DB engines

[Catimann]

DB's usually have the lower hp engines from Ducati and I wonder if they can be changed out for the higher hp models from simmilar years?

I talked with the Dcuati mechanic who worked on my 800SS and he told me that most of these engines share a similar bottom end but he did not go into specifics. I think it would be possible that the same cases are used for most of the engines in a given time period. In that case the mounts for many engines would be the same and you could change out a Tesi engine for a higher hp version, for example.

Any thoughts?

Andreas

[shat]

I have a '94 DB2 which had just as strong an engine as the 900SS of the same period. Some time back however, I suffered a broken cylinder stud and was forced to remove the top end for replacement of all eight studs. In doing so, I decided to set fire to some cash and installed a 944 kit with HC pistons, 41 mm flat slides and K&Ns. Needless to say, that woke it up. With some jetting, it's now making 80HP and 80 lb.ft. at the wheel with flat lambda at 13.7. But going back to your comment, I don't think the early Ducati powered Bimodas made any less power then their Ducati sisters, IMHO.

[polyesterpig]

I think they actually have a little more (due to exhaust) or the same hp.

[Catimann]

Here is an interesting story from some guy in South Africa:: According to the Bimota history books, a total of 408 DB2s were built 123 with the semi fairing (which is the model I have) and the rest with a full fairing. This bike had been raced in the local BOTTS class and unfortunately it was in poor condition when I bought it. The motor had been blown and due to it being blue printed to an advanced stage it was not economical or practical to repair it. The damage to the motor was extensive and all that could be salvaged was the casings. I searched around for a good 900ss motor but nothing was available at the time. A accident damaged ST4 came up and after taking some careful measurements tests were done it was apparent that the motor would fit with minimal modifications. This motor is the 4-valve fuel injected hyper-sport version that was used in the 916. The clocks and entire electrical system from the ST4 are fitted to the bike.
This came from this web site: http://micapeak.com/reg/view2/BIMOTA

[dnovo]

My DB2 was delivered by then Hansen Motorsports out of Manitowoc Wisconsin (the one pictured at the nearby DB2 thread, the Red/White/Purple bike) with the 944 Kit, Flat Slide Carbs, polished heads and inlets, and everything else you can think of. No shortage of horsepower and a light, flickable bike. Reworking a stock, late model 904 can turn loose gobs of power and, set up right, plenty of grunt out of corners. Most of my 'fun', either alone or riding with others, comes in the corners and winding roads, where a properly tuned DB2 will wail. Dave

[Catimann]

Originally Posted by dnovo

My DB2 was delivered by then Hansen Motorsports out of Manitowoc Wisconsin (the one pictured at the nearby DB2 thread, the Red/White/Purple bike) ...... Most of my 'fun', either alone or riding with others, comes in the corners and winding roads, where a properly tuned DB2 will wail. Dave

I agree with the twisty fun, this summer I found myself pushing hard through the corners and actually slowing down to watch the scenery, up here in BC, along the straight stretches. I could do 120 down the straights and chance hitting a deer on an early morning ride or slow down a bit and have fun in the corners.
I have a question about what stock paint jobs on DB2's looked like? I found this web site that shows many different color schemes http://www.bimota-enthusiasts.com/ in the gallery section. The thing is it seems to have a few DB1's in there and a couple of race bikes. Then there is this one, is it a stock color?

[froryde]

I have seen that bike one of the European websites that you mentioned and I think it's been in an accident (at least I saw the word 'accident') and resprayed.

Having said that, I think that's a beautiful colour scheme!!

[dnovo]

I agree. It looks like a resprayed EF Dave

[shat]

My '94 DB2 came from Bob Smith, the Bimota distributor here in the US in the 1990's. It's a fully faired, red, white and purple, with red frame and white wheels and is normally aspirated. But as I mentioned earlier, now has the 944big bore, high compresion pistons and 41 flat slides with the factory carbon cans. It's performance is amazing. But because of it's rarity (if it wasn't already a rare bike as a DB2, the distributor said the factory only made three total in this color/frame combination) I try not to ride it except on special Sundays.

BTW, If anyone has any leads on where I can get a replacement alloy machined billet gas cap with the Bimota B machined into the top (mine was stolen back in the late 90's) please let me know. The later black plastic just isn't the same and does not allow enough clearance for the swing lid to close properly.

Anyway, I ve got a Hyper on order to throw around so I can save my lovely DBworm.

[Catimann]

408 Bimota's made and 300 in collections etc. Wow I don't wonder how come I never see one. The factory must be disappointed that so few are ridden.