Bimota DB1J (400cc)

Bimota DB1J (400cc)
Manufacturer	Bimota
Weight
Manuals	Service Manual

Photos

Overview

Bimota DB1-J

The DB1 was the first Ducati-engined bike from Bimota.  Originally the developed started as a joint project between Bimota and Ducati.  Due to due difference between the two companies the bike was then built only by Bimota.  Ducati then built a similar Ducati Paso.

Bimota built the DB1 between 1985 until 1990 with a 750 cc Ducati 90° V-twin engine with Desmodromic valve-train in different levels of tune and styling. It was build in 4 variants:  DB1, DB1S, DB1SR and the DB1SR Serie Finale. A DB1J (400cc) was also build during this production run.

The frame is made of Chrome-Molybdenum steel tubing and uses a Triangulated Upper Space Frame or "Birdcage" design. The engine is a stressed member and the swingarm pivots in engine's crankcase. The DB1s triple-trees, clip-ons, rear-sets and several other bits are made of lightweight, hot stamped and billet Avional 14 aluminum.

DB1  (400 units build) Several DB1 models were produced. The standard DB1 has 36 mm carburetors, a restrictive airbox and a quiet 2-into-2 exhaust. It was made between 1985 and 1986 and while not powerful it is extremely refined.

DB1J (53 units build) A 400 cc version of the DB1, for the Japanese market, was produced between 1986 and 1987.

DB1S (63 units build) The DB1S is a slightly higher performance version of the 750 cc DB1 with 40 mm carburetors and freer 2-into-2 exhaust and was made between 1986 and 1987. Both the DB1 and the DB1S needed re-jetted upon delivery to run properly and make proper horsepower for the design.

DB1SR (153 units build) The DB1SR is an even higher performance version with 4-piston front calipers, 41 mm carburetors, freer 2-into-1 exhaust and more radical cam shafts and was made between 1987 and 1989. Confusingly, most DB1SRs are labeled "DB1RS" on the fairing and some are styled differently with a rear red number plates and correctly labeled "DB1SR". The DB1SR can be compared to Ducati's Laguna Seca/Montjuich/Santa Monica models, upgraded 750 F1s.

The DB1SR was successfully raced in Italy by Tiziano Bombardi, winning the 1987 Italian Sport Production Twins Championship, finishing on top of the podium in 8 of the 9 races, with one second-place finish.

DB1SR Serie Finale (7 units build) The DB1SR Serie Finale is similar in performance and style to the DB1SR yet with a green stripe and a silver plaque on the right side of the swingarm. These bikes were assembled in 1990 using the last 7 DB1 frames at the request of the Bimota Club USA President upon visiting the Bimota Factory. Three went to the US, at least one went to Japan, at least one went to France.

DB1R (10 units build) The DB1R is a Factory Corsa (race), or Works, bike made between 1985 and 1986. These bikes have many enhancements including several parts made of magnesium, different triple-trees (29° vs. 25°, identical trail at 105 mm), high performance engine internals, higher rear-sets, 42 mm carburetors, open 2-into-1 exhaust and no lights with the oil cooler in the nose of the fairing. DB1R frames don't have the three fuel cell mounts, the two steering stop mounts or the keyed steering lock (like the DB1/DB1S/DB1SR/DB1SR Serie Finale strada (street) frames. The aluminum fuel cell is made into the bodywork and can be identified by the upper vent hose.

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