A superb and rare photo of the magnificent 1981 Bimota KB2
TT2 bike.
Bimota was
founded in 1973 in
Rimini, Italy by Bianchi, Morri and Tamburini, with the name being a portmanteau of the first
two letters of each company name: BI
MO TA . Because the state of frame design and overall packaging was
poor, Bimota concentrated initially on building high-quality motorcycles around
existing engines. If Massimo
Tamburini had not crashed his
Honda 750 Four at the Misano racetrack in September 1972 the legend that is now
Bimota might never have existed. After recuperating from three broken ribs he
sets about the construction of a tubular steel frame to cope with the
horsepower being produced by the engines of the big Japanese manufacturers.
This frame both reduced the weight of the original Honda and lowered the centre
of gravity and so with the HB1, of which only ten were made, the story begins. Even
though the name Bimota derives from the initials of the three founders, it was
the passion and engineering excellence of Tamburini that was the driving force
behind the company. The racing frames Bimota started to produce, such as the
YB1, YB2, YB3, HDB1, HDB2 and SB1 became a "must have" for all
serious racers and quickly altered the perception of what a motorbike should
be. In 1977 Bimota identified a new market niche and started producing
exclusive high performance bikes such as the SB2. Some of these models are sold
in kit form, but it is the development of the now legendary KB1 that creates
the major turning point in the commercial success of the Company. The 1980’s
provided major success for the small Rimini based factory both on the
track and through the development of a range of dream machines for the road.
But it was also a period of transition with Tamburini leaving the company in
1983 to be eventually replaced by the talented young engineer Federico Martini
who proceeded to write a whole new chapter in the legendary story of Bimota. His experience working with Ducati,
leads to the development of Ducati 750 Pantah powered Bimota DB1 , like as
shown on the photo of the auction, as well as the innovative aircraft
alloy frame "SCATOLATO", so far ahead of its time that its basic concept
is used by Bimota throughout the nineties. The other models produced during
this decade include the HB2, HB3, SB3, SB4, SB5, YB4ei, YB6, YB6 Exup, YB6
Tuatara, KB2, KB3, DB1se and DB1rs. But it is on the racetrack with two World Championships
that Bimota and Martini really make their mark. The first in 1980 for Jon
Ekerold in the 350cc championship and the second in1987 for Virginio Ferrari on
a Bimota YB4 R in the TT F1 World Championship. Federico
Martini leaves Bimota at the beginning of the
nineties and is replaced as Technical Director by Pierluigi Marconi
whose close collaboration with Martini started when he was still a student.
Under his technical supervision Bimota concentrates mainly on the manufacture
of models with aircraft alloy frames "SCATOLATO" such as the YB8,
YB8e, YB8 Furano, YB9 Bellaria, YB9sr, YB9sri, YB10, YB10 biposto, YB11, DB2,
DB2sr, DB2ef, DB3 Mantra - SB6, SB6R, SB7, SB8R Supermono, Supermono biposto
and the 500 Vdue. The model however, that characterises the genius and
innovation of Pierluigi Marconi and Bimota during this period, is the hub
steered TESI 1D created in various versions including the 1/D, 1/D SR, 1/D ES,
1/D EF. The nineties also see the departure of the last remaining Bimota
founder when in 1993 Giuseppe Morri leaves to be replaced as General Manager by Walter Martini.
Under Martini the company doubles production and in 1995 produces 1,250 bikes.
In 1996 Bimota commemorates its 25 anniversary with a major event at the
Santamonica track in Misano where "bimotisti" flock from all over the
world to join in the celebrations. Towards the end of the 1990’s the first all
BIMOTA bike goes from the drawing board into full production the 500 Vdue.
Designed by Robbiano and engineered by Marconi, this
bike was created as a Moto
GP bike for the road.
Powered by a 500 cc twin-cylinder Bimota engine, customers were
immediately clamouring for delivery. Such intense demand leads Bimota to start
delivery before full development is completed ultimately leading to a complete
recall of all bikes and a financial crisis for the company. The 2000’s began
well for Bimota with the company under new management and new models
well-received at the most prestigious bike shows worldwide. The top model
during this period is the SB8R produced in the two versions, fibreglass and
carbon fibre. With the SB8R, Bimota returns to its roots with an innovative
frame constructed in aluminium and carbon fibre encasing a powerful Suzuki engine. After 11 years of absence, Bimota returns to
the racetrack taking part in the Super-bike World Championship. The team under
the management of Virginio Ferrari with technical director Franco Farné and rider Anthony Gobert
are classified 12th in the first and second races in Kyalami (South Africa). Two
weeks later in the Australian GP at Phillip Island Gobert rides to an amazing
victory making it the best Easter ever for all the "bimotisti" around
the world. Despite these fantastic results on the track, Bimota spirals into
serious financial crisis as the Vdue engine project launched in the nineties
goes horribly wrong. The factory falls into bankruptcy and closes, fortunately
only temporarily, the first phase of the legend ends. After many false dawns Bimota
is finally resurrected in 2003 and a new management team installed with the aim
of building on the heritage of the Bimota name and restoring the great
traditions that have made the company a legend in motorcycle design. The first
positive results of this endeavour can be seen with the "Motorcycle Design
Award" in the Supersport category at the Intermot Show being won by the
new Bimota model, the DB5. Another award to add to the many others that grace
the walls and trophy cabinets of the company's historic Rimini factory.
Bimota
is back and with its return comes the romance and history of a very special
marque.
This photo
reflects a very interesting and historic piece of motorcycling and Bimota
history. Therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 12"
(ca. 20 x 30 cm).