Bimota Classic Motorcycles
The Bimota marque was born
more by accident than design, though for
superbike enthusiasts the accident was s
surprisingly happy event. Massimo Tamburini
owned a heating business in the town of
Rimini, on the Adriatic coats, an area of
Italy which had long been a centre for both
racing and motorcycle manufacture. As a
hobby, Tamburini modified several local
riders' machines to make them not only faster
but also lighter and sharper to handle better.
His efforts were rewarded with success,
and before long his work on one particular
bike, the MV Agusta 600 four, had gained
the admiration of the entire Italian biking
fraternity. More
Bimota motorcycle history...
| Bike |
Image |
Description |
| Bimota SB1 Racing Motorcycle |
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According to Giorgio Sarti the SB1
came about as a direct request from
Suzuki Italy for a machine which could
be marketed through the Suzuki sales
network. Produced between 1976 and 1980
the model utilised the twin cylinder
TR500 liquid cooled engine with a dry
clutch and six speed gearbox housed
in an open cradle frame with Ceriani
35mm forks and monoshock rear suspension
system. Brembo brakes and Speedline
wheels manufactured to Bimota's design
were employed on the machine which weighed
121kg dry.
Following its introduction in 1976
the machine dominated the Italian junior
national championships taking the title
in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980.
Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.
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| 1979 Bimota SB2 |
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860cc, 92 Bhp. |
Bimota DB1 |
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Bimota begun life specialising in air
conditioning and heating systems and were
better than Ducati in their day. Massimo
Tamburini designed the DB1 before moving
to Ducati, where he created the 916.
Engine - 748cc, V-twin
Power - 74bhp
Top Speed - 127mph
Launched - 1985-1987 |
Bimota Tuatara |
 |
Engine - 989cc, liquid cooled, DOHC,
in line four
Bore x Stroke - 75 x 56mm
Top Speed - 175mph (280kph)
Dry Weight - 168kg (370 lb)
Standing Quarter Mile Time - 10.7sec
Launched - 1990
Maximum Power - 152bhp @ 9500rpm
Wheelbase - 1420mm (56in)
Gearbox - 5 speed
Final Drive - roller chain |
Bimota YB4 |
 |
Engine - 749cc, liquid cooled, DOHC,
in line four
Bore x Stroke - 68 x 51.6mm
Top Speed - 160mph (256kph)
Dry Weight - 180kg (397 lb)
Standing Quarter Mile Time - 11.7sec
Launched - 1988
Maximum Power - 121bhp @ 10,500rpm
Wheelbase - 1420mm (55.9in)
Gearbox - 6 speed
Final Drive - roller chain |
1991 Bimota Tesi 1D
|
 |
The Tesi was in development for seven
years, during which time five prototypes
were built. The model departed from
conventional motorcycle design in respect
of the suspension/steering arrangement
which in turn resulted in an unusual
frame design. Two u shaped aluminium
fame members sandwiched the engine and
provided mounting points for the front
and rear swinging arms. The steering
was effected by a hub centre system.
The two elements negated the inherent
problem with telescopic forks; that
of the geometry changing as the forks
compress.
The first series of production machines,
announced during 1990 utilised a Ducati
851 engine, however, after 127 of the
first series were built a revised version
became available using the newly introduced
904cc Ducati twin. Only 20 examples
of the Tesi 1D 904 were produced before
it was in turn superseded by the Tesi
1D SR in 1992. It should be noted the
1D 904 was originally typed the SR but
this is not often used in order to prevent
confusion between it and the 1D SR!
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1992 Bimota Tesi TD1
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This example was prepared at the
Bimota factroy and fielded by them in
the 1992 Italian SBK Championship with
Italian rider Marco Risitano in the
saddle. A Ducati 888R vee twin power
plant comforming to the Championships
regulations was employed. More Bimota
Tesi info....
Image provided by www.classic-auctions.com.
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