaust system and swingarm.
A real gem for any collection.

On the comeback trail from their V-Due debacle, the SB8R gave the company a little breathing room. The evolved SB8K won a World Superbike race in 2000 with Anthony Gobert aboard, unfortunately Bimota wasn’t really in a position to capitalize on that success. Recent support from Kawasaki should reassure prospective Bimota buyers, even if theirs is a classic example such as this.

-donn

One Response.

Term of Art – 1999 Bimota DB4R/3 Redbro Limited Edition

Published December 24, 2022 by Donn

From a high perch in the rarity department, today’s Bimota DB4R was tuned by Redbro Racing, and has recently been liberated from a Japanese museum. Had to go all the way to Queensland Australia to find this one, but it appears worth all the pointing and clicking.

1999 Bimota DB4R/3 Redbro Limited Edition for sale on eBay Australia

Bimota had recently re-awakened their relationship with Ducati, and used the now venerable – but then quite sporty air-cooled 904 desmodue. Most DB4’s are carburetted, but the Redbro /3 used the factory fuel injection, delivering a better-running 80 hp. The alloy chassis was shared with the Mantra roadster, and the welds are to die for. Though equipped with a 5.3 gallon tank and pillion seat, designers kept dry weight to 364 lbs.

Specs for the /3 include a titanium exhaust, EFI, and upper-only fairing. Just 2 km’s on the clocks and the condition reflects that, with just a hint of aging on bare aluminum components – 23 year years old, after all. Mirrors have apparently never been mounted, and are in the spares picture. The seller seems somewhat low on feedback, but has a nice selection of collectible bikes on offer. Comments from the eBay auction –

Bimota DB4R 3 1999

New old stock

The R stands for “refine, reborn and racing”

Has been sitting in museum in Japan. only 2 kms on the odometer (push). 29 of 35 built. very rare motorbike. will definitely be on for the collection. 900cc Ducati motor. made for the Redbro racing team. as per pictures, a beautiful bike in the tri colours. fuel injected.

Instead of being one of a few hundred DB4R’s, this is number 29/35 of the Redbro series 3. The valise of AUD will need to include shipping and leave some for import, so a fairly serious endeavor. But as special as the DB4R is in its own right, the Redbro with the Ti exhaust and fairing which shows off the desmodue, is even better.

-donn

World Cup Keepsake: 2006 Bimota DB6

Published December 22, 2022 by William

Seems to be raining Bimota here at RSBFS these days! This particular bike has some history here. It was posted about in 202 and as far back as 2014. It is no secret that we, as well as many in the exotic motorcycle community are huge fans of all things Bimota. Some regular readers and a couple of posters are fortunate enough to even own some. Much as been written about how wonderful the mix of light weight components, top tier suspension is in a street bike so no need to repeat any of that.

The DB6 is unique even in the world of Bimota. While there is no way overlook the beautiful fit and finish and epic use of materials. What really stands out is how useable a package this represents. Some claim that if a person was to only have one motorcycle, it should be a Ducati Monster due to the relaxed ergonomics, great sound and solid performance. It is an entirely reasonable choice. But if someone was really looking to kick things up a notch, the answer would be a Bimota DB6. To think of it as a Ducati Monster on steroids would be slightly missing the point. Better to think of it as taking the best of the Ducati, and making every other detail just a little bit better.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio Azzurro….#4 of 23 in the world. Very Limited edition with awesome torquey 1000DS engine.

THIS IS ON DISPLAY AT MOTO JAVA IN SF….YOU CAN STOP BY OR CALL THEM TO INSPECT IT!!!!

Extras:

Zard slip-on carbon fiber mufflers

Rizoma mirrors

Rizoma brake and clutch reservoir mounts

Brembo RCS radial brake & clutch cylinders

New battery and trickle charger

Excellent condition. It has 13,371 km, equal to 8,222 miles. LOCAL PICKUP AND CASH in person Preferred- DO NOT use ebay checkout for this item. . The DB is located in the SF Bay area….I can transport it to Los Angeles inexpensively.

The example today has a Buy It Now price of $13,999. Sure there are some used 1000/1100cc air cooled Monsters on the market for about half that sum, but the premium is well worth it if you value the rarity, materials and amazing history of Bimota. If you were to only have one motorcycle, what else would you spend $14k on that offered this level of exotic in an easy to live with and service package?

2 Responses.

For Someone That Has Everything: 2008 Bimota DB7S Moto Corse

Published December 14, 2022 by William

When Ducati launched the 1098 it took what a V-Twin superbike could be to a new level. Much more powerful than the 999 that came before. Faster and lighter pushed the performance dial beyond what many thought was possible. The Bimota DB7 takes a money no object approach to further increase the performance envelope. Powered by a slightly tuned Ducati 1098 engine the $40,000+ Bimota used the best of the best of suspension and materials. When looking at the spec sheets the Bimota is 6 pounds less than the Ducati, but most publications shows that Ducati was rather optimistic on their curb weights at the time.

This bike appears to have some rather interesting Moto Corse additions that are not fully described in the listing. More billet than even the OEM Bimota would have had, upgraded exhaust, race spec masters and a slipper clutch poking out from behind the OEM vented cover. Hard to tell in the pictures provided, but there is a chance those front calipers are upgraded performance units as well. Moto Corse has a long tradition of tuning and and enhancing Ducati and even Bimota. These parts are not for the faint of wallet when new.

From The Seller’s Listing:

Vehicle information
[Manufacturer] BIMOTA
[Car name] DB7S
[First year] 2008
[Vehicle inspection]
Expired [Vehicle number] ZESDB07
[Mileage] 25,060km
[Custom] Refer to image
・Moto Corse intermediate pipe
・Back torque limiter
・Moto Corse fluid Reservoir, Brembo master
many dry carbons
cylinder head O/H at 21000km
suspension FR both O/H
normal muffler

The example today is located in Japan, and while that might be an issue for some buyers it is worth exploring. These bikes do not come to market very often, even less so with all those amazing Moto Corse parts. Listing states that 346 were built, and that number sounds reasonable. Book keeping was never a priority for Bimota, so real production data is often hard to come by. One of the most strikingly rare things about this bike is the mileage. It is not super low. All too often these bikes were put on display or made part of a large collection and not given the chance to be used. 25,000KM is something to be proud of. If all of those miles were done in Japan this bike must have some epic stories to tell. If the location is a deal breaker because of your market, but you still want want to lust after a DB7 there is a way to indulge. Hang a used fairing on your garage wall as an asperation.