2009 Bimota DB7

Bimota Motorcycles - The land of engines

Italy’s Emilia Romagna region, the home of Bimota, is the technical and cultural heart of Italian motorcycle passion, development and manufacture. The design and engineering of sport motorcycles and automobiles in this province, known as the ‘terra dei motori’ (the land of engines), is simply a way of life. Today it remains fertile ground for the most exciting new design concepts and performance advancements for racing and street-legal motorcycles alike.

Since the 70’s, Bimota has produced distinct sport motorcycles with innovative solutions to motorcycle design, construction and chassis dynamics, most notably that of advanced hybrid-trellis frames, development of hub-center steering and extreme attention to hand-crafted detail.

Ultimate sport bikes

The engines selected by Bimota are acquired directly from the world’s top producers. Over the years, production included power plants from Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki. Most models were initially developed as race only machines. The popular Japanese and European engines, mated to the advanced Bimota chassis and components, have always been considered the ultimate custom sport bikes, and the marque of choice for the most sophisticated riders.

The performance advantages of a Bimota motorcycle have been widely recognised by both street riders and competitive racers alike. Bimota race bikes have carried such great names as Virginio Ferrari, Davide Tardozzi, Johnny Cecotto, Stefan Mertens, Giancarlo Falappa, Randy Mamola and many others to victories on the world stage.

The pride of details

Bimota’s unique position in the history of Italian sport bikes, one of technical innovation, unique design, hand-crafting and uncompromising component quality, has always been the primary directive and soul of Bimota. Since the rebirth of Bimota in 2003, these priorities have taken shape in the new generation models DB5, DB6 Delirio and Tesi 3D, all powered exclusively by Ducati Desmo engines. Together, in the world of sport
motorcycles, these three model families make an outstanding offer in the Super Sport (DB5), Sport Special (Tesi 3D), and Sport Naked (DB6) segments of the market. Every Bimota motorcycle is proudly designed, engineered and manufactured by hand solely in the Bimota factory in Rimini, Italy.

The Bimota Superbike

Now, in the newest and most exciting chapter of the Bimota story, returns to the ultimate sport bike segment, the Superbike class, with the introduction of the 2008 DB7. Powered by the incredible Ducati 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, the DB7 enhances the performance of the motor with Bimota chassis concepts and exceptional lightweight. The new Bimota Superbike introduces a long list of innovations including a beautiful oval tube hybrid-trellis frame, distinct Bimota styling, a structural carbon fiber rear sub-frame and unrivalled component details. Bimota performance and innovation has never been more beautiful.

The Bimota DB7 - Distinctly Bimota

The objective in the development of Bimota’s newest Superbike was to create a motorcycle that is light and powerful with superior road manners, while remaining distinctly Bimota in style and attitude. Furthermore, the new Bimota was to be as capable on the track as it is on the street.

With so many Superbike manufacturers, there are also many advanced and extremely capable motorcycles. So for Bimota, simply being fast and race inspired is not enough, a Bimota must offer something more, much more.

The DB7 looks like no other Superbike, never to be mistaken for another brand. With the team colours of red, white and black applied to the carbon fiber body shaped by the pen and hands of designer Enrico Borghesan, the Bimota family dna is clear to see. This Superbike dares true motorcyclists to get close and indulge in its details. The beauty and drama of the DB7 at a distance is surpassed only by its detail. Each and every assembly, fastener and chassis component is elegantly fashioned and manufactured with care using
advanced materials. From billet machined sub-frames, footrests and control levers to the structural carbon fiber tail section and titanium silencer, no compromise was ever considered nor made. The details are simply spectacular.

Light, powerful and only the best

Whether used for road or track, a sport bike’s lightweight represents a big advantage and the DB7 leads the way. The rear section of the bike is crafted from structural carbon fiber, eliminating the need for a sub-frame. The weight-saving advantage of carbon fiber is also exploited for all fairing sections, fenders, chain guards and instrument supports. Further savings come from the titanium silencer, new ultra-light Bimota wheels plus machined aluminium frame plates, controls and chain adjusters.

The DB7’s road manners are inspiring and confident thanks to the choice of superior materials, suspension, brakes, frame, wheels and controls. Utilizing the best components from development partners such as Brembo, Marzocchi and ExtremeTech, combined with Bimota’s own ultra-light wheels and frame, thrilling and track-proven performance is ensured.

Bimota chose to power the DB7 with the spectacular World Superbike dominating Ducati Testastretta Evoluzione engine. Ducati, a partner of Bimota from the beginning, has developed the Testastretta into the world’s most powerful production twincylinder, while retaining all the advantages of the L-Twin configuration. It’s a perfect match to the Bimota formula and guarantees excitement with every twist of the
throttle.

Handcrafted sport motorcycles are the only thing that Bimota creates, and they are its singular motivation. The DB7 is the manifestation of the pride, dreams and talent of Bimota.

DB7 Power - The 1098 Testastretta engine

The Testastretta Evoluzione engine is the pinnacle of Ducati’s development and perfection of the L-Twin engine. World Superbike dominance for the last 15 years is the result of their continual commitment to twin-cylinder technology and the 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione, the most powerful twin-cylinder production engine in history, is a fitting reward to the continued ingenuity of their engineers.

Highly ‘over-square’, the 1098 sports a massive 104mm bore and a short 64.7mm stroke. To optimise the benefits of the new big twin, the completely redesigned cylinder-heads are combined with advanced MotoGP induction technology to produce an incredible 160hp of pure excitement.

The 1098 cylinder-heads feature a reduced angle between intake and exhaust valves, allowing highly efficient, straight intake ducts to feed newly shaped combustion chambers through large valves (42mm inlet, 34mm exhaust), operated by radical camshafts.

The potential of the new cylinder-heads has been optimised by feeding them with MotoGP developed elliptical throttle bodies. With a 30% increase in air flow over conventional throttle bodies, the new elliptical shape contributes significantly to the power of the DB7.

Impressively, the 1098 is one of the lightest Ducati Superbike engines ever, thanks to the close scrutiny of every component including transmission gears and gear selector drum as well as the oil pump and primary gears.

The DB7 1098 benefits from additional Bimota enhancements including a new fuel injection system has been developed for the DB7 employing Magneti Marelli 12 hole micro fine spray injectors, controlled by an advanced Walbro ECU (engine control unit). The Walbro system is highly flexible in its tuning capacity, a great advantage during development and for racing applications, plus it enjoys the simplicity of diagnostics using a standard windows based PC.

Finally, the 1098 is complemented by a Bimota designed exhaust system. Exhaust header pipes are formed of 52mm stainless steel and route to a catalytic converter mounted under the engine. The exhaust then exits to an efficient right side mounted titanium silencer. Of course, the DB7 responsibly complies with the strict Euro3 emission standards.

DB7 Chassis - Hybrid-trellis frame

The DB7 frame is the most advanced evolution of the Bimota hybrid-trellis design. The composite structure employs mitred and welded thin wall CrMo4 (Chrome Moly) tubing and machined 6082 AC 100 Aluminium Alloy. The classic round tubes of the original trellis design have been replaced for the DB7 with oval section tubes, in a 50mm x 30mm dimension with 1.5mm wall thickness. The trellis section joins the new larger
more robust alloy plates, and these work in harmony with the engine as a ‘stressed member’ of the frame group. The result is a substantial 2.3kg reduction in weight, yet with torsionally increased rigidity. What you feel as a rider is confident and consistent road holding and stability.

Swingarm

The new DB7 swingarm is constructed with the same oval tubing and machined aluminium of the frame. With the swingarm pivoting directly in the engine cases and using an advanced GP style rising rate linkage system, rear wheel travel is highly responsive and accurately follows even the most demanding road surfaces. An important feature of the system is the ability to adjust ride height, independent of spring pre-load and other suspension settings, via an eccentric top shock mount. This is a critical feature when perfecting suspension set-up.

Structural carbon fiber

The tail section of the DB7 is crafted in structural carbon fiber, an advanced material and methodology widely used in the aircraft industry. Its use contributes significantly to the DB7’s lightweight and simplicity of form. This superior technical solution eliminates the need for a separate rear sub-frame, and effectively lowers the center of gravity of the bike.

DB7 Suspension - Front suspension

The DB7’s Marzocchi Corse RAC 43 forks are secured with machined aluminium crowns, the lower crown using triple screws. The cartridge type forks, feature nitrite coated sliders for smooth consistent action, and are fully adjustable. Rebound damping offers 32 clicks of adjustment and compression offers 13, with further adjustment for spring preload that is easily accessible externally at the top of each fork. Additionally, each fork leg features an exclusive Bimota machined aluminium caliper mount. With 120mm of precision controlled wheel travel, road holding is accurate and confident both on the track at maximum speed and spirited sport rides on the road.

Rear suspension

Rear wheel travel is controlled by the outstanding ExtremeTech 2v4 shock. Specifically developed for the DB7, it is constructed of fully machined aluminium and features separate high and low speed damping adjustments, for both compression and rebound, plus spring preload. As a result, the 2v4 can be accurately tuned for any riding style or track condition.

DB7 Control - Monobloc brake calipers

For a motorcycle with the performance of the DB7, superior stopping power is fundamental, so the new Superbike mounts only the best; Brembo Monobloc racing calipers. The M4-34 calipers are machined from a solid block of alloy and the result is a single piece unit that has much higher rigidity and resistance to distortion, for maximum stopping power during extreme braking. Combined with 320mm discs, world
championship level braking performance is in the hands of every DB7 rider.

Super light-weight wheels

Fitting lighter wheels has always been the racer’s way to improve the handling and track ‘feel’ of a race bike. This normally expensive upgrade, is standard fare for the DB7. Designed in-house and manufactured exclusively for Bimota, the new ten spoke wheels are ultra-light and dramatically reduce the critical moment-of-inertia, contributing greatly to the DB7’s braking performance and ease of direction change.

Brake and clutch controls

The DB7 controls follow the quality and performance priority of the entire bike. Bimota has selected the race specification Brembo ‘radial’ pumps for both front brake and clutch actuation. Moreover, the billet machined levers, a Bimota exclusive, offer a wide range of ‘reach’ adjustability, ensuring comfort and control for every rider.

DB7 Body - Premium carbon fiber

Look closely at any World Superbike or MotoGP racebike, and you’ll find an all carbon fiber fairing, fenders and tail section, so of course you’ll find the same on the DB7. The aggressive GP inspired body design is finished in the Bimota team colours of red and white over black carbon fiber, and at a glance, the DB7 seems to be in motion even when at rest. In addition, the Bimota sports carbon fiber instrument mounts, chain
guards, licence plate bracket, and when combined with the structural carbon fiber rear tail section, titanium exhaust silencer and the billet aluminium used throughout, it’s clear why the sleek and aerodynamic DB7 feels so light and confident on the track.

DB7 Electronics - Instrumentation

Ease of use, daytime visibility and accuracy are the fundamental elements of the best instrumentation, and the DB7 delivers just that. A big analogue rev counter, paired to a large LCD screen with multiple digital readouts are essential in design and perfectly placed for quick access to information while underway. The various functions available are retrieved using the two input buttons which are designed for use even with gloved hands.

In addition to the expected displays of time, distance, water temperature and time for service, the DB7 offers further race oriented features. An ‘over-rev’ indicator lamp, also called a ‘shift-light’, is positioned next to the rev-counter and illuminates to warn the rider that maximum rpm has been reached. The instrumentation also offers complete timing and recording of racetrack performance. Actuated by the starter button, up to 20
laps can be recorded and reviewed after your track session. Recorded information includes time elapsed, maximum rpm, and maximum speed achieved for each lap.

Lights

Powerful twin vertical poly-ellipsoid projection headlights show the way, while the bright LED turn signals and taillight let the rest of the world know your intentions.

Technical data

• Engine - Ducati 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione
• Engine Configuration: 90° “L” twin cylinder, four- stroke
• Displacement: 1099 cc
• Engine Cooling: liquid cooling
• Compression Ratio: 12.5 ± 0.5:1
• Valves per cylinder: 4
• Bore x Stroke: 104.0 mm x 64.7 mm
• Engine Redline: 10,700 rpm
• Max power at crankshaft: 118 kW / 160 CV at 9750 rpm
• Max torque at crankshaft: 123 Nm at 8000 rpm
• Valvetrain Type: Desmodromic valve actuation
• Intake Valve Diameter: Ø 42 mm
• Exhaust Valve Diameter: Ø 34 mm
• Fuel Pump: 3.5 bar, electronic
• Throttle Body Diameter: 60 mm
• Exhaust System: 2 in 1 in 1, Titanium silencer
• Exhaust Emissions: EURO 3
• ECU: Walbro
• Injectors: Magneti Marelli, 12 hole
• Lubrication System: Wet Sump
• Transmission Type: Dry clutch multi-disc
• Hydraulic actuation system
• Primary Drive ratio: 32/59
• Final Drive ratio: 15/38
• Transmission ratios: VI: 15/37
• V: 17/30
• IV: 20/28
• III: 22/26
• II: 23/24
• I: 24/23

Chassis

• Wheelbase: 1430 mm
• Steering angle: 25°
• Trail: 100 mm
• Swingarm length: 525±20 mm
• Seat height: 800 mm
• Footpeg height: 400 mm
• Handlebar height: 860 mm
• Overall length: 2050 mm
• Overall width: 700 mm
• Overall height: 1115 mm
• Ground clearance: 135 mm
• Front suspension: Marzocchi Corse RAC 43 fork DLC fully adjustable
• Diameter: 43 mm
• Stroke: 120 mm
• Rear suspension: Extreme Tech 2T4V shock fully adjustable low/high speed damping adjusting
  spring pre-load adjusting
• wheel stroke: 130 mm
• Front brake: Double Ø320 mm Brembo floating disc*, 4-pistons with radial
• Brembo monoblock callipers, radial pumps
• Rear brake: Ø220 mm Bimota floating disc, 2-pistons, with Bimota calliper
• Wheels: FRONT:3.5”x17” Forged Al Alloy
• REAR: 6.0”x17” Forged Al Alloy
• Tyres: FRONT: 120/70 ZR 17, Continental Race Attack
• REAR: 190/55 ZR 17, Continental Race Attack
• Fuel tank: 18 l (5 l reserve)
• Total dry weight: 172 kg