Bimoto DB8SP

[woody_5755]

So, I'm looking at getting a big boys bike, I'm really liking these... Does the motorcycling community consider these as pieces of art, that morally shouldn't even really be ridden and kept in a glass box? Or would there not be tears shed if it was ridden into the ground? (not through insufficient care, but because there would be 100-200,000 km's put on it). Fire away with opinions ect, people opinions are wanted on this issue

[Brute]

Why does it matter what total strangers {or anybody for that matter) think about your bike choice. If it spins your wheels and you can afford it, buy it and ride to your hearts content.

[filbert]

ride it til the wheels fall off, then rebuild it and do it again.

i've seen old classic bikes go round the clock and it's less of a waste than if they had been vacuum sealed on delivery.

[jules_1972]

Obtaining Parts would be my concern.
Then when you find them, the $$$$ of the parts would also be another concern.

[R160]

The DB8 run plastic panels as opposed to the DB7 carbon fibre, so straight away rebuilds are cheaper ;-), but thats what insurance is for.

If you are serious about one, Urban moto imports (aka FX Powersports) will fly you to melb for a test ride, and then fly you home at their expense if you put in a order. the DB8 and DB8SP have just got ADR compliance too i believe, so you would get the bike is 6-8 weeks ( may be 8 due to italian holidays atm).

Yeas they are art say Bimotista, Art to be ridden :-).
theres a couple of DB7 owners in the MI section, ask them how they find there's, as a DB8 is really just a DB7 with the 1198 motor slotted in (essentially).

Dont forget that Bimota's are often build to order, the can mix and match parts from a DB7 to a DB8, (such as the DB7's self supporting CF rear subframe replacing the 8's ally one etc). suspension can also be dialled in to your weight etc.
Heres a link the AMCN test of a DB8SP.
Latest News & Events - FX Powersports Melbourne

Tell Joe and Allan Nathan sent ya :-)

[R160]

PS, heres a couple of video's Joe has been making of the new bimm's in Oz.
Bimota - DB8 (Urban Moto Imports) Melbourne Australia on Vimeo

Bimota test video#2 on Vimeo

apparently i can expect one of the R160 too. :-)

[Drasius]

At the risk of offending a greater part of the MI community, bikes are meant to be ridden, and those people who buy something very special only to have it sit around never being used for its intended purpose are "doing it wrong".

That said, it's a lot of coin to throw on an everyday ride, not to mention you are coming off not being on a bike for quite a while. Even though I'm usually the last person to say you shouldn't go to a litre from your 250, this is a huge step that could end very badly. To further be Nigel No-Fun, it probably wouldn't make a terribly comfortable commuter, and if you were riding it in such a manner that it was, I doubt you'd have you licence for long.

Having said that, if you want to do it, do it. You can't take your money with you when you go, might as well enjoy it while you can.

[Barfridge]

Will this be your first big bike? Maybe get an insurance quote first

[speed3]

If you can afford a DB8 I'd say you could afford to get a bunky as well. Rack up the kms and commute etc on that and save the DB8 for the fun stuff.

[AZAZL]

Less than $40k: that's cheaper than my 1098R! Which, BTW I ride a lot on the street even the freeway commute lanesplit. The only thing stopping me riding it all the time is I have trouble controlling the right hand, so use an old guzzi or 2 as a commuter/backup.

[drifter]

Will this be your first big bike? Maybe get an insurance quote first

i just tried to do a quick quote with IMR to see how much and it says to ring them because they can't do it over the internet.
hmm.. sounds like it might be expensive to insure.

[R160]

Yep, i'd have a cheap commuter, although from all reports the DB is way more comfy than a 1198. best insurance would most likely be through Shannons.

[R160]

my RS Tornado was insured for 34K through Shannons, cost was $850 per year.

[Barfridge]

woody: how old are you? If you're under 30, expect to get bent over.

[g0zer]

Obtaining Parts would be my concern.
Then when you find them, the $$$$ of the parts would also be another concern.

+1

the annoying thing about people who buy low volume italian manufactured bikes and use them as daily rides, is the whining when the bike is off the road for several months at a time waiting for parts and the surprised outrage at the cost of those parts.

[R160]

keep the gpx for commuting, and dont bin it, simple really ;-)

[Tannhauser]

woody: how old are you? If you're under 30, expect to get bent over.

Especially given your history, bro.

If you can comfortably afford it, I don't see any reason anyone should stop you, but I'd also give a +1 to the "get a commuter" vote.

[woody_5755]

So, I don't know why I didn't consider keeping a bunky as well, but if I went this route that'd be what happened. Yeah, under 30, 25 to be exact, but as far as insurance goes, the only accident that I've had was actually formally someone elses fault, that being said, being under 30 even with a clean record, it would still be too expensive to make it worth it. On that note though, I have a really good relationship with my father, who I wouldn't have a problem putting the bike in his name, so insurance costs could be kept down. As far as parts go, i'm not one of those people who buys a hand made motorcycle and expects it to be fixed the very next day after you've laid it down, I do understand quality takes time

[Barfridge]

Sounds like you're well aware of what you're getting into. So if you can afford it, go for it.

Some of you might remember a member we had here Dr Evil. He put 60,000km+ on his MV commuting, with surprisingly few problems.

[R160]

Still , either your dad or you should enquire with shannons under there "limited useage" policy (i.e, only gets ridden a few times a week) and that will lower the price dramatically. that and get a gps tracker put on it, as i wouldnt be surprised if a dodgy character with a ute likes it too.