Bimota DB8

Wow, what a machine the Bimota DB8 S is. Some people might expect a lot more electronic wizadry for the money by we really liked it as it is.

It has a very raw feel to it, but that’s meant in a nice way. Power is supplied by the Ducati 1198 V-twin engine so we can tell you power isn’t an issue, nor is the bike’s handling prowess.

The bikes comes standard with fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi forks and an ExtremeTech shock which we’ve never heard of before. OZ Racing wheels, huge Brembo brakes, acres of carbon fibre and a look which is simply as sexy as all get out.

Pulling up at Eastern Creek with the DB8 on the trailer was fantastic, with lots of envious glances heading our way. It received lots of attention from fellow track day punters. On the track it was a pleasure to ride.

With two riders we had to compromise on settings. Guest rider Billy Newton is a lightweight so he preferred the forks softer than our main tester Chris Pickett. Chris found the forks slightly underdamped when he was on the bike but overall it wasn’t an issue. Both riders loved the way the rear shock felt. Anyone who’s ridden a Ducati 1198 will tell you how nice the engine is, and it was no different in the DB8. Power everywhere, and lots of it.

The brakes are extremely potent, and the riding position roomy, even for big blokes. One trait we loved was the slipper clutch, which worked seamlessly. What would we like do to the bike? A quick shifter for the track would be nice, but that was about it. Oh, a gear indicator on the dash would be handy too.

Suspension wise it’s more about personal set up. Billy found it fine but Chris would have liked some time to set the forks up to his weight. He’s big boned OK. Both riders were worried about crashing such a work of art so weren’t prepared to push too hard on the Michelin Power One tyres, which are more road based than track

. But that said we almost shagged them out in four sessions. Would we have one in the shed? In a heartbeat. See the full test in an upcoming issue of Cycle Torque.