A superb and rare photo of the magnificent model Bimota
Ducati DB6 motorcycle.
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,
which is featured on the photo. 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 non period 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).
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you
buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
All our photos are modern photos that are traditionally made from what we believe are the original negatives and are copyright protected.
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.