Bimota

750 Tesi 2 - 1984

A laboratory on two-wheels

Pierluigi Marconi and Roberto Ugolini, two engineering students, were only 23 years old each when they submitted a project for a revolutionary motorcycle to the Bimota company. The bike was the subject of their final degree thesis - "Tesi" in Italian.

Advanced Technology

Powered by a 400cc Honda V4 and built under the technical direction of Federico Martini, their design was shown at Milan in 1983. It was distinguished by its hub-center steering, which was controlled by hydraulic rams, and its carbon-fiber frame. When the Tesi appeared the following year, it was powered by a 750cc Honda V4: Bimota entered it for races with Davide Tardozzi as rider.

 Design Problems

The bike's development proved trickier than anticipated - some of its advanced features had to be abandoned. A third version, with a simple tubular frame, appeared at the end of 1985. An FZ 750 Yamaha engine replaced the original power unit in 1987, and a subsequent revision in 1988 dropped off the hydraulic steering in favor of bell-cranks. Marconi, who had become technical executive at Bimota, reopened the project in late 1991. The Tesi reappeared in a "street" version with a Ducati engine. Intended to be built in series, this version has not yet gone into production, though Bimota ultimately plans to make this latest Tesi its flagship model.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine: 851cc or 906cc four-stroke watercooled Ducati twin

• Power output: 100 hp

• Valves: twin overhead camshafts. 4 valves per cylinder

• Fuel system: electronic fuel injection

• Transmission: six-speed gearbox, chain final drive

• Suspension: (front) leading arms; (rear) swinging arm

• Brakes: (front) disc: (rear) disc

• Wheels: light alloy: (front) 17 in; (rear) 17 in

• Weight: 400 lb

• Maximum speed: 180 mph

The Bimota Test 1D is planned to become the standard-bearer in the Italians lone struggle against the wave of Japanese bikes in Europe.”