Bimota Tesi Is the Best Motorcycle You Never Heard Of
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
In 1991, the Bimota Tesi 1D 904 was just about the finest production machine money could buy. Today, it would be a proud addition to any bike collection. But with just 20 made worldwide, the odds of finding a beautiful, barely used, and exquisitely cared for example are almost nil. However, there was one recently offered on eBay.
What Is Bimota?
Established in 1973 - opens in new window or tab.in Rimini, Italy, Bimota set out to achieve motorcycle perfection. Its founders—Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini.—incorporated an existing, successful engine into their frame, body, and suspension designs.
Suzuki - opens in new window or tab., Yamaha - opens in new window or tab., and Kawasaki - opens in new window or tab. all found one of its motors lovingly installed into a Bimota frame. Being Italian, it is most fitting that one of Bimota’s most outstanding achievements, the Tesi, featured a Ducati 904-cc twin-cylinder motor known as an L-twin. It made around 113 horsepower and had four valves per cylinder that opened and closed mechanically.
The Bimota Tesi was powerful for the time but not earth-shattering. However, the motor was light, which is what made the Tesi so special.
Daring Design
Chief designer Massimo Tamburini had a simple goal: a 750-cc bike with 1,000-cc power and 500-cc weight. Although he had moved on from Bimota by the time the Tesi was in production, his influence and collaboration continued.
With a light engine and frame ensuring strong performance, plastic wouldn’t do for the Tesi’s panels. So they were all made from carbon fiber.
The Bimota Tesi's frame, which looks like cast alloy, is actually made from two machined pieces. The same goes for the rear swinging arm. Talk about going the extra mile to save just a couple of pounds—pure exotica.
No Front Forks
Having selected a lithe Ducati V-twin motor - opens in new window or tab. and crafting panels from the lightest material available, Bimota saved its most visually arresting feature for the front end: that wild hub-centric steering.
A hub-centric steering mechanism is mounted into a bowed swing arm. This layout redirects braking forces from the vertical plane to the horizontal, dramatically reducing the bike’s tendency to dive under braking.
Add a pair of forged Marchesini wheels - opens in new window or tab. with oversized 320-mm Brembo brake rotors - opens in new window or tab. and a Marzocchi damper - opens in new window or tab., and there is even some sexy bling to compliment the Bimota Tesi's exotic engineering.
Low Miles, Collector Owned, and Not Cheap
A machine built for a superior experience and featuring such exotic materials is expensive. In its day, it carried a price tag at least double the cost of a conventional Japanese. In today’s market, the difference is more like a factor of eight. But then again, with just 20 being made, perhaps there is still more value to be found in this Tesi.
This Bimota Tesi was pre-ordered by an Italian collector, and it has been on display and used very little. Showing just over 800 miles, it is safe to assume this machine is as good as it looks.
With this kind of bike, it isn’t clear whether it should be used sparingly or placed atop a red velvet cushion inside a glass case overlooking a vineyard on a hill. Either way, this Bimota Tesi is so special that it hardly matters.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.