For Sale: 1997 Bimota Vdue with original fuel injection
It is not very often you see a Bimota Vdue up for sale. This, RSBFS readers, is the stuff of dreams. Conjured up by the folks at Bimota to be as close to a GP-spec racebike as possible, the Vdue was the first Bimota project to utilize an in-house designed and manufactured engine. Whereas every other Bimota has been a partnership, the Vdue was to be Bimota’s crowning achievement – one that would catapult them into the world of complete manufacturer.
Alas, it all went sadly wrong somehow. Although cutting edge by design, the 500cc two-stroke twin was perhaps a bit too ahead of its time. Featuring novel fuel injection in order to meet stringent emissions around the world, the Vdue was plauged by engine failures and reliability issues, eventually culminating in a complete recall.
The failure of the Vdue brought Bimota to the brink of disaster, only to be saved by government intervention. The remaining bikes were eventually sold, many into the hands of collectors. A small industry of Vdue customization shops stepped up, providing various modifications to make the bike more rideable and reliable. Some changes were simple (updating F.I. specs), while others were more severe, such as replacing the fuel injection with carbs. Many Vdues found a new life at the racetrack, as some of the major modifications made registering the bikes difficult.
From the seller:
BIMOTA 500 V-DueStunning original condition V-due. Fuel injection as standard but has modified injector position developed and fitted by THE V-due guru. This makes the bike more usable and reliable.
New tyres, new fuel pump, only known defect is some cracking to front of lower belly pan just behind front wheel. Fantastic condition in every other respect.
Selling due to lack of space. My Dad wants his garage back!
So here we have a nearly original Vdue – complete with the necessary changes to allow for better running – for sale on eBay UK. And what price for said glory? The auction currently sits with zero bids and an opening of £8,000.00 (approx $12,950 US). This is far below similar bikes featured here on RSBFS, which sold for between $15k and $19k.
If you are worried about modifications or want more info, there are plenty of sites to help you out. Both www.vdue.it and www.vdueUSA.com are great places to start.
For your shot at this rare beauty, go ahead and . The seller has listed info and photos that are worth checking out. Tell ’em RSBFS sent you!
MI
Would love to have one of these in my garage, but I’d be too afraid to ride it!