Bimota to Build 600cc Japanese Powered Street Bike - Ducati.ms

dnovo · Jun 2nd, 2010, 8:06 am

My latest issue of MCN (about a week behind here in the US) has a fairly extensive story that says Bimota has announced its intention to build a street version of the HB4 Moto2 bike at an anticipated price not to exceed 20,000 pounds. The story continues that with the planned expansion of Moto2 to include other spec engines in 600cc that Bimota may use those as well. The story says Bimota contemplates Kawasaki powered models (KB4?) Suzuki (SB9) Yamaha (YB12) etc.

The author waxes eloquent about the bikes being lighter than their Japanese 'donors' with better attention to suspension, etc or a return to the 'good old days' at Bimota.

Will be nice to see if it pans out. My personal vote for the engine would be the one from the 09 to current ZX-6R. I tried out all of the current Japanese 600s as they are now being almost given away as a non-2010 but still current model is sitting on a dealer floor or in the warehouses with lots of sales incentives. Tried all of them (Honda, Yamaha, Kawa, and Suzuki) and bought a 2009 ZX-6R Monster Energy new for an astonishingly low price and find it the best of the current crop. Very good low and mid-range, normally lacking in a 600. Would make a killer engine for a 2011 Bimota.

Dave

Bimota fan · Jun 2nd, 2010, 8:54 am

What would you think about using a 675 triple, either from Triumph or the rumored MV Agusta?

Steve

lant5 · Jun 2nd, 2010, 9:41 am

The 675 Triumph motor is a gem. I have a Street Triple R and every time I ride the thing it is just too much fun. I doubt you would ever see a Triumph triple in a Bimota but it sure would be something special if it happened.

totobimota · Jun 3rd, 2010, 7:01 am

sorry....
not true!!!!

dnovo · Jun 3rd, 2010, 7:21 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by totobimota

sorry....
not true!!!!

Okay, what is 'not true?' The article in MCN? They aren't going to build a street version of the 600? And, after we sort out your 'not true' what is the source?

Inquiring minds want to know. Dave

Ducshop · Jun 3rd, 2010, 11:12 am

I think it would make sence to build a production bike based on the kit they are marketing toward Moto 2. I doubt they were intentionaly going to make a Japanese powered bike again, just a by product of doing business in Moto 2.

rcrob · Jun 4th, 2010, 12:50 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducshop

I think it would make sence to build a production bike based on the kit they are marketing toward Moto 2. I doubt they were intentionaly going to make a Japanese powered bike again, just a by product of doing business in Moto 2.

Well, I could buy a fast 600, developed over decades of racing for a very low price, or I can buy a slow 600 developed over what, three races for a big chunk of change. Hmmm, what should I get?

Ducshop · Jun 4th, 2010, 6:41 am

My answer was more for the OP, refering to Bimota making bikes with multiple engine manufacturers which I think was part of their dowfall in the past. The HB4 would certainly not be a bang for the buck bike, more exotica for those who desire it. The 1098R is faster than a DB7 yet we have sold more DB7's than the local dealer has 1098R/1198R's, it's all about buying what floats your boat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcrob

Well, I could buy a fast 600, developed over decades of racing for a very low price, or I can buy a slow 600 developed over what, three races for a big chunk of change. Hmmm, what should I get?

dnovo · Jun 4th, 2010, 8:42 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ducshop

My answer was more for the OP, refering to Bimota making bikes with multiple engine manufacturers which I think was part of their dowfall in the past. The HB4 would certainly not be a bang for the buck bike, more exotica for those who desire it. The 1098R is faster than a DB7 yet we have sold more DB7's than the local dealer has 1098R/1198R's, it's all about buying what floats your boat.

You have hit on one of my pet issues. The CYCLE WORLD test of the DB7 vs 1098R last year found the 1098R to be only marginally faster on the track and less usable on the street, citing the better suspension on the DB and the change in the ECU for more mid range. The DB7 is also cheaper!!! (And as I owned a 1098R and have a DB7, I can confirm the CYCLE WORLD conclusions.)

So, despite a significant power debit, a better bike for all practical purposes and for less money. Bimota can still hit them out of the park.

Now if they could just learn how to market their bikes . . . .

Dave

Ducshop · Jun 4th, 2010, 9:11 am

We actually sold that test bike, went to a friend of mine who I think will never sell it.

Yes, they need to do more in brand marketing, would be nice to have some cool apperal to offer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnovo

You have hit on one of my pet issues. The CYCLE WORLD test of the DB7 vs 1098R last year found the 1098R to be only marginally faster on the track and less usable on the street, citing the better suspension on the DB and the change in the ECU for more mid range. The DB7 is also cheaper!!! (And as I owned a 1098R and have a DB7, I can confirm the CYCLE WORLD conclusions.)

So, despite a significant power debit, a better bike for all practical purposes and for less money. Bimota can still hit them out of the park.

Now if they could just learn how to market their bikes . . . .

Dave