Four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valves
per cylinder
Capacity
992 cc / 60.5 cub. in.
Bore x Stroke
94 x 71.5 mm
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Cooling System
Air / oil cooled
Lubrication
Wet sump
Induction
Fuel Injection, 45mm throttle body
Ignition
Marelli electronic
Starting
Electric
Max Power
63 kW / 85.5 hp @ 7750 rpm
Max Torque
87.5 Nm / 9 Kg-m / 64.5 lb-ft. @ 5750 rpm
Transmission
6 Speed
Final Drive
Chain
Exhaust system
2 in 1 in 2
Frame
25/20 mm chrome-molybdenum steel trellis with
aluminium machined plates
Front Suspension
50 mm Marzocchi upside-down with TiN
treatmentm 120mm wheel travel
Rear Suspension
Straight connection with full adjustable
monoshock, 130mm wheel travel
Rake
24°
Trail
100 mm / 3.9 in.
Front Brakes
2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes
Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre
120/90 ZR17
Rear Tyre
180/55 ZR17
Seat height
830 mm / 32.7 in.
Wheelbase
1425 mm / 56.1 in.
Dimensions
Length
2045 mm / 80.5 in.
Width
750 mm / 29.5 in.
Height
48.4 in.
Dry weight
170 kg / 374.8 lbs
Wet weight
185 kg / 407.9 lbs.
Fuel Capacity
16 Litres / 4.2 US gal
Standing 1000 m
23.0 sec / 206.8 km/h /128.5 mph
Standing
¼ Mile
12.1 sec / 182.9. km/h / 113.6 mph
Top Speed
214.1 km/h / 133mph
As a manufacturer of motorcycles, Bimota brings to mind a
quaint, privately owned coffee house among a sea of innocuous,
conglomerate-run establishments crowding the landscape. As is usually the
case with any exclusive, artistic hang-out, you may have to go a little
farther out of your way, pay a little more, and the service may not be
especially attentive. But for the connoisseur who appreciates the ambience
as much as the coffee, it is unquestionably worth it.
For the discerning enthusiast, motorcycles tend to come under the same kind
of exacting criteria fulfilling individual taste as does that of the devout
coffee drinker. Like one of those independent cafés, Bimota has always
marched to the beat of its own drum, dedicated to creating unique machines,
fully embracing the fact that there will always be a select, though limited,
segment of the motorcycling populace eager to go out of their way to
experience something a little different—provided it kicks. (Click
image to enlarge)
In affirmation of their re-emergence, Bimota adds yet another beauty
to its expanding stable of thoroughbreds. The luscious DB6 Delirio (which
translates to delirium, or a state of excitement) effectively captures the
essence of the company’s slogan, "technology of emotion."
The machine is generously awash with the aesthetic eccentricities that have
always been the benchmark of Bimota, possessing the essential, mysterious
magic that Final Drives the brand’s loyalists to frenzy with inexplicable
palpitations of the heart. As with all Bimotas, the DB6 is imbued with a
plethora of unique attributes that contribute to its immediate, visceral
appeal, as well as hints that, with the passing of time, allude to status as
a future collectable.
Designer Sergio Robbiano smoothed out the sharp edges of his DB5 sport bike
to create a more practical upright. Retaining an aggressive stature the
Delirio is sublimely slim with aggressive angles that embrace a bold and
brash masculine temperament. Wide handlebars lend an added degree of
leverage and the upright seating position rewards with increased
maneuverability and a lesser toll on the body. By removing the bodywork,
Robbiano invites us into appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to
detail of the machine.
Sergio worked his magic on the sparse bodywork, creating a strikingly wedged
bikini fairing with integrated turn signals and a belly pan. The under-seat
exhaust culminates in dynamic, triangular mufflers that blend seamlessly
with the tail section. The minimalist dashboard is pleasantly dominated by
the large-faced, easy to read tachometer. These various modernistic pieces,
combined with the spindly chassis tubing and various alloys, make the DB6
look like something an alien landing party accidentally left behind on a
clandestine research trip to earth.
Maintaining Bimota’s honored tradition of utilizing Ducati engines to power
their creations, the DB6 is laden with an air-cooled, L-twin Desmodromic
1000DS engine. Though the look of the machine begs for more, the powerplant
produces a rather sedate 91 horsepower. However, this figure is forgiven by
a dry weight of just 375 pounds. Maximum torque arrives at 4,500 rpm, making
the Delirio user-friendly for real world situations such as getting under
way, stop and go traffic, as well as delivering a healthy grunt in tight
switchbacks—the essence of an upright machine. A 6-speed transmission is
partnered to a multi-plate dry clutch for that unique Ducati rattle we all
love. (Click image to enlarge)
The Delirio utilizes the same tubular chrome molybdenum steel trellis design
frame as its fully faired DB5 sibling. The unusual design incorporates
lateral side plates of billet aircraft aluminum for added rigidity. This
distinctive design cue carries through to the swingarm, allowing for
vertical rigidity with a compliant level of lateral flex. Three-way
adjustable foot pegs, combined with the adjustability of the standard
handlebar, allows the rider to tailor the DB6 to his specific desires.
Massive 50mm Marzocchi upside-down forks are all business.
The rear mono-shock is mounted at a severe cantilever and connects the
swingarm directly to the frame sans any complicated rocker assemblies. Dual
320mm brake rotors on the front end are wave cut and teamed with
radial-mount Brembo 4-piston calipers for superior stopping power. Rear unit
is a single 200mm disc grabbed by a 2-piston caliper. Wheels are
lightweight, attractive 6-spoke Marchesinis.
The Delirio tugs at the heartstrings, possessing a stardust quality of
rareness and precocious promises of actual rideability. Alas, Bimotas
require more than a modicum of passion to justify their quirks. So, if
you’re one to argue the benefits of convenience and accessibility found in a
characterless coffeehouse chain against the ambience of a proper café, the
Bimota probably isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate your
espresso in a porcelain cup, with a saucer and a diminutive silver spoon,
served in an establishment indulging a romantic Italian motif, the Delirio
may well speak to your psyche. Also, it will, no doubt, look right at home
parked out front.