Bimota DB7
With Phil Aynsley
Introduced in 2008 after only taking a reported 12 months from drawing board to production (Enrico Borghesan was the designer), Bimota’s DB7 used the Ducati 1098 Testastretta Evoluzione motor as its power plant.
While the motor was used in its stock form as delivered from Ducati, Bimota fitted its own fuel-injection system and a two-into-one exhaust system with a titanium muffler, which together resulted in a 30 per cent increase in torque, arriving at lower rpm than the standard 1098. Output was 160 hp at 9750 rpm.
As could be expected from a Bimota, it was the frame and chassis components that set the DB7 apart from its Ducati relation.
The oval-section chrome-moly tube frame (50 x 30mm in section) is paired with CNC-machined alloy side plates and a structural carbon-fibre rear sub-frame. Chassis length and trail figures are very close to the 1098. Dry weight was 172 kg.
Bimota’s own rear progressive suspension system (SPB) employed an Extreme Tech shock (developed with Bimota’s input), with the swing-arm pivoting in the engine cases. Marzocchi Corse 43 mm front forks are used in conjunction with Maglatech’s unique pattern forged wheels.
The total production of the ‘base’ DB7 is not known with certainty (estimates range from 100 to 300), but the two variants sold alongside it were produced in much smaller numbers.
The Oronero was 8 kg lighter as a result of using carbon-fibre for the front section of the frame and the central part of the swing-arm. All the bodywork was also in carbon. A less restrictive exhaust system made for a modest two-horsepower gain in power. Ten were built.
The Nerocarbonio was originally designed to be part of the 2009 Milan Design Week to showcase the use of carbon-fibre. Even more parts were made of carbon than for the Oronero, and a special finish was used to highlight these parts. 50 were constructed.
This particular bike features several third-party parts, including the cam covers, clutch cover, and oil plug. The factory accessory clutch pressure plate is also fitted.
Bimota DB7 Specifications
| Bimota DB7 Specifications | |
| Engine | Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 90° L-twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic, four valve per cylinder, 1099 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 104 x 64.7mm |
| Compression | 12.5:1 |
| Power | 118 kW (160 hp) @ 9750 rpm |
| Torque | 123 Nm (90.7 lb-ft) @ 8000 rpm |
| Induction | EFI, Magneti Marelli |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Frame | Oval-section chrome-moly tube frame, CNC machined alloy side plates, structural carbon-fibre sub-frame |
| Suspension | 43mm Marzocchi UD fork DLC fully adjustable, Extreme Tech Monoshock TTX fully adjustable low/high speed |
| Brakes | Dual 320mm discs, four-piston calipers, single 230mm rear disc two-piston caliper |
| Wheels/Tyres | 120/70, 190/55 |
| Seat height | 800 mm |
| Dry Weight | 172 kg |
