Bimota unveils DB8 Biposto sportbike, skirts mainstream

Bimota DB8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Bimota – an exclusive Italian motorcycle manufacturer that got its name by cribbing two letters from each of its three founding father’s last names, the legendary Bianchi, Morri and Tamburini – has made a name for itself by producing high-end chassis components and bodywork using tried-and-true powerplants from the world’s finest two-wheeled firms. Now, with its latest bike, the DB8 Biposto (meaning it has two seats), the company edges a bit closer to the mainstream motorcycle market.

Where Bimota’s pricier models, such as the drool-worthy DB7, use carbon fiber (bodywork and subframe) or titanium (exhaust system), the new DB8 makes use of simple plastic and chromoly steel. Somewhat lower-spec suspension pieces – though still certainly of high quality and fully adjustable – will be used front and rear to help keep the price out of the stratosphere. The powerplant will be Ducati’s top-rung 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, offering up 170 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing will reportedly come in at €23,000 (£20,300 or about $33,000 in U.S. currency at today’s exchange rates), so this latest Bimota still won’t come cheap – more like a wee bit cheaper. Check out the high-res image gallery below and click past the break to read the full list of specifications.

Gallery: Bimota DB8