Bimota DB7 (2008-current)

Taking just one year to build from a clean sheet of paper, Bimota’s new DB7 has been an instant sales success. That’s a relief for the small firm in Rimini, Italy, who were pinning their hopes on the DB7 being their lifeline for the future. It’s a marriage made in heaven with Bimota making the beautifully-crafted rolling chassis and Ducati providing the power with their 1098 motor. The world needs unashamedly exotic motorcycles like this.

Engine

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Until the Ducati 1098R and 1198 came along, this was the world’s most powerful twin-cylinder production road engine, but it’s still a beauty. The V-twin Ducati 1098 Testsastretta motor powering the DB7 actually displaces 1099cc and produces a claimed 160bhp and 90ftlb of torque. It’s a standard Ducati engine, lock stock and two-smoking barrels but is fitted with Bimota’s own fuel-injection system and 52mm stainless steel downpipes and a titanium end can. Weighing 1kg more than the 1098S and 1kg less than the 1098, the Bimota DB7’s performance is on par with the Ducati it’s based on, which means it’s very, very fast. There’s usable grunt as soon as the rev needle leaves its stop and masses of wheelie-provoking acceleration at the flick of a wrist. The fuelling is as good as the Ducati’s so is a massive improvement on past Bimota models.

Ride and Handling

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The Bimota DB7 is a phenomenal handling machine and is that bit more agile and faster steering than the Ducati 1098. But it’s a fickle beast to set-up and is unlikely to be perfect for you straight out of the box, as the suspension needs careful setting-up to suit the rider’s weight and riding style. Once the fully adjustable ExtremeTech 2v4 rear shock and Marzocchi Corse RAC 43mm forks are dialled in you’re good to go. Early Bimota DB7 models came with Continental tyres, which lacked front feel and rear grip but now they come fitted with Pirelli Super Corsa, which are superb. Brembo Monobloc calipers would stop a speeding train on a sixpence but it’s hard to use their full power as it’s almost impossible to hang on under severe braking. The tank is too narrow to lock into with your knees so you have to take the full force of stopping with your arms, which can cause the rider fatigue.

Equipment

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Every square inch of the Bimota DB7 is feast of mouth-watering, hand-made specialness. There’s the oval section steel/billet aluminium chassis (with adjustable ride height), self-supporting carbon fibre seat unit, carbon fibre fairing, mudguard, heel guards and hugger. The exquisitely milled aluminium rearsets, fork bottoms, swingarm ends, yokes, brake and clutch levers and10-spoke forged aluminium wheels all serve to make the Bimota DB7 like no other motorcycle you’ll ever see in a pub car park, unless it’s another Bimota, of course. Compare and buy products for the Bimota DB7 in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability

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This is a motorcycle manufactured to the highest standard, so it goes without saying that quality is exemplary. The finish is to die for and the attention to detail stunning. None of the cycle parts are going to let you down and neither should the tried and tested Ducati 1098 engine. Ducatis are reliable things nowadays and their electrics some of the best in the business, so you shouldn’t have any reliability worries with the Bimota DB7. The only problem is there’s still no UK importer for Bimota, which leaves a question mark over spares and servicing.

Value

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It’s hard to justify over 21-grand for any motorcycle, even one as beautiful and fast as the Bimota DB7, especially with the lack of Bimota dealers to provide back-up. You’re not being ripped off though, as you only have to look at the way it’s put together and the quality of products used to see that it’s worth every penny. In sheer performance terms, it’s no better than an eight grand Suzuki GSX-R750, but if you’ve got the cash, want exclusivity, a soul-stirring engine note and sheer craftsmanship, the Bimota DB7 will be the bike for you.

Model History

2008 – Bimota DB7 launch

Other Versions

None

Specifications

Top speed	175 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Max power	160 bhp
Max torque	90.7 ft-lb
Weight	171 kg
Seat height	800 mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	1099 cc
Engine specification	8-valve, 1099cc V-twin
Frame	Oval steel trellis/billet aluminum
Front suspension adjustment	Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully-adjustable
Front brakes	2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 17 in
Rear tyre size	190/55 17 in