There are few motorcycles more exotic than a Bimota. And this machine, which has just gone up for sale, is one of the most covetable Bimotas of all—the 1986 DB1R racer. Built in conjunction with Ducati, it’s one of the four factory bikes campaigned by Davide Tardozzi, Malcolm Tunstall of Syd’s Cycles, and Dale Quarterley.
Power comes from a Ducati 750F1 motor, fettled by Ferracci and equipped with hotter cams and a boost in displacement to 853cc. Like the wheels, the valve covers are magnesium to save weight. Output is around 90hp, a considerable figure for a tiny 300 lb (136 kg) bike. The clutch is an NCR/Bimota item, with mechanical rather than hydraulic actuation.
This DB1R is the one Quarterley rode to victory at Sears Point, with slightly lower footpegs than the other works racers (Quarterley is 6’4”) and a custom Supertrapp exhaust built for extra clearance around the shifter pedal. Handling is reportedly excellent, with an unusually short wheelbase of just 54”. Then, of course, there are the DB1R’s looks. The all-enveloping fiberglass bodywork was ahead of its time, and is still instantly recognizable today.
