2010 Bimota DB8 Biposto Superbike Offers More 'Affordable' Motoring

Bimota has been building custom and production motorcycles since 1973 out of their headquarters in Rimini, Italy. Founded by Bianchi, Morri and Tamburini (taking the first two letters from each name), the company got its start modifying Suzuki, Honda and Kawasaki bikes, later moving on to Yamama and Ducati before churning out their own models.

Over the last several years Bimota has reinvigorated the brand by producing stellar chassis, bodywork and specialized components while leveraging powerplants from some of the best motorcycle companies in the business. Models like the DB7, DB6 and DB5 have garnered tremendous excitement on the superbike scene.

Bimota has always been a limited production shop, with the cost of their recent models running particularly high. Now, the company is taking a step closer to the mass market, with the introduction of their latest offering, the Bimota DB8 Biposto (which means two seats). In order to offer the DB8 at a lower price point, Bimota had to make some compromises on materials.

This was done by eschewing the carbon fiber body and sub-frame typically found in its high-end models and forgoing the usual titanium exhaust system, using plain ole steel instead. In addition, some of the other components also had to make sacrifices, including the suspension system which is lower-spec, but still high quality and fully-adjustable.

But no need to fret, the Bimota DB8 still is a wicket sportbike. The powerplant is none other than Ducati's stellar 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, serving up 170 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque. In order to handle that much power, a top notch Brembo brake system is employed and Dunlop Sportmax GP Racer tires used to keep the bike firmly planted on the road.

Currently there is no US pricing available but in the UK the Bimota DB8 will fetch £20,300/€23,000 (which is about $32,550 USD). Bimota plans to sell 280 examples of the new DB8 model and hopes that the lower cost will hope it reach that goal.

BIMOTA DB8 ENGINE SPECS
Source: Ducati 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione, 4V 90°Twin-Cylinder
Displacement: 1198.4 cc
Cooling System: Liquid Cooled
Compression Ratio: 12.7±0.5:1
Maximum Power: 170 HP @ 9750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 96.9lbs•ft @ 8000 rpm
Exhaust System: 2-1-1, stainless steel

BIMOTA DB8 CHASSIS SPECS
Frame: Welded 39NiCrMo4 Tubing and Machined 6082 Aluminium Alloy Plates
Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Front Suspension: Marzocchi USD forks DLC fully adjustable
Rear Suspension: Extreme Tech Monoshock fully adjustable
Fuel Tank: 4.23 gallons (1.05 gallon reserve)
Total Weight: 178kg (392lbs)
Steering Angle: 25°
Seat Height: 800 mm
Overall Length: 2100 mm
Overall Width: 700 mm
Overall Height: 1115 mm
Ground clearance: 135 mm
Front Brake: Double 320mm Brembo floating disc, 4-pistons radial Brembo callipers, radial pumps
Rear brake: 220mm floating disc, 2-piston Brembo calliper
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR 17 Dunlop Sportmax GP Racer
Rear Tire: 190/55 ZR 17 Dunlop Sportmax GP Racer

Source: Asphalt & Rubber