More Seat Time on DB7

[dnovo]

Spent some quality time on the DB7 this weekend now that Spring -- or what passes for Spring in SE Wi this year (about 50deg but sunny and dry)-- has finally appeared. More thoughts and some comparisons:

Out with a friend on a 1198R and while the latter will pull the DB7 on top end, the Bimota has a far broader spread of power, pulling from as low as 2800rpm (not the happiest there, but no bucking or sputtering) in contrast to the normal ECU in the Ducs, which go goofy under 4K. The power is stronger between 4 and 8, and there is really no need to rev the guts out to get very strong performance.

The suspension on the DB7 is also, IMHO, a far better setup than the Duc. More compliant especially on the street, where the roads are never as perfect as a race track. One thing I definitely appreciate which is not stock on my DB7 is the slipper clutch Bob installed before delivery. Makes all the difference in the world, and I would not buy a bike without one.

Ergos? I was far more comfortable on the DB7 than my friend on the 1198. He was bitching about sore wrists and 'Italian neck' after we pulled over for coffee after about 40 minutes. As I said before, very much like a 749/999 rather than the newer iteration of the Ducati Superbike. You sit comfortably in rather than perched on the Bimota in contrast to the 1098/1198 series.

Sound: I bought a pair of Ken's billet exhaust tips for my DB7. They fit on pipe in place of the large, and ugly automotive style stock muffler. Since the cat is still in place, no retuning was necessary. Noise level is acceptable and the sound is just fine. Between that and Ken's license plate hanger that removes the large, bulky and ugly factory setup, you get a very clean look without the need for the very expensive and unattractive Zard pipes.

The more miles I put on it, the more I feel it is the ideal Superbike and the best model in the Bimota current lineup.

Dave

[JS sport classic]

Dave, Im with You on most of you thoughts. This bike is closer to the ergos of a RSV4, and feels more like one than the duc. I have included before & after pics of the pipe, for members who are thinking of this mod. I,m not sure it is any louder than the stock can(once you open it)

[dnovo]

Good shot of the rear of the DB7 with Ken's exhaust tips and the much neater lic plate/turn signal bracket. Cleans up the view of an aesthetic masterpiece. Here are a couple of shots of mine with the same mods. Dave

[WYD OPN]

Still one of the most gorgeous bikes EVER, Dave!! The only other DB7 "Carbonio" (or whatever the actual official name of the clear-carbon) was just purchased by a gentleman in Florida.

[dnovo]

Originally Posted by WYD OPN

Still one of the most gorgeous bikes EVER, Dave!! The only other DB7 "Carbonio" (or whatever the actual official name of the clear-carbon) was just purchased by a gentleman in Florida.

Only two in US, eight others were built for a total of ten. You should have bought it! Great bike, and it rides as well -- if not better -- than it looks. Dave

[dnovo]

Each time I get out on the DB7 I am reminded of the conclusion of the CYCLE WORLD comparison test last year with the ultimate 1098/1198 Duc and the DB7:

"When talk turns to numbers and outright engine performance, the Ducati is clearly dominant, but perhaps the only person who can truly get the most out of the R already has his name and number emblazoned on the side of the bike! For the talented, experienced rider in search of ultimate lap times, the Bayliss is among the most amazing sportbikes you can buy. The Bimota, on the other hand, is a beautiful work of art, handles like a dream and has awesome real-world V-Twin power that makes it more accessible to more riders."

I absolutely agree. AND IT COSTS LESS TOO!!!!

Now the question comes as to why Bimota has not sold more of these bikes. My guess, poor marketing. This comparison test is not even listed at the Bimota website. Advertising has been nil. Great engineering, terrible marketing. Go figure. Dave

[Vic_Ducfut]

Originally Posted by WYD OPN

Still one of the most gorgeous bikes EVER, Dave!! The only other DB7 "Carbonio" (or whatever the actual official name of the clear-carbon) was just purchased by a gentleman in Florida.

Here !

See if you can spot Boomer's few mods....

[goodoldguy]

In black it really stands out (thats a mistake)
In stainless the look fills that huge void between tail section and wheel that remains with those exhaust tips

Really , take a good look at the sliver of a tail section that always looks like a Duck with its butt up in the air

sure on a race bike at the track , putting exhaust under the seat or routing it another way , who cares what they look like as long as they can race them.

A meaty exhaust of some sort is what you'd expect , you know , a powerful bike that lets out its steam seen somewhere ( a tailpipe friends )

[Vic_Ducfut]

Originally Posted by goodoldguy

In black it really stands out (thats a mistake)
In stainless the look fills that huge void between tail section and wheel that remains with those exhaust tips

Really , take a good look at the sliver of a tail section that always looks like a Duck with its butt up in the air

sure on a race bike at the track , putting exhaust under the seat or routing it another way , who cares what they look like as long as they can race them.

A meaty exhaust of some sort is what you'd expect , you know , a powerful bike that lets out its steam seen somewhere ( a tailpipe friends )

Interesting comments goodoldguy !
That can has grown on me, and is a welcome difference from the Futura & 1098 underseat exhausts i'm used to.

No chance of me removing it either. 15 years of racing has wrecked my hearing, so that stock pipe is loud enough.

[WYD OPN]

Originally Posted by dnovo

Only two in US, eight others were built for a total of ten. You should have bought it! Great bike, and it rides as well -- if not better -- than it looks. Dave

There are 3 DB7 Carbonios.