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Naked db2
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barnmankit



Joined: 23 Nov 2014
Posts: 97
Location: Pyrenees, France

PostPosted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 8:04 pm    Post subject: Naked db2 Reply with quote

Hi there, new to the forum but have owned my db2 for 15 years and totally love it. Due to other commitments she's been lying dormant in a dark corner but in the last few months I've pulled her out and am almost done with a simple conversion to naked "canyon racer". I should add that I live in the French Pyrenees and twisty mountain roads abound.
For those who consider it heresy to mess with these lovely machines, my reasons are as follows:
1. I love bikes where the mechanicals and a beautiful frame are on view
2. I think that fully faired sportsbikes are not really appropriate for road use and are bought mainly for their looks and image (IMHO!)
3. A quick steering bike with street bars is much more fun up to 90mph and much more usable in town (for posing, obviously)
4. It's more comfortable at sensible speeds
5. A few kilos can be gained by ditching the plastic

Mainly though I think Bimotas look wicked with their clothes off.
A couple of questions for you kind and helpful Bimotisti.
Does anyone know where to get the softer fork springs listed in the Paoili manual for the RSU 41s?
I want a replacement for the horribly heavy and dangerous suicide stand - any suggestions?

The bike is otherwise standard apart from Keihin fcr 41s and an Ignitech programmable ignition box (highly recommended).
Thanks for reading this and for your comments. Take care all.
Kit
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SpikeC



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

PostPosted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds good to me! Every time I have the bodywork off of my DB5R I think how good it looks!
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Spike C.
Portland, Oregon, USA
2008 Bimota DB5R
1965 Triumph T100SC
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barnmankit



Joined: 23 Nov 2014
Posts: 97
Location: Pyrenees, France

PostPosted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Why thank you spike! Good to have moral support. I can confirm, after racing up and down a few canyons, that the bike has a grin factor of 11 and what's more I can sit and gaze at her for hours, just appreciating the workmanship. I guess you're the same with your baby too...
The beauty of something hand built by artists is a rare thing these days.
Take care.
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2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 3:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Barnman...and welcome to the Forum.....15 years for a DB2....it does seem that people like to hold onto these puppies...and a nice bike they are to ride also...a world apart from the Donor Ducati 900SS/Monster....and lovely to look at with or without clothes on

I have a sidestand modification on My Db2 that adds a bent small alloy plate onto the sidestand mech...such that when you push the sidestand out it "catches" on full extension and stays in the down position...yet still retracts and holds up when you give it a kick...heres a thread showing you the jist of what has been done

http://www.bimotaforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=3698

Can give you dimensions if interested.......alternatively any Ducati stand would also bolt straight on as they bolt onto the engine crankcase just like they do with Bimotas....its just whether they would hold at the right angle or retract without hitting the swingarm....so checks would have to be done
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barnmankit



Joined: 23 Nov 2014
Posts: 97
Location: Pyrenees, France

PostPosted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 7:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks 2bims. I'll try to get a duke stand from a breakers and see if that works; I'm guessing the 900ss has about the same ride height but that's a good point about the swing arm. We'll see and I'll post the outcome.
Is your db2 standard, apart from the paint? Mine's an EF from 1998, frame no. 715. It would be very easy to get carried away with mods, but she's got enough power for me (since I fitted the Keihins) and I love her as she is (the secret to a good relationship...). New Metzeler M7rr s and with Renthal street bars she's a weapon in the twisties. But could do with softer forks as I'm only about 75 kilos and there's less weight on the front.
Thanks for the welcome folks!
Kit
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2bims



Joined: 03 Apr 2010
Posts: 7289

PostPosted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 7:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not so sure on ride heights...although seat height is far higher on a Db2 than a 900ss...or 600/750ss.......

My Db2 is an early one...and paint has changed again from that in the picture...and is a tricolor version now....bike is far from standard...944cc big bore kit...stage 2 cams, gas flowed balanced head and crank, Keihin FCR41 flatslides nd K&N cone filters....few other mods...main one being 51mm Paoli forks instead of the standard 41's........Biggest buzz ever from riding it when I'm in the mood....certainly helped by the flatslide carbs...best change that can be donw to these bikes for sure
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deebee4



Joined: 08 Jan 2011
Posts: 266
Location: Netherlands

PostPosted: Wed Nov 26, 2014 7:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

An Italian beauty that's fun to watch with her clothes off....... Wink

There a a lot of objects that I love to look at when they're undressed....
but a Bimota doesn't age too fast and provided well taken care off it'll still be a joy to look at after 25 years as if she just came into your life.... Laughing

Try undressing a Panigale and you'll discover the horrendous finishing underneath the plastic covers. Just like a women with too much make-up, waking up next to you in bed the morning after...... she looked so pretty after you had a couple of beers......
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Track riding on a Bimota: FUN!
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barnmankit



Joined: 23 Nov 2014
Posts: 97
Location: Pyrenees, France

PostPosted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 12:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You are so right deebee4!
The early dB s are simple and unpretentious but so beautiful in their construction, and their minimalism.
I meant to say - if any Bimota owners find themselves in south west France or the Pyrenees be sure to contact me. I can show you great roads and arrange accommodation in the village (biker friendly) if you want.
Any other recommended db2 modifications?
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brian



Joined: 22 Aug 2011
Posts: 3769
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 12:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Welcome to the forum Kit. Got any pics of your db2?

I'm also a lover of the lovely naked form... beautiful trellis frames, hand milled billet aluminium etc
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'99 DB4 #104, '96 SB6 #1165, '94 DB2 J #652, '99 DB4 #088, '08 VTX1800, '93 ZXR750R M1, '95 ZXR750, '95 ZXR750 Race Bike, '94 CBR400rr NC29 Race Bike, '94 CB250, '49 BSA C10 250, '61 BSA A10 650, '89 ZXR750, '91 Ducati 851
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barnmankit



Joined: 23 Nov 2014
Posts: 97
Location: Pyrenees, France

PostPosted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd like to upload photos but can't see how... Have posted a question in the general chat section. Would be useful to have a link in the forum index. I'm not dumb but can't be bothered spending hours on computers - these things need to be made really quick and simple for those of us who have better things to do, like playing with motorbikes! (End of rant.)
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brian



Joined: 22 Aug 2011
Posts: 3769
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

barnmankit wrote:
I'd like to upload photos but can't see how... Have posted a question in the general chat section. Would be useful to have a link in the forum index. I'm not dumb but can't be bothered spending hours on computers - these things need to be made really quick and simple for those of us who have better things to do, like playing with motorbikes! (End of rant.)


I've replied to your post about posting pics. If you don't have a photobucket account or are having trouble, email your pics to me and i'll post them if you like.
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'99 DB4 #104, '96 SB6 #1165, '94 DB2 J #652, '99 DB4 #088, '08 VTX1800, '93 ZXR750R M1, '95 ZXR750, '95 ZXR750 Race Bike, '94 CBR400rr NC29 Race Bike, '94 CB250, '49 BSA C10 250, '61 BSA A10 650, '89 ZXR750, '91 Ducati 851
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brian



Joined: 22 Aug 2011
Posts: 3769
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 1:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Photo's of Kit's naked db2...






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'99 DB4 #104, '96 SB6 #1165, '94 DB2 J #652, '99 DB4 #088, '08 VTX1800, '93 ZXR750R M1, '95 ZXR750, '95 ZXR750 Race Bike, '94 CBR400rr NC29 Race Bike, '94 CB250, '49 BSA C10 250, '61 BSA A10 650, '89 ZXR750, '91 Ducati 851
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brian



Joined: 22 Aug 2011
Posts: 3769
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 1:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I quite like the paint job Kit Wink
_________________
'99 DB4 #104, '96 SB6 #1165, '94 DB2 J #652, '99 DB4 #088, '08 VTX1800, '93 ZXR750R M1, '95 ZXR750, '95 ZXR750 Race Bike, '94 CBR400rr NC29 Race Bike, '94 CB250, '49 BSA C10 250, '61 BSA A10 650, '89 ZXR750, '91 Ducati 851
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barnmankit



Joined: 23 Nov 2014
Posts: 97
Location: Pyrenees, France

PostPosted: Mon Dec 01, 2014 2:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Big thanks to Brian for posting the photos. That's standard edizione finale paint.
In the conversion I also got rid of the ugly and heavy fuel pump and fuel by gravity to the Keihin fcr 41s. Works fine, though I've not tried running the tank really low. Simpler, tidier, lighter, less drain on the battery. I've probably removed 5 - 10 kilos from the bike and now need to soften the front forks.
She's a blast to ride Very Happy
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wallaman



Joined: 01 May 2012
Posts: 58
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 1:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Like the look! Any photos of the front of the bike? Curious how the unfaired headlight/frame assembly looks.
Thanks.
Chuck S.
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