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Don't
miss our latest update on the DB5 (02-18-2005)
Exclusive Italian motorcycle manufacturer Bimota is back with
a bang - ok, we all know that already. With the presentation
of the prototype DB5 1000 at Intermot in Munich in September,
the brand from Rimini did one better than just awaking from a
four year coma. First place in the Superbike class of the 2004
Design Awards and leader in public opinion regarding Most Beautiful
Bike at the show are living prove of Bimotas charisma. While
everybody is (understandably) crazy about the DB5 prototype,
we take a look at what Bimota has to offer right now. Certainly
nothing less interesting,
Bimota currently has an up and running production for the 2005
lineup of three models, two of which are based upon the SB8K
chassis and are powered by a Suzuki TL 1000 engine. Those two
models are the Gobert Replica and Santa Monica, pure breed sport
bikes, extremely light, agile, and with a full faring.
The third bike in the bunch is the futuristic TESI 2D which does
not fall into any existing category easily at hand. Naked bike
or Streetfighter simply do not cut it in respect of the unique
front end design and functionality of the Ducati powered "Thesis".
With only 340 pounds of high tech materials and careful year
long research, the TESI 2D is not just the result of a runaway
engineer's pipe dream but an actual production motorcycle.
As far as the DB5 goes, development is still in progress and
the final touches expected to be put on some time next year.
Until the bike is ready for production, there will probably neither
be a model year for the DB5, nor any comments on the availability.
Talking about availability: The Bimotas are not available here
the USA yet, but they will be according to word from Rimini.
For Bimota being an exclusive Italian manufacturer with a history
(versus just another brand name painted on the gasoline container
of something), they want to do it right. By the time these bikes
are officially launched on this side of the Atlantic, they want
to also have service and supplies in place.
Existing Bimota owners here in the States can apparently also
look forward to this point, because the brand from Rimini intends
to look into the future with an eye in the past. This does not
only refer to the tradition in motorcycle racing but also to
the existence of Bimotas built and sold prior to the collapse
of the company four years ago.
The careful infrastructural development at Bimota suggests that
they plan to be around for a long time and regain all of the
great reputation and trust they once had. And it is looking good
for them. After all, as it seems Bimota has one of the best economic
backgrounds of all Italian manufacturers currently, even if they
are the smallest on the international market. While many other
brands announced mergers, take overs, or potent new investors,
most if not all of those deals are not finalized yet, still in
the courts, or little is known about future plans.
To find out more about Bimota's current production models. just
click on the bikes to the right. Please be aware that the tech
specs are for the European version at this point. To stay up
to date on Bimota's development, check back soon with RubberMag.com.
Text:Carsten Berg
Photos
courtesy Bimota, Spa.
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(Click
on the bikes for details)
Bimota SB8K Gobert |
