Bimota Db4

Bimota DB4

From Rimini, with love

WHEN IT COMES TO COLLECTIBLE ITALIAN MOTORcycles, there are almost as many desirable models as there are marques. Do you choose a Ducati 750SS, Laverda 750 SFC, MV Agusta 750S America, Moto Guzzi V7 Sport? How about something a bit more contemporary, like an eight-valve Ducati (any will do) or Guzzi Daytona?

Or perhaps a Bimota DB4? In an effort to rebuild its reputation following the Vdue debacle, Bimota has tapped into its own heritage and produced a bike that pays homage to one of its hallmark models. The DB1, manufactured from 1985-89, was the first Bimota powered by a Ducati engine, and its all-Italian status was reflected in its tricolore paint scheme.

The DB4 also wears red, white and green paint, but underneath that ifs a totally different motorcycle. Like the DB3 Mantra, it's powered by a carbureted 904cc Ducati VTwin housed in a lightweight (11 pounds), oval-tube, aluminum-trellis frame. Suspension consists of a Paioli fork and Öhlins shock, brakes are Brembo and Antera wheels are shod with Pirelli Dragon radiais in the usual sizes.

Our visit to the Bimota factory coincided with production of the 38 DB4s slated for America, and watching them blossom from bare engines to finished motorcycles was a real treat. Like the original DB 1, the DB4 is a masterpiece of elemental design. The bike begins as an engine only, onto which all the other components bolt. The airbox, electrics and 5.3-gallon, nylon fuel tank are all concealed by the one-piece body.

Straddling the DB4, you are immediately aware of its size-or rather lack thereof. Consider its weight: At a claimed 363 pounds dry, it's fully 60 pounds lighter than the new, fuel-injected Ducati 900SS. And that lack of heft, coupled with a short, 53.9-inch wheelbase and steep, 23-

degree steering head, makes the diminutive DB4 absolutely effortless to ride. It snaps into corners easier than anything this side of a 250cc GP racer, and stops like a carrier jet on an arresting cable. It's not particularly fast-the two-valve, sohc V-Twin only makes about 70 horsepower-but even so, it was not uncommon to see DB4s mixing it up with much more powerful Bimotas on the racetrack. More than a few egos were bruised during our time at Misano.

Downsides? Well, the DB4 is so compact that taller riders feel cramped, and those with boots larger than size 10 will hit their right heel on the carbon-fiber guard protecting the dual mufflers. Hard-riding heavier riders may also find themselves dragging the fairing lowers, as we did, but admittedly, the hectic goings-on at Misano prevented us from messing with shock spring preload. Lastly, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $18,550, you could almost buy two 900SSs for the price of a single DB4.

Those criticisms aside, most riders would be hardpressed to find fault with the DB4. It's a fitting tribute to the original that is destined to become equally collectible. Just the ticket for forgetting all about the Vdue.

-Brian Catterson