Finally got some miles and decent weather to run the new Tesi 3D. Could not be happier. Compared to the original model (and I have not ridden the 2D, but am thinking REAL hard about one) this is a very smooth and very responsive bike. The older model was fairly heavy and, while innovative, a bit clumsy and ponderous compared to its half brother and contemporary DB2. The 3D is about the same weight as its 'forked' half brothers (the DB5 sport bike and the DB 6 'naked') and has a riding position and general look more akin to the DB6 except more forward lean and clip ons rather than the traditional flat bar of the 6. I disagree with some testers who called the seating positon 'cramped' as it throws less weight on the wrists and you don't get a stiff neck at all.
Here are a few side shots (please note the 'washed out' or 'orangish' red in some of these and other photos is really the traditional Italian Rosso Corse, the sun was simply very bright and washed out the red:
The website photos at the US distributor show the first color scheme and finish details. Here is the 'stock' photo from the website:
The production bikes are a bit different, in a better way. Mine is Ser#003, see this number plate on the right front frame plate:
The production bikes use carbon fiber clutch covers, cf trim pieces along the front suspension arms over the brake lines, and left the center of the front fender and the formerly red-painted area behind the seat as carbon fiber with clear coat over it rather than painted as on the original show bikes. Hell, they even have a carbon fiber shroud on the kickstand:
When you get on, you will be surprised as to how narrow it is, the frame plates rather than the trellis used on the DB5 and 6 result in a slightly more narrow feel, and that and the light weight let a shorty like me flat foot and marvel at how they made an 1100 feel like a 250!
The rear suspension is like the show bike, and still lovely to behold:
The brakes? The best, radial caliper Brembos up front, and the rear brakes actually work too. Gold Mavic wheels, way bling, but light and way cool too:
The dash may seem a bit gimmicky, but the tell-tale lights help you read the sweep of the analog needle, with the prominent shift light easy to see from the bottom or corner of your eye as you concentrate on the road. The LCD is the best I have ever had, the letters crisp and distinct, even in bright sunlight:
The bars are nicely positioned and, wonder of wonders, the mirrors actually work and show cars approaching on either side:
The handling is great, and part of it may be the use of the new Conti Attack tires. These puppies STICK:
So, now the nitty gritty, with the 1100DS engine and zip weight, it has instant response from about 4K up to the redline, a few hunderd under the limit for the 1000DS. Clutch, brakes, and shifting were perfect.
How about the hub steering. I haven't had a Tesi since the mid-90s but after an hour, I was pushing deep into corners and found out why this system is so nice, zero brake dive or shifting around in the corners. New, even though sticky, tires and a cool day kept me from pushing the absolute limits, but they are quite deep and I want to feel them out carefully after I adjust my riding habits to the Tesi-way of doing it. One the straights the ride is 'plush' as the front end soaks up all the road hash and bumps. Cornering is very, very precise. The suspension is easy to adjust, I have it on hard now to see the limits, but plan on dialing back a bit. The Extreme Shocks, nitrogen filled, have detailed instructions in the well written manual, and the suspension and braking system seems almost infinitely and easily adjusted.
All in all, a very impressive bike and a true work of rolling art from Rimini.
Dave
Linear Mode
