[Test Ride Reviews] Long-awaited water-cooled Bimota, DB7

20161104.DB7_.jpg Motorcycle Reviews

Speaking of Bimota, its elaborate quality, which could be said too good, comes to mind. This company uses leading-edge material and processes and does not compromise on anything.

It is the 80s when the name of Bimota grew popular. When Japanese manufacturers still used steel pipe cradle frames, the Italy-based company already handled bird cage shaped trellis frames made of chromium molybdenum steel, whose weld bead was beautiful. Its equipment such as FRP cowls and aluminum hand-beaten tanks stayed ahead of Japanese manufacturers.

However, since the replica boom began, it seemed that the gap of equipment between Bimota and Japanese Supersport narrowed. There were also the time the company seemed to lose its way to go and the time its business went poor and stopped the activity.

Then, Bimota started its business again in 2003. In addition to its unchanged belief, the DB series recovered its uniqueness that does not resemble any other rivals and got back brilliance.

The first product of the newborn Bimota was DB5 mille. The exclusive style was completed by mounting a 1000cc Ducati air-cooled L-twin on a hybrid frame that combines a machined aluminum pivot section with an existing chrome molybdenum trellis frame.

Along with the style, DB5's true value is the handling. The ultra light body, whose dry weight is as light as 165kg, moves like a razor as if one straight line were moving very quickly to the right or to the left. This was also Bimota's world view that looks like no other. (Photo by: Hideaki Togashi, Written by: Hiroshi Nakamura, Cooperated with: Kushitani Riding Meeting)

1-1The engine for Ducati 1098 is water-cooled 4-valve unit that comes first to the DB series. The updated intake/exhaust and the renewed ECU have improved its power.1-2Bimota's original frame structure that combines chrome molybdenum pipes of an oval cross-section with machined Duralumin plates. This is the core of Bimota to build products elaborately and economically using high quality components without cost restriction.1-3The uniquely arranged vertical dual headlight with the light cover extended to the windshield. The cowl is made of ultra-light and very strong dry carbon.1-4DB7 S sold only in Japan is equipped with the OHLINS fork ordered by MOTO CORSE. The front and rear 17 inch wheel with ten Y-shaped spokes is forged from aluminum.1-5Displays a lap time up to 20 laps and the maximum speed as well as clock, temperature, distance and maintenance interval. All including the meter brackets are made of dry carbon.1-6Equipped with the dry carbon end caps on the titanium silencer body of triangular cross-section. Changed the position of the exhaust from the center to the right.

The brand-new model is DB7, which has installed the Ducati water-cooled engine for the first time since TESI 1D851. Its power unit is the water-cooled 4-valve L-twin of existing Ducati Superbike 1098, the long-awaited water-cooled model that comes first in the DB series.

When you are on the machine or when you start the engine, the response definitely fits more comfortably into you than air-cooled DB5. Yet, because DB7 is lighter and more compact than Japanese-made 600cc vehicles, it is like that an ultra-light motorcycle became a light one. This is a big difference from the DB5 group.

To say nothing of the explosiveness of the engine, as for the original ECU and exhaust, the torque around between 4000 and 7000 revs is bigger than the 1098 and the engine revolves powerfully and instantly at a high rotation region.

The test ride machine, although its under parts are not yet set for the Japanese market because DB7 has just come to Japan, the lightness doesn't lead to a feeling of anxiety. It is easy to control to adjust loading or to change lanes. This Bimota lacks the sharp movements like a razor for the air-cooled model but instead it doesn't frighten me even at the extremely high speed because the front and rear tires firmly grasp the road.

The planned price of DB7S for the release in September is 4, 780, 000 Yen including OHLINS forks. I can't say the price is easily affordable, but it seems in the same price range as high class minivan TOYOTA ALPHARD or Nissan ELGRAND.

This Bimota is very few motorcycles in the world that makes you crazy about its handling. It is worth devoting your life to. (Photo by: Hideaki Togashi, Written by: Hiroshi Nakamura, Cooperated with: Kushitani Riding Meeting)

2-1The dry and multiplate hydraulic clutch contains a slipper clutch, which releases efficiently back-torque even by offhand lever release on downshift.2-2The seat with a hip stopper is dedicated to one up riding. A seat rail is not included. Only this dry carbon seat cowl supports a rider.2-3The swingarm combining oval cross-section pipes with machined Duralumin plates is mounted on the crank case. This is the same structure as Ducati GP machines.2-4Bimota's machined top bridge and lever, brembo's radial master cylinders -- passion for uncompromised beauty.2-5Aluminum fuel tank of 18L. The straight line-themed form is the key design. It would be ideal if the rear of the tank projected backward for a circuit ride.

Original Source [Autoby] (*Japanese)

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