Bimota launched a new version of its DB5 Mille at the recent DB6 Delirio launch in Rimini. It is called DB5R and features some very nice bits such as a full carbon fibre fairing, radial Brembo master brake pump, OZ wheels, slipper-clutch and titanium silencers. The standard DB5 already comes with high spec Ohlins suspension front and back as well as radial Brembo brake callipers. Technical manager Alberto Strada said at the press conference that they have not done a proper dry/wet weighing session yet, but that the weight reduction should be around 7 kilos on an already light bike. Claimed dry-weight for the DB5 is 156 kilos which should make the DB5R weigh in at 149 kilos. Now that is really fly-weight. Who said exotic could not get more exotic? The good news is that the new DB5R will cost the same as the DB5 Mille does today and the DB5 Mille will get a price reduction.

Bimota will also be working on a Tesi 3D which will be an improvement on the current out-of-this world looking Tesi 2D. There has as of yet not been taken a decision about the next superbike project as engine choice is still not decided. As reported earlier both Bimota technical management (Alberto Strada) and the designer (Sergio Robbiano) prefers the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 option. However there has been done some research amongst customers that show that people wants a full blooded Italian bike which means there are only two realistic alternatives. Ducati Testastretta or MV Agusta F4 1000. If Bimota could arrange a very unlikely deal with MV Agusta they will have to find another designer to make the chassis and fairings as Robbiano would never touch any of Massimo Tamburinis work-Out of respect for Tamburini rather than anything else. It would be very odd and almost impossible to design something to exceed Tamburinis F4 anyway. So Testastretta is the only realistic Italian engine alternative and that would be DB7. Bimota is split in two over this decision and don’t expect this bike too soon. The name “Mirage” was mentioned. Bimota has got around 3 million Euro to invest into future Bimota models in the next couple of years. DB6, Tesi 1D and Tesi 2D pictured. By Tor Sagen