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Bimota

Pada tahun 2019, Kawasaki mengambil alih kawalan Bimota, menandakan satu saat penting bagi jenama berpusat di Rimini, Itali ini, yang telah bergelut dengan ketidakstabilan kewangan selama bertahun-tahun. Di bawah pemilikan Kawasaki, Bimota mendapat asas kukuh untuk pertumbuhan dan kestabilan masa depan.

Bimota mempersembahkan penawarannya di dalam pameran Kawasaki di EICMA tahun ini, secara rasmi memperkenalkan konsep Tera (TEsi con Regolazione di Altezza, yang secara asasnya bermaksud Tesi dengan ketinggian boleh diubah) dalam bentuk produksi akhirnya.

Pendedahan ini menandakan penamat pembangunan selama lebih kurang tiga tahun, dengan bahagian hadapan yang unik dan berpaten pertama kali diperkenalkan secara bebas setahun sebelumnya. Tera mewakili evolusi terkini rangka Tesi yang terkenal milik CEO Bimota, Pierluigi Marconi, termasuk sistem hadapan bermata hub yang terkenal.

Sistem stereng Tera direka untuk menangani had pergerakan yang tidak dapat dielakkan dalam reka bentuk Tesi asal, terutamanya semasa pusingan ketat. Berbeza dengan pendahulunya, di mana stereng terhad dalam gubahan roda depan, reka bentuk Tera secara signifikan meningkatkan julat pusingan sisi ke 35 darjah—16 darjah lebih banyak daripada Tesi H2.

Sistem suspensi-stereng hadapan berpaten Bimota tetap mempertahankan kelebihan Tesi asal, termasuk kesan anti-terjun dan pengurangan jisim yang tidak digantung. Mekanisme stereng melibatkan pautan jenis lutut yang mengaktifkan penyerap hentakan dalam kepala stereng. Lengan aluminium dengan batang tindak balas memastikan pergerakan menegak yang tepat, menyambung ke roda depan melalui plat penggilap mesin yang juga menempatkan caliper sistem brek depan.

Ciri menarik konsep Tera adalah keupayaan untuk menyesuaikan ketinggian pusat graviti sebanyak 30mm. Bahagian hadapan rangka terdiri daripada dua plat aluminium gilap dan struktur trellis paip keluli pendek yang menempatkan kepala stereng, dengan enjin berfungsi sebagai anggota tegang. Sebatian lengan menghubungkan rangka hadapan ke titik putar ayun belakang/pemutar syok dan enjin, membentuk struktur yang ringan tetapi kukuh yang mampu menampung enjin Kawasaki H2 empat segaris yang ditiup, dengan kuasa 200 hp pada 11,000 rpm dan tork maksimum 137Nm pada 8,500 rpm.

Walaupun butiran geometri bahagian depan belum lagi diumumkan, Tera menampilkan jarak sumbu roda yang padat sebanyak 56.9 inci, berbanding dengan Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory dan terutamanya lebih pendek daripada motosikal pengembaraan berorientasikan jalan lain seperti Ducati Multistrada V4 RS (62.7 inci).

Roda terdiri daripada roda magnesium corak 10 palang (17 x 3.5 dan 17 x 5.5) dipasang dengan tayar 120/70-17 dan 190/55-17. Sistem brek pula terdiri daripada caliper Stylema empat piston Brembo dan cakera 330mm di bahagian depan dan caliper dua piston dengan rotor 220mm di bahagian belakang, disokong oleh sistem ABS KIBS Kawasaki.

Dari segi elektronik, Kawasaki menyediakan rangkaian yang komprehensif, termasuk sistem ABS sudut, kawalan traksi, empat mod pemanduan, dan kawalan pelayaran. Paparan TFT warna penuh berfungsi sebagai pusat utama untuk melihat dan mengubah tetapan, serta menyediakan maklumat penting motosikal.

Diposisikan sebagai “crossover,” Tera menggabungkan prestasi seperti superbike dari enjinnya dengan posisi duduk yang tegak dan selesa. Pembinaan rangka inovatif Bimota, bersamaan dengan penggunaan bahan ringan, menyumbang kepada berat teras yang mengagumkan hanya 200kg.

Tiada maklumat lagi mengenai tarikh pelancaran.

In 2019, Kawasaki took full control of Bimota, marking a pivotal moment for the Rimini-based brand, which had struggled with financial instability for years. Under Kawasaki’s ownership, Bimota gained a solid foundation for future growth and stability.

Bimota showcased its offerings within Kawasaki’s exhibit at EICMA this year, officially introducing the Tera concept (TEsi con Regolazione di Altezza, which basically means Tesi with adjustable height) in its final, production-ready form. 

This unveiling marked the culmination of approximately three years of development, with the unique and patented front end first presented independently a year prior. The Tera represents the latest evolution of Bimota CEO Pierluigi Marconi’s renowned Tesi chassis, including the renowned hub-steer front end which Bimota is so well known for.

The Tera steering system was designed to address the range-of-motion limitations inherent in the original Tesi design, particularly during tight turns. Unlike its predecessor, where the steering is confined within the front wheel hub, the Tera design significantly enhances side-to-side steering range to 35 degrees—16 degrees more than the Tesi H2.

Bimota’s patented front suspension-steering system retains the advantages of the original Tesi, including an anti-dive effect and a reduction in unsprung masses. The steering mechanism involves a knee-type link activating the shock absorber within the steering head. Aluminum arms with reaction rods ensure precise vertical movement, connecting to the front wheel through machined billet plates that also house the front braking system’s calipers.

A notable feature of the Tera concept is the ability to adjust the center of gravity height by 30mm. The chassis’s front section comprises two machined billet-aluminum plates and a short steel-tubing trellis structure housing the steering head, with the engine serving as a stressed member. A connecting arm links the front frame to the rear swingarm/shock’s pivot point and the engine, forming a lightweight yet rigid structure capable of accommodating the supercharged inline-four Kawasaki H2 engine, boasting 200 hp at 11,000 rpm and 137Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm.

While specific front-end geometry details are yet to be released, the Tera features a compact 56.9-inch wheelbase, comparable to Aprilia’s Tuono V4 Factory and notably shorter than other street-oriented adventure bikes like Ducati’s Multistrada V4 RS which measures in at 62.7 inches.

Wheels are made up of 10-spoke forged magnesium wheels (17 x 3.5 and 17 x 5.5) fitted with 120/70-17 and 190/55-17 tires. The braking system comprises Brembo four-piston Stylema calipers and 330mm discs at the front and a twin-piston caliper with a 220mm rotor at the rear, supported by Kawasaki’s KIBS ABS system.

In terms of electronics, Kawasaki provides a comprehensive suite, featuring cornering ABS, traction control, four ride modes, and cruise control. A full-color TFT display serves as the central hub for viewing and adjusting settings, as well as providing essential bike information.

Positioned as a “crossover,” the Tera combines superbike-like performance from its engine with an upright and comfortable riding position. Bimota’s innovative chassis construction, coupled with the use of lightweight materials, contributes to an impressive curb weight of just 200kg. 

There is no info yet on a release date. 

Bimota’s new motorcycle introduction at EICMA 2022 comes in the form of the 2023 BX450, with the dirt bike borrows much of its design and specification from Kawasaki’s KX450.

  • Bimota’s upcoming tourer is powered by a supercharged four-cylinder motor from the Kawasaki H2 SX.
  • The Tera will feature a unique semi-active suspension developed with Marzocchi. 

Alongside the BX450, the Italian maker also provides enlightenment on the upcoming supercharged tourer currently under development in Rimini. 

While the bike is yet to be ready, Bimota already has an official name for the model, which will be called the Tera. 

The Tera made its first appearance in the form of a design sketch at last year’s EICMA before later it was confirmed that the new supercharged tourer would be based on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 SX. 

According to Bimota COO, Pierluigi Marconi, motorcycle fans around the world should expect something exciting from the Tera. 

“Never before have Bimota been present in this market segment. No one has this much fun and function in one package.

“The Tera is an attention grabber that will act like a halo for Bimota by attracting further consumer attention to our impressive vehicle lineup,” said Marconi. 

We have yet to get the details but based on reports from reputable media, the Tera will feature an all-new steering system, including a new semi-active suspension developed in partnership with Italian specialist Marzocchi. 

Bimota has finally stepped out of its comfort zone of fine street bikes by introducing the BX450 enduro motorcycle. 

  • Bimota continue its closed partnership with Kawasaki with the introduction of BX450. 
  • Based on the Kawasaki KX450 dirt bike. 

The BX450 is the firm’s genuine competition motorcycle, ready to take on major enduro events across the globe. 

For the record, the BX450 is built based on Kawasaki’s iconic KX450. It features the same aluminium twin-spar frame with a classic lower double cradle that houses a powerful 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve single with 12.5:1 compression. 

However, Bimota’s technical team also adds an electric start, an advanced ECU with specific mapping and a traction control system. 

In addition, the Bimota BX450 also features an Arrow exhaust system as standard. 

Nonetheless, some parts from the Kawasaki KX450 are retained on the BX450, including a fully-adjustable 49mm Showa male-slider fork and Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak monoshock linked to the swingarm. 

Braking is done via a Nissin 4-piston brake callipers mated to a single-disc at the front and rear. 

Meanwhile, the spoked wheels are fitted with Metzeler 6 Days M+S tires with 90/100-21 front and 140/80-18 rear. 

More importantly, Bimota shed its weight to just 110kg, making it a lightweight bike ready to take on the dirt road. 

Unfortunately, like all Bimotas, the BX450 will be limited to just a few hundred units. 

In 2005, MV Agusta released one of its rarest model as a homage to one of its legendary designers, Massimo Tamburini.

A limited edition “Sports class” bike, only 300 units of the F4 1000 were ever produced.

If you don’t already know, Massimo Tamburini was one of the designers who made MV Agusta into what it is today, and the F4 was one of his greatest achievements.

He is also responsible for creating other beauties such as the Cagiva Freccia and designed for other brands like Bimota and is also responsible for the beautiful Ducati 916.

Bearing a prestigious name with limited production, you can probably imagine that the F4 1000 will cost future owners a hefty price to get their hands on one of this sexy Italian.

The MV Agusta F4 1000 Tamburini doesn’t only sport a legendary name, it also comes with a 996cc inline-four engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The powertrain produces 172 horsepower and 112.53 Nm of torque.

The dry weight is 191.0 kg and top speed is rated at 282.8 km/h.

The F4 1000 also comes with other goodies such as a Öhlins steering damper, Marzocchi front forks, Sachs mono-shock, and Nissin calipers.

On the topic of chassis characteristics, handling behavior and ride comfort, the MV Agusta F4 Tamburini features a CrMo Steel tubular trellis (TIG welded) and a magnesium alloy frame.

One of the eye-striking aspects about the F4 are the gold-anodized 17-inch Marchesini forged aluminum wheels mounted to a single sided swing-arm.

MV also debuted their Torque Shift System, which is able to vary the intake trumpet length dependent on speed to maximize torque output.

All bodywork is carbon fiber, making this bike extremely light (183 kg) and undoubtedly gorgeous with aggressive looks.

So why are you reading this article? Well, the F4 1000 is a proper collector’s item and current bids are pushing its value upwards of USD30,000. So if you come across one, grab it while you can.

After the successful unveiling of the new 2022 Bimota KB4 and KB4 RC motorcycle at EICMA 2021, the Italian firm has confirmed that a touring-oriented machine is already in the pipeline.

The confirmation came from Bimota’s CEO himself, Pierluigi Marconi.

“We are developing something new with a Tesi chassis and we will see it either next year, or the year after.

“Until now, Tesis was only made for the sports segment. We’d like to put the Tesi name to… adventurers, tourers, and bikes like that,” he said.

Bimota recent success has relied so much on major stakeholder Kawasaki who supplied the Tesi supercharged engine taken from the Ninja H2.

According to reports by MCN, the upcoming touring capable motorcycle will utilize the same Euro-5 compliant 998cc engine from the recently updated 2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX Se.

However, it is yet to know whether the new motorcycle will also adopt Bosch radar sensor technology that features adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection recently introduced on the H2 SX.

Meanwhile, Kawasaki Motors President Hiroshi expressed his continued support for Bimota.

“Kawasaki Motors will continue to supply engines and other key components and through our global network.

“We plan to support in whatever way we can to expand this glorious Italian premium motorcycle brand,” he said.

(Source: MCN)

Back in December, the folks in Rimini, Italy was busy carrying out some tests on the all-new KB4.

Still in its early prototype stages, the motorcycle was clad in an all-white panel in an effort to hide all the little details.

 

The company also releases a couple of renders as a teaser, but recent photos reveal the Bimota KB4 in finished form, thus providing a better insight into the new motorcycle.

Thanks to Kawasaki owning a minority stake in the Italian company, the KB4 was build based on the Ninja 1000 SX.

However, apart from the engine, the KB4 does not share many similarities with its Japanese cousin.

Nonetheless, Bimota did not reveal further details on the new motorcycle instead, we expect the KB4 to make its official debut later this year, perhaps at EICMA.

The Bimota Tesi H2 is already a stunning machine, but somehow the people in Rimini, Italy, decided to spice things up for 2021 by announcing a Carbon Edition.

The question is, what is the difference between the standard Tesi H2 and the Carbon Edition?

Like the name, it is the same mouth-watering motorcycle, but the Carbon Edition is limited to only 250 units, and it comes in a black colour scheme with carbon fibres features.

The limited-edition Tesi H2 still packs with the same 230hp Kawasaki H2-derived engine but looks more menacing with the carbon fibre trims.

If you have some money to burn and seeking excitement post-Covid-19, the Tesi H2 Carbon Edition is priced at GBP60,000 (RM339,675).

The Bimota Tesi 3D made its appearance in 2007 and quickly garnered attention due to its unusual design scheme.

When the Tesi 3D production came to a close, Bimota celebrated the event by producing a Naked Edizione Finale version limited to 45 units.

However, three limited-edition units are now up for sale in England with the price of GBP31,995 (RM179,000).

Not only that, but the used motorcycle dealership also offering a two-year, unlimited mile warranty with every purchase of the Tesi 3D includes a certificate of authenticity.

The mighty Ducati 1098 engine powers the Tesi engine with the unit, clamped between two machines aluminium plates, with all other components mated to these plates, including front and rear swingarms.

The front swingarm is mated to the plate on both sides, and an Ohlins shock attached to the right in a cantilevered position.

The handlebar’s shaft is connected to horizontal shafts on each side that steers the front wheel, for a hub centre steering setup.

The Limited Edition Tesi 3D will surely be a great addition to every collectors and motorcycle enthusiast.

It was announced that the 2021 Bimota KB4 will go into limited production starting March next year and the Italian manufacturer is trying hard to keep that promise with their modern-retro superbike going through the ringers via tests in these photos. (more…)

While we’re all still in awe of the recently-introduced Bimota Tesi H2, the small Italian manufacturer now announced that the 2021 Bimota KB4 retro-inspired sports bike will indeed go into production soon, but in super limited numbers. (more…)

When the Bimota TESI H2 concept made its first appearance last year at EICMA, people were genuinely ecstatic regarding the new project between the manufacturer and Kawasaki. It was the birth of something special after Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) acquired a 49% stake of Bimota. (more…)

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