Bimota has pulled a fast one on us all with their unveiling of the new Bimota DB8 sportbike. Instead of releasing what was expected to be a naked version of the DB7, the Italian brand has instead taken the DB8 in a new direction.
With a biposto (two-seat) configuration, and cheaper price tag, Bimota hopes the DB8 will serve as the brand’s entry level motorcycle instead of the Ducati Streetfighter killer we thought it would be. Pictures, technical specs, and more after the jump.
Helping Bimota achieve the more affordable price point is a compromise in materials. Instead of its usual carbon fiber bodywork, the DB8 has plastics pieces. Instead of a titanium exhaust, one made out of steel has been used in its place. And where the carbon sub-frame once was, an all aluminum one resides.
The DB8 also uses lower-spec suspensions pieces, which with the rest of these changes help differentiate the two-seater from the DB7, which retains the older 1098cc Ducati motor and single-seat configuration.
For those who were hoping to see a naked DB7 today, don’t fret too much. Bimota says they still plan on making that motorcycle, it just won’t be called the DB8. For now, Ducati Streetfighter owners can breathe a sigh of relief in that regard.
No word yet on pricing in the United States but the DB8 will retail for £20,300/€23,000 across the pond. If our math is correct that should place the DB8 stateside for about $35,500.
That’s still a fairly large price tag for many buyers, which makes us wonder how effective this “cheaper” Bimota will be at bringing in new customers. To us, if you can afford a $40,000 motorcycles, then you probably can afford a $35,500 motorcycles. Bimota hopes to sell 250 DB8’s this year, which is a lofty goal for this company.
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
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I’d be surprised if anyone is willing to “compromise materials,” and suspension at a$35k price point. Seems like a misalignment of philosophies.
From mouths of a certain economic strata “recession” just doesn’t have the same impact.
Bimota DB8 – “Entry Level” Biposto Sportbike http://bit.ly/5ThlCy
Except being able to say you have a Bimota, its difficult to determine why you would buy this rather than a Duc.
Bimota DB8 – “Entry Level” Biposto Sportbike http://bit.ly/4ST3VF
I agree, seems like if you have 35K for a sportbike, you can wait a week and probably have 40K.
Looks nice, but I have a feeling if I was looking for a streetable racer – an Aprilia would be on my list before a Bimota – if only for the custom engine rather than a repackaged Ducati.