MCN has got the exclusive story on the new Bimota DB8 and so we managed to find that despite rumors regarding the great possibility for the Italian firm to launch a Ducati Streetfighter/Aprilia Tuono competitor, meaning a dual-seat, 1200cc entry-level naked, the new bike will actually be a veritable superbike that offers the possibility to take your wife or girlfriend along for the ride, as Bimota spokesman Anna Carla Cuneo says: “Bimota customers are used to being surprised with new and innovative motorcycles offering unique design, good power and light weight – and many of them also have a wife or girlfriend that would like to come along. We are sure this design will be a big success.”
Bimota hopes to sell 250 such motorcycles for $33,057 (€23,000) while still producing their DB7 model, which starts at $37,369 (€26,000). It may sound like much for the average superbike buyer, but it is what Bimota considers ‘entry level’, so I guess we weren’t too far off after all.
Built around the same consecrate oval section CroMo hybrid chassis now linked to a aluminum subframe and featuring also Marocchi and Extreme Tech suspension front and rear, it is easy to see how building costs have been reduced, but we should also mention that the DB7’s carbon fiber fairing has been replaced with a cheaper, plastic one.
At least we’re satisfied by the fact that engineers made no concession in the engine department. As a result, the 1198 testastretta evoluzione, 4v twin cylinder 90° develops no less than 170 HP at 9.750 rpm and 131.4 Nm at 8.000 rpm. That’s even more impressive in relation to the 392.4 lbs (178 kg) weight of the bike. This means even more engine performance that the Bimota DB7 for less money. I believe we’re starting to understand the whole affordability thing. Read the full specs after the jump.
2010 Bimota DB8
- Make: Array
- Model: 2010 Bimota DB8
- Engine/Motor: Ducati 1198 testastretta evoluzione, 4v twin cylinder 90°
- Horsepower: 170 HP @ 9.750 rpm
- Torque: 131.4 Nm @ 8.000 rpm
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine and Transmission
Ducati 1198 testastretta evoluzione, 4v twin cylinder 90°
Displacement: 1198,4 cc
Cooling System: liquid cooling
Compression Ratio: 12,7±0,5:1
Maximum Power: 170 CV (125 kW) @ 9750 giri/min
Maximum Torque: 13,4 kgm - 131,4 Nm @ 8000 giri/min
Exhaust System: 2 in 1 in 1, stainless steel
Chassis and Dimensions
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: 16 litres (4 litres reserve)
Total Weight: 178kg
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