DB8 unveiled - Cheaper??

[minkhollow]

Bimota unveiled the DB8 as a "cheaper" entry level bike. No carbon fiber, lower spec suspension, but way more power with the 1198 engine.

Is it worth the 35k price if you can get the DB7 for a few grand more?

http://www.madisonsportbikes.com/201...osto-sportbike


BIMOTA DB8 ENGINE SPECS
Source: Ducati 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione, 4V 90°Twin-Cylinder
Displacement: 1198.4 cc
Cooling System: Liquid Cooled
Compression Ratio: 12.7±0.5:1
Maximum Power: 170 HP @ 9750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 96.9lbs•ft*@ 8000 rpm
Exhaust System: 2-1-1, stainless steel

BIMOTA DB8 CHASSIS SPECS
Frame: Welded 39NiCrMo4 Tubing and Machined 6082 Aluminium Alloy Plates
Wheelbase: 1435 mm
Front Suspension: Marzocchi USD forks DLC fully adjustable
Rear Suspension: Extreme Tech Monoshock fully adjustable
Fuel Tank: 4.23 gallons (1.05 gallon reserve)
Total Weight: 178kg (392lbs)
Steering Angle: 25°
Seat Height: 800 mm
Overall Length: 2100 mm
Overall Width: 700 mm
Overall Height: 1115 mm
Ground clearance: 135 mm
Front Brake: Double 320mm Brembo floating disc, 4-pistons radial Brembo callipers, radial pumps
Rear brake: 220mm floating disc, 2-piston Brembo calliper
Front Tire: 120/70 ZR 17 Dunlop Sportmax GP Racer
Rear Tire: 190/55 ZR 17 Dunlop Sportmax GP Racer

[dnovo]

"Way more power?" Not at all. 8hp per the MCN stats and that is offset by 8kg more weight. I doubt if there is any performance difference at all.

As I said in my post on this, I don't see the point. Going to the 1198 over the 1098 makes sense, but the rest is not worth it. To start with, Bimota has never sold on 'price' as opposed to top of the line quality. Shaving off a few thousand dollars is still going to leave the bike far more expensive to buy than the equivalent Ducati. Next, Bimota has always been known for the best possible suspension and minimum weight. That concept worked perfectly in the DB7 . CYCLE WORLD test against the more expensive and substantially more powerful 1198cc Ducati 1098R Bayliss said the better suspension, lighter weight and retuned for mid range engine management system in the DB7 made for a superior bike.

So what do they do? They bring out a revision of the DB7 with 8kg more weight, cheapen the suspension and add a paltry 8hp. And it is still too expensive to attract a buyer who would not prefer the existing DB7.

Poor marketing strategy. The real question is whether they will drop the DB7, which I feel would be a mistake, or if they are looking to expand their market, finally bring out a naked DB7. I don't see that necessary as the DB6R fills that niche well, but that is just my opinion.

Dave

[minkhollow]

I've been wanting to get a Bimota for a long time and was debating whether I wanted to go for a DB7 or a Tesi. Once I heard the DB8 rumors I figured it might be the better choice, but after looking at the specs I think it is probably not really with the money when compared to the other 2.

[froryde]

Originally Posted by minkhollow

I've been wanting to get a Bimota for a long time and was debating whether I wanted to go for a DB7 or a Tesi. Once I heard the DB8 rumors I figured it might be the better choice, but after looking at the specs I think it is probably not really with the money when compared to the other 2.

I vote for the Tesi

[minkhollow]

Originally Posted by froryde

I vote for the Tesi

It's very tempting. The bike is a definite work of art, I'd love to buy it just to park it in the living room and look at it.

If I had the money, I'd buy both! But alas, I don't. Yet! Hope springs eternal.

Anyone have any first-hand experience riding both the DB7 and the Tesi?

[froryde]

I think Dave's the only one around here who can answer that question!

[ken zeller]

Originally Posted by minkhollow

...Anyone have any first-hand experience riding both the DB7 and the Tesi?

i do - definitely different bikes. i would call the db7 a true superbike whereas the tesi is a more "daily driver" if you will. both are great bikes but it really depends on how you ride and what you are after. i'm sure dave will be able to give his impressions as well.

[dnovo]

Originally Posted by ken zeller

i do - definitely different bikes. i would call the db7 a true superbike whereas the tesi is a more "daily driver" if you will. both are great bikes but it really depends on how you ride and what you are after. i'm sure dave will be able to give his impressions as well.

What Ken said. Tesi is very smooth as a rider. DB7 puts my former 1098R to shame. Dave

[ken zeller]

if you are interested in a db7 or tesi 3d, i have a customer that has both in his collection that has asked me to helps him sell them (i'm pretty sure that he hasn't even ridden them yet).

[minkhollow]

I'm definitely not going to be tracking it; most of my riding is on the road.

I was thinking of it as a (big) step up from my 848 which is what I use for fun and I have the multi for long trips (not that the multi isn't fun, but it's not an SBK.) Sounds like the Tesi may be a better fit for what I'd call "spirited cruising" around which is what I tend to do most.

The only way I guess I'll really know is if I ride them both.