Bimota DB6 Delirio

As a manufacturer of motorcycles, Bimota brings to mind a quaint, privately owned coffee house among a sea of innocuous, conglomerate-run establishments crowding the landscape. As is usually the case with any exclusive, artistic hang-out, you may have to go a little farther out of your way, pay a little more, and the service may not be especially attentive. But for the connoisseur who appreciates the ambience as much as the coffee, it is unquestionably worth it.

For the discerning enthusiast, motorcycles tend to come under the same kind of exacting criteria fulfilling individual taste as does that of the devout coffee drinker. Like one of those independent cafés, Bimota has always marched to the beat of its own drum, dedicated to creating unique machines, fully embracing the fact that there will always be a select, though limited, segment of the motorcycling populace eager to go out of their way to experience something a little different—provided it kicks. (Click image to enlarge)

In affirmation of their re-emergence, Bimota adds yet another beauty to its expanding stable of thoroughbreds. The luscious DB6 Delirio (which translates to delirium, or a state of excitement) effectively captures the essence of the company’s slogan, "technology of emotion."

The machine is generously awash with the aesthetic eccentricities that have always been the benchmark of Bimota, possessing the essential, mysterious magic that Final Drives the brand’s loyalists to frenzy with inexplicable palpitations of the heart. As with all Bimotas, the DB6 is imbued with a plethora of unique attributes that contribute to its immediate, visceral appeal, as well as hints that, with the passing of time, allude to status as a future collectable.

Designer Sergio Robbiano smoothed out the sharp edges of his DB5 sport bike to create a more practical upright. Retaining an aggressive stature the Delirio is sublimely slim with aggressive angles that embrace a bold and brash masculine temperament. Wide handlebars lend an added degree of leverage and the upright seating position rewards with increased maneuverability and a lesser toll on the body. By removing the bodywork, Robbiano invites us into appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the machine.

Sergio worked his magic on the sparse bodywork, creating a strikingly wedged bikini fairing with integrated turn signals and a belly pan. The under-seat exhaust culminates in dynamic, triangular mufflers that blend seamlessly with the tail section. The minimalist dashboard is pleasantly dominated by the large-faced, easy to read tachometer. These various modernistic pieces, combined with the spindly chassis tubing and various alloys, make the DB6 look like something an alien landing party accidentally left behind on a clandestine research trip to earth.

Maintaining Bimota’s honored tradition of utilizing Ducati engines to power their creations, the DB6 is laden with an air-cooled, L-twin Desmodromic 1000DS engine. Though the look of the machine begs for more, the powerplant produces a rather sedate 91 horsepower. However, this figure is forgiven by a dry weight of just 375 pounds. Maximum torque arrives at 4,500 rpm, making the Delirio user-friendly for real world situations such as getting under way, stop and go traffic, as well as delivering a healthy grunt in tight switchbacks—the essence of an upright machine. A 6-speed transmission is partnered to a multi-plate dry clutch for that unique Ducati rattle we all love. (Click image to enlarge)

The Delirio utilizes the same tubular chrome molybdenum steel trellis design frame as its fully faired DB5 sibling. The unusual design incorporates lateral side plates of billet aircraft aluminum for added rigidity. This distinctive design cue carries through to the swingarm, allowing for vertical rigidity with a compliant level of lateral flex. Three-way adjustable foot pegs, combined with the adjustability of the standard handlebar, allows the rider to tailor the DB6 to his specific desires.

Massive 50mm Marzocchi upside-down forks are all business. The rear mono-shock is mounted at a severe cantilever and connects the swingarm directly to the frame sans any complicated rocker assemblies. Dual 320mm brake rotors on the front end are wave cut and teamed with radial-mount Brembo 4-piston calipers for superior stopping power. Rear unit is a single 200mm disc grabbed by a 2-piston caliper. Wheels are lightweight, attractive 6-spoke Marchesinis.

The Delirio tugs at the heartstrings, possessing a stardust quality of rareness and precocious promises of actual rideability. Alas, Bimotas require more than a modicum of passion to justify their quirks. So, if you’re one to argue the benefits of convenience and accessibility found in a characterless coffeehouse chain against the ambience of a proper café, the Bimota probably isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate your espresso in a porcelain cup, with a saucer and a diminutive silver spoon, served in an establishment indulging a romantic Italian motif, the Delirio may well speak to your psyche. Also, it will, no doubt, look right at home parked out front.

Source eff Buchanan  10/01/2007 Motorcyclingmag.com