On January 27, 2006, the first
prototype of what was to become yet another new Bimota model since the
resurrection of the brand, On January 27, 2006, the first prototype of what
was to become yet another new Bimota model since the resurrection of the
brand, left the manufacturing facility in Rimini, Italy, for the first test
ride. In the seat was Engineer Alberto Strada. Already waiting for his
return, helmet in hand, was designer Sergio Robbiano, anxiously looking
forward to the first ride on the personification of his imagination.
For the second time in the young
history of the new Bimota company, Sergio Robbiano had been the creative
head behind a project combining pure esthetics of the motorcycle with the
highest standards of functionality: The Bimota DB6 Delirio, a naked bike
that parallels the full-faired supersport DB5.
After the initial presentation
of the DB6 Delirio at the Motorshow in Milano, Italy, in November 2005, the
reactions of visitors and special-interest media alike destined the concept
for production, ideally in the shortest time possible. Today the DB6 Delirio
presents itself as thoroughbred Bimota: The result of intensive technical
research, engineered to the highest quality standards, composed to capture
emotion by both its static appearance as well as its dynamic experience.

The DB6 Delirio is based upon
the DB5's frame and swing-arm, utilizing the same power-plant - the only
technical elements these two motorcycles share.
Components of the DB6 Delirio
remain top of the line, manufactured to the Bimota ideology of perfection
and style. The aluminum plates located at the lower end of the main frame
and the back end of the swing-arm have been re-designed to appear even
lighter and convey an even slimmer line of the motorcycle. Further enhancing
the appearance and performance of the DB6 Delirio are the exclusive steering
plates, solidly embracing the 50mm Marzocchi forks. Completing the rolling
chassis of the DB6 is the powerful Brembo radial braking system with its
uniquely shaped rotors.
The DB6 Delirio's frontal view,
the face of the motorcycle, is defined by its exclusive headlight assembly,
integrating the turn signals and the dashboard which is dominated by a
distinctive rev-counter.
The handlebars, like the
complete seating position, put the rider in full control over the DB6
Delirio at any time, providing an outstanding experience and the sensation
of dominating the road.
The tank has been designed to be
narrow at knee-hight, widening just above the rider's legs. While adding to
the unique line of the DB6 Delirio, this design provides a perfect
combination of tank-volume and rider-control.
Just like on its counterpart,
the DB5, the DB6 Delirio's rider footrests can be adjusted in three
positions. Also the upper control levers, brake and clutch, can be adjusted
to each riders specific needs and comfort.
With a seat hight of 800mm and a
weight of just 170kg, the DB6 Delirio is a motorcycle fitting shorter riders
comfortably while providing enough space and leverage for taller riders,
without any compromise to control and handling for any size rider.
All elements of the DB6 Delirio
are characterized by two main aspects: They compliment the motorcycle's
exclusive and unique design line, while providing their respectively desired
functionality. The passengers aluminum footrests and their supports reflect
the trellis concept of the DB6 Delirio's framework. In combination with the
well padded seat, the passenger will experience a far more comfortable
position than on most naked bikes on the market today. Also the rider has a
more comfortable position, leaning only slightly forward over the tank.
The triangle shaped mufflers,
complying with EU emission limit according to EURO3, are placed under the
seat, following the motorcycles slim silhouette. Specially designed air
intakes provide cooling to the muffler itself and prevent warming of the
passenger seat.
Negative acceleration on both
wheels is provided by powerful Brembo calipers embracing the distinctively
shaped rotors.
The DB6 Delirio's performance,
powerful engine, light weight, and exclusive components, assembled to the
highest standards, elevate this Bimota motorcycle above the known world of
naked-bikes. Like every Bimota, the DB6 Delirio's dynamic characteristics
are in perfect harmony with its static appearance: beyond average.
Oh, and one more thing: On that
rather cold day in January we mentioned earlier, everything went very well
with Eng. Strada's first test ride of the DB6 Delirio prototype. Still,
Sergio Robbiano had to wait a long time with the helmet in his hands before
he came back ...