The Dieci

[ZAWA]

The Dieci was to be bimota's first real mainstream bike with performance,looks and style with a few more creature comforts for it's owner's. It did more to harm bimota's image then any bike they have produced with the exception of the Vdue. It was hearlded as one of most beautaful bikes ever made. Many magazine's put the bike on their cover's, but the reviews were full of many problems. Rear shocks that failed, exhausts that broke, 10mpg. my frist ride filled the tank went through 4.2 gallons of gas in forty miles. So there I was on the side of the road wondering what I had just purchased, did I forget to tell you the kickstand doesn't work to well. My shock was also gone and the front forks were nothing to brag about. I think even now when you mention bimota, people say "oh they have problems" you can thank the Dieci.

But now the rest of the story. The frist thing I had done was to have Penske make me a new shock, which ended up 10lbs. lighter then the stock Marzocchi unit and really works well. The forks I figured that a set of the Ducati 996 would work. Had to make some spacers and shims but was all stright forward. Could not use the stock bars so went with the Cycle Cat bars for the 996. Installed bremo Goldline 65mm calipers and steel lines with Nisson Masters for brakes and the clutch. Also have been using a Ducati front carbon fender, until I make the brakets for the stock fender, which I think is much better looking. So now it handles and rides great but I had to something about the $50-60 in gas each Sunday morn.

To keep it short I now know more about Mikuni CV carbs then anyone needs to. Instaled headers and a open muffler, KN pod filters, also a different fuel pump. Manifolds were blended into the ports. With a lot of tit. and alu. bolts, bike is now 30-35lbs. lighter then a stock Dieci. The bike has no holes our flatspots in the powerband but has a hit at 4000 rpm like a two stroke, it also gets about 40mpg.

[dnovo]

In the mid '90s I rode with a guy who had a Dieci. He had many of the same issues you experienced and could never get it to run right. You seem more willing to rework your bikes and deal with the problems them than most, and I salute you for that. However, the issues you point out were noted in virtually every magazine test of a Bimota and dogged the original company from the very first. They could build a bike that looked great, went like stink, handled great, but needed better QC in the worst way -- especially for the prices charged. There was simply no excuse for the poor assembly quality of the bikes. Hopefully, the new company has learned from that experience. I have had no issues with mine, but it is still early in the game. So far, so good.

By now, many of the older bikes, like yours and mine, have been completely reworked and the bits and pieces that feel off now fixed. Since the issues were usually poor assembly, rather than cheap components or poor basic build (welds, glass work, other than a few rough edges on the inside, easily fixed by the owners later) the older bikes that turn up for sale are often well sorted and better than there were when new.

Kinda reminds me of a bumper stick I once saw and a Morgan +4, "All The Parts Falling Off This Car Are of the Finest English Craftsmanship."

As always, thanks for the pics. Dave

[CBT]

Hey guys, interesting to hear the views of others who have experienced this bike. I have a YB-8 exup fitted with dieci body work and marzocchi usd forks. It has low kms (9000) and most of its issues have related to getting the fuelling sorted after years of not enough use, but now in my hands I intend to give it more regular exercise

I'm in Perth Western Australia and desperately trying to locate fork bushes to replace the stock items. Any ideas, alternatives, or other suggestions appreciated. Photos attached showing mine with air vents in bodywork for a bit of extra flow through, plus differences to the US/Euro delivered bikes are evident. Mine was delivered new to Japan.

PS, economy wise my bike runs at around 40mpg and powers strongly from low revs to a really strong top end. Despite the minor issues its likely to be kept at my house for a long time.

[JLSB8]

Originally Posted by ZAWA

The Dieci was to be bimota's first real mainstream bike with performance,looks and style with a few more creature comforts for it's owner's. It did more to harm bimota's image then any bike they have produced with the exception of the Vdue. It was hearlded as one of most beautaful bikes ever made. Many magazine's put the bike on their cover's, but the reviews were full of many problems. Rear shocks that failed, exhausts that broke, 10mpg. my frist ride filled the tank went through 4.2 gallons of gas in forty miles. So there I was on the side of the road wondering what I had just purchased, did I forget to tell you the kickstand doesn't work to well. My shock was also gone and the front forks were nothing to brag about. I think even now when you mention bimota, people say "oh they have problems" you can thank the Dieci.

But now the rest of the story. The frist thing I had done was to have Penske make me a new shock, which ended up 10lbs. lighter then the stock Marzocchi unit and really works well. The forks I figured that a set of the Ducati 996 would work. Had to make some spacers and shims but was all stright forward. Could not use the stock bars so went with the Cycle Cat bars for the 996. Installed bremo Goldline 65mm calipers and steel lines with Nisson Masters for brakes and the clutch. Also have been using a Ducati front carbon fender, until I make the brakets for the stock fender, which I think is much better looking. So now it handles and rides great but I had to something about the $50-60 in gas each Sunday morn.

To keep it short I now know more about Mikuni CV carbs then anyone needs to. Instaled headers and a open muffler, KN pod filters, also a different fuel pump. Manifolds were blended into the ports. With a lot of tit. and alu. bolts, bike is now 30-35lbs. lighter then a stock Dieci. The bike has no holes our flatspots in the powerband but has a hit at 4000 rpm like a two stroke, it also gets about 40mpg.

Ditch the carbs and put on 39mm FCR's. I put them on all my YB series (except the YB9SRi of course).

[ZAWA]

Joe, You must have a set of FCR's hiding somewhere.

[JLSB8]

Originally Posted by ZAWA

Joe, You must have a set of FCR's hiding somewhere.

I'll take a look. Very possible!!