Bimota Forum

Gavin944888 · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 3:14 pm Post subject:

I like the tail thingy….it changes the look…..but our designer wanted “street fighter”…you make longer!! ..why…??……again I try to explain about my use of proportion…not the theory just in a mixed bag of languages we could both under stand…..I settled on the Salami story.

In my best Scottish story telling accent…I asked him to imagine an Italian salami…sitting on the desk in front of us………it was a small desk used for an inspector to stand at and mark off his tick sheet….the salami looks pretty big…yes? Now take the same Salami and hang it on the wall above the 5 bikes waiting to go out to the customers…….next to the bikes the salami looks small……..I then point to my own body and say “same salami…just different proportion……..it looks smaller with something bigger next to it!” “I make the seat section “look” bigger and give the illusion of being far longer than the tail tidy extension shows!”

We both agree on my idea BUT he comes up with a better idea……
…..”lets fit the seat unit from the DB11…..
it will fit the frame but will be 150mm longer with a bigger seat”
”Do you want it plain or painted?”

As he seeks out a DB11 and the seat in question.

I am flabbergasted…..this is fantastic…he understands and what’s more… wants to help….very impressed…bearing in mind Shaun was under the impression that they (Bimota) would view my changes in the same way as putting the Mona Lisa in a £3.50 Woolworths glass picture frame.

“Send me a photo of the pegs..and the mounts…do you have the CNC programme…what drawing do you have”

……well blow me…...you can have what ever you want….

Bimota like my pegs…want to supply wider bars and make…yes……

make a seat and tail unit (in carbon fibre…Jeez..) as a one off....….

not since Eliane Breckenbridge…smelling of Vodka, Vimto and fags (Glasgow circa 1974) has a Tuesday morning… been this good!

Anyway.... we are about to start our factory walk with MariaElena..but he stops MaraiElena and tells her of my plans to change the DB9 seat unit......
he was OK with it but Maria gave me the kind of look normally reserved for someone who wanted to buy her child!

So ..up the stairs to the main production room we go and get introduced to all the staff...this must be what the Queen feels like... but without the smell of fresh paint!

We turn the corner and there, in a corner,
back with the man who "made" her was my DB9...

the same man who built her was now carrying out all the work whilst checking nuts and bolts and looking un-easily at my modifications

_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

Gavin944888 · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 3:59 pm Post subject:

By some quirk...the number of the DB9 is 13
and the number of the exhaust is 13!

Bimota demanded I sign a non disclosure and non claim form prior to leaving the factory.

I accepted all liability for the exhaust...noise...non LEZ (low emmission zone) conformity and by the time I was finished I think I accepted full responsibility for the 3 legged dog I saw outside the factory.
_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

Gavin944888 · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 4:13 pm Post subject:

The bike was almost complete and was to await the full install of the latest software...new and improved and free of any stutters!

Apparently the DB9 has had about 3 re writes and Bimota feel pretty bad about the lack of UK support...although they did go to great lengths to explain it is not just their fault.

They explained that any UK rider would be welcome at the factory BUT also pointed out they were actively trying to match the support given to other EU countries!

Check out the product ....regardless of support....look at those welds...
made in Italy by dark eyed olive skinned angels......added to one fine motorcycle.

The bike was readied and taken downstairs for the software update

where we introduced to the software engineer....he used to be with Benelli before joining Bimota 6 years or so ago....he is actively working on the DB11 Supercharger and the problems that brings!
_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

SpikeC · Joined: 20 Aug 2013 Posts: 450 Location: Portland, Oregon

Wow, what a great thread! I am so impressed by the way that they treated you there! It really makes me wish that I could live near there.
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Spike C.
Portland, Oregon, USA
2008 Bimota DB5R
1965 Triumph T100SC

Gavin944888 · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2014 4:57 pm Post subject:

So..there I am looking into the DYNO area like a lost child when the software guy comes out holding a thingy...but an important thingy.

If you have one of these and our(as in Shaun and I) mechanics do!!
you can download the appropriate software and upload...or something the latest ...stuff...from the factory.

Not only do MAN and MERC commercial trucks use them, but also DUCATI and BIMOTA!!

The software guy was very imformative and explained be careful in 3rd gear as it can be a bit lively!!

During our conversation he asks why we are there....why carry out the modifications etc etc...and I explain......1st Bimota ..always wanted one...couldn't fit one ..had elefants...Cagiva....messed about....got Cagivas' blessing to stick things in them.....built a 888 engined elefant...stretched it to 955cc..... built a couple of rallye things.

BINGO.......he had an elefant...an 900ie gt (I know it means nothing here...but this is good!) he tried to go to the Factory Open day in 2010 that I helped organize...he remembered my green 888 bike....
the website ....much power....ram air.

Anyway....now we had another bond....so off he goes to the chief mechanic......talks using his hands and takes us into the sacred area of the dyno room!!

As we talk engines ...cooling..ECU etc etc ...the DB9 is taken up stairs again for final inspection.......and get this

they are unhappy with the mirror...it did droop a bit.

they are unhappy with the rear shock.....and fit a new one!!

I dig in my pocket and find a tissue, keys and approx 5 euro!!

Fear not.............all free of charge!!

And with that they arrange for the DB9 to be taken out of the factory
less than 4 hours from start to finish.

For sure the Arrow Ti exhaust cost 4600 euros nett.......they sold it via our company to eliminate any TAX*...likewise the mirror and the rear shock...would have fetched 1600 euros or so.

BTW they did not have to*!

Either way....I have the bike I wanted and seen at the Italian show in 2012.

If the DB11 seat thing comes...so be it...if not...whatever.....but in this shot you can see why I designed and fitted the rear thingies

Not a stay at home bike!
_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

Evilchicken0 · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 2996 Location: London

Sweet
You feel like one of their family don't you ?
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Don't read everything you believe

CNC · Joined: 19 Jul 2013 Posts: 257 Location: Slovenia

Excellent... like being in a good movie!
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Bimota DB7, Bimota DB5 Mille, Ducati 916, Ducati M900, Benelli Tornado Tre

JRH · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 9:39 am Post subject:

Excellent thread, and a happy ending))))

Weed · Joined: 29 Dec 2013 Posts: 250 Location: Perth Australia

Gavin944888 · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 11:11 am Post subject:

So once the bike is loaded and ready to go , I go back in and say goodbye and thank you to all concerned.
Just as I do this a KB1 rider is standing next to his bike, rocks up to me and introduces himself….,Spanish rider, 50s, ponytail, old leathers, cigarillo, coffee and handlebar moustache just ridden to Rimini from the Catalan area.

Maria Elena says “don’t worry…we get this all this time…my customers just turn …its like family…they think we have a shop and a museum…we have nothing…but still they come!”

The KB1 rider and I exchange limited greetings and study the shelves and the odd project.

And there ...up on a shelf..gathering dust............

I get ready to leave the software guy gets his DB11 out……….Shaun is getting restless, but he knows that they are proud and want to show their work.

Shaun and I have been at 3 factories, each different in their handling, we at at Cagiva/MV Agusta about 3 or 4 times …at the CH Racing factory (the P-D Lucky Strike Rallye race team from the early to mid 1990s) for Cagiva about a dozen times…. CH Racing are now the official BMW/Husky factory race unit in Varese. ….and now Bimota. We both agree that although we spent more time with the others, this was the friendliest group right down to arranging secure paring for the bike in Rimini at the hotel.

The software guy goes over the DB11 and explains the supercharger the ECU and the problems……..then he gets out a photo of his elefant!

The 900ie gt was (in its day) very special the first elephants were designed by Mr Tamburini and cost the same as a Ducati 851……in 1990 the list price was £5995 more than a anything similar, but came with all the usual touches found on any Tamburini designed bike, where engineers, rather than accountants made the decisions.

We both agreed on the elefant as a fine bike
….then he points to DB11….look…

And with that we have to leave...but not before he says;

They have been told by the “new owners” to limit the development work other than for himself on the DB11 and all other Bimota engineers are to concentrate on the other range and “major” on the BB3……..I guess at 40000 euros base price....... they want the cash flow.

He was saying that Bimota do very little on the BB3….they cannot touch the engine or cooling ....but the exhaust, inlets and ECU can be altered as well as the actual engine positioning and weight bias. With the Bimota exhaust and design changes they get more HorsePower…..they could get a lot more but they have to settle on an agreed increase with BMW.

In a world of warranty and legal issues…….the definitely see themselves as a boutique .....take a proven product, eliminate the lowest common denominators of mass production…tune each bike to each bike potential and sell at a premium.
_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

Gavin944888 · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2014 11:30 am Post subject:

The reason for going.........the ARROW Ti Works exhaust package.

Really, really good……..thoroughly enjoyed it….DB9 is absolutely rocked...stonking engine ..fantastic handling...oohh and that noise!!!.

but l hated the DB9 seat …..Stuttgart (Germany) to Essex (England)…started at 8.00am back indoors at 7.00pm.

No relevance of fuel range….could not do more than 60miles before stopping and getting feeling back in my rear.
Probably a combination of new shock and solid seat.

Potentially the worse seat ever made…..first thing I did when I got home was promise a gel seat insert and re cover…..all I have to do is wait for that DB11 seat………happy happy bunny.

THE WEATHER.................the pass..Bremmen...Austria

That is it............finished
_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

Evilchicken0 · Joined: 12 May 2010 Posts: 2996 Location: London

As far as the seat goes ... have you seen the BB3 seat ?!?!
_________________
Don't read everything you believe

SpikeC · Joined: 20 Aug 2013 Posts: 450 Location: Portland, Oregon

I just got through doing 1700 miles on a DB5R seat, the very thin foam bottoms out in about 2 minutes! Oh my butt!! I'm getting an Airhawk seat pad!
_________________
Spike C.
Portland, Oregon, USA
2008 Bimota DB5R
1965 Triumph T100SC

Gavin944888 · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2014 8:36 pm Post subject:

Spike......I have looked at air hawk but I use some really good upholstery who can work magic with gel pads. I bought some medical grade gel 18mm thick and I will get them to. Incorporate the pad ASAP.
Failing that.......I might be evaluating each journey by rest stops rather than fuel stops.....once you get Airhawk..please advise on its effectiveness!
_________________
On an Island in the River Thames!

Cagiva Elefant 888/955 & adventure sidecar
Cagiva Elefant 999r engined
Cagiva BIMOTA Motard Concept
BIMOTA DB9 (with DB11 rear-end)
BIMOTA DB7-11 VLX MULE (build coming to an end)
BIMOTA DB11 VLX Supercharger

SpikeC · Joined: 20 Aug 2013 Posts: 450 Location: Portland, Oregon

Will do! Should be within a week.
_________________
Spike C.
Portland, Oregon, USA
2008 Bimota DB5R
1965 Triumph T100SC