Bimota unveils DB8 Biposto sportbike, skirts mainstream

Bimota – an exclusive Italian motorcycle manufacturer that got its name by cribbing two letters from each of its three founding father's last names, the legendary Bianchi, Morri and Tamburini – has made a name for itself by producing high-end chassis components and bodywork using tried-and-true powerplants from the world's finest two-wheeled firms. Now, with its latest bike, the DB8 Biposto (meaning it has two seats), the company edges a bit closer to the mainstream motorcycle market.

Where Bimota's pricier models, such as the drool-worthy DB7, use carbon fiber (bodywork and subframe) or titanium (exhaust system), the new DB8 makes use of simple plastic and chromoly steel. Somewhat lower-spec suspension pieces – though still certainly of high quality and fully adjustable – will be used front and rear to help keep the price out of the stratosphere. The powerplant will be Ducati's top-rung 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, offering up 170 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing will reportedly come in at €23,000 (£20,300 or about $33,000 in U.S. currency at today's exchange rates), so this latest Bimota still won't come cheap – more like a wee bit cheaper.

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