Bimota Tesi 1D SR

Country of Manufacture: Italy
Year: 1992
Vin #: ZESS5DU25NRTES006
Frame: Unconventional “frame” comprising 2 milled aluminum plates that sandwich the Ducati engine. Front and rear swingarms pivot off these plates.
Suspension:
Front: Unique with its absence of traditional forks and characterized by both an oscillating extruded aluminum swingarm, and indirect steering, with control in the hub of the wheel
Rear: Extruded aluminum Swing arm with a single frame mounted Ohlins shock absorber
Wheels: Marchesini alloy rims
Brakes:
Front: Brembo 320 mm floating double disk
Rear: Brembo 230mm single fixed disk
Weight (dry): 202 kg. (446lb)
Tank Capacity: 16 Litres (4.2 US gal/3.5 Imperial gal)
Horsepower: 113 bhp @ 8500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed
Engine:
Type: Ducati 4 stroke. 2 cylinder. Water cooled
Cylinders: V twin. 90 degrees longitudinal,
Cylinder Head: Light alloy Desmodromic design. 4 valves per cylinder. Fuel injection
Displacement: 904 cc
Compression Ratio: 10.4:1
Ignition: Weber Electronic
Timing System: Double overhead camshafts
Clutch: Multi plate dry clutch
Primary Drive: Chain and sprocket         
Top Speed: 165 mph

History/Production: Bimota is a bespoke motorcycle manufacturer known for producing bikes with technically advanced frame and suspension designs in combination with engines from major manufacturers such as Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki. Perhaps the most advanced motorcycle ever attempted by any manufacturer was likely the hub steering Tesi of the early 1990’s. The Tesi 1D was the world’s first series production, center-hub-steering motorcycle that replaced the conventional telescopic fork.  By separating the suspension, braking and steering functions, the anti-dive qualities provided by this complex arrangement, allowed the rider to go faster into corners and brake later.

Since Tesi’s were inordinately expensive at $40,000 in 1990, production was extremely limited.
Beyond the initial 5 prototypes of varying design, production #’s were: Tesi 1D 851- 27 examples; Tesi 1D  904- 20  examples (this model had increased engine displacement from 851cc to 904cc); Tesi 1D SR- 144 examples (improved rear suspension with change to an Ohlin shock absorber & ball bearing steering head); Tesi 1D ES, 50 examples (this model had more streamlined fairings).

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