This Superbike dares true motorcyclists to get close and indulge in its details. The beauty and drama of the DB8 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 no compromise was ever considered nor made. The details are simply spectacular.

The DB8’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 frame, thrilling and track-proven performance is ensured.

Bimota chose to power the DB8 with the spectacular Ducati Testastretta Evoluzione 1198 engine. Ducati, a partner of Bimota from the start, has developed the Testastretta into the world’s most powerful production twin-cylinder, 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.

Exclusive 2012 DB8 Brochure (DOWNLOAD)

The DB8 1198 engine benefits from additional Bimota enhancements including a new fuel injection system controlled by an advanced Walbro ECU which is highly flexible in its tuning capacity, a great advantage for racing applications. Finally, the 1198 is complemented by a Bimota designed Zard 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 silencer.

The DB8 frame is the most advanced evolution of the Bimota hybrid-trellis design. The composite structure employs mitred and welded thin wall Chrome Moly tubing and machined 6082 AC 100 Aluminium Alloy. The classic round tubes of the original trellis design have been replaced for the DB8 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 increased rigidity. What you feel as a rider is confident and consistent road holding and stability.

The DB8 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.

The DB8 Marzocchi Corse RAC 43mm 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 wheel travel is controlled by the outstanding ExtremeTech 2v4 shock. Specifically developed for the DB8, 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.

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 DB8. The OZ Racing Piega five spoke wheels are ultra-light and dramatically reduce the critical moment-of-inertia, contributing greatly to the DB8’s braking performance and ease of direction change.

The DB8 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 offer a wide range of ‘reach’ adjustability, ensuring comfort and control for every rider

Ease of use, daytime visibility and accuracy are the fundamental elements of the best instrumentation, and the DB8 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 DB8 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.

Handcrafted sport motorcycles are the only thing that Bimota creates, and they are its singular motivation. The DB8 is the manifestation of the pride, dreams and talent of Bimota.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and transmission
Engine type: Ducati liquid cooled twin cylinder, 4 stroke L shape,
4 Valves per cylinder, desmodromic engine management
Displacement: 1198 cc
Bore x stroke: 106 x 67.9 mm
Compression rate: 12,7:1
Injection : Walbro By Bimota
Power: 170 HP at 9750 rpm
Torque: 127 Nm at 8000 rpm
Gear box: 6 Speed
Clutch: Dry Clutch Multi Disc

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheel
Grid frame 39NiCrMo4 with milled aluminium parts 6082
Front forks: Marzocchi Upside-Down 43 mm DLC, fully adjustable
Suspension rear: Bimota exclusive Extreme Tech adjustable traction and compression unit, pre-loaded spring
Front brakes: 2 Brake discs 320 mm, 4-piston Brembo radial calipers MONOBLOCK
Rear brakes: Brake disc 220 mm, 2-piston Bimota brake caliper
Front wheel: 120/70_17
Rear wheel: 190/55_17
Overall dimensions: 2040l x 730w x 1105h mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Wheel base: 1430 mm
Dry weight: 164 kg
Fuel tank: 18 L