First introduced as a concept in 2006, the Tesi 3D is the bike that most embodies the very DNA of Bimota – a small time manufacturer with some very big ideas.
This unique hub-steered superbike Tesi 3D was certainly eye-catching with its trellis swing-arms, carbon fibre body and forged aluminium wheels.
But it wasn’t enough to save Bimota, and after spending several years spent heading in and out of financial trouble, it all ended in the closure of their factory in 2017.
However, this emblem of Italian exotica is back with Japanese firm Kawasaki now owning a 49.9% share in the firm, and so is their iconic Tesi!
The new, limited-edition Tesi H2 uses the same hub steering system and also features the 228bhp supercharged 998cc four-cylinder engine used on Kawasaki’s Ninja H2, but it is used as a stressed member for the swingarms and chasis parts.
Bimota claim a dry weight of 207kg which make it lighter than the Ninja H2, but the 250 limited edition units are expected to cost circa £60,000 each, so more than double the cost of the already very impressive bike which donates its engine.
Bimota’s unique swingarm setup will allow riders to trail brake deeper into bens by keeping braking forces away from the suspension, and the super sticky Battlax RS11 tyres from Bridgestone will certainly provide plenty of grip to push the bike to it’s limits.
The Battlax RS11 is the very latest racing street option from Bridgestone, and is already an original equipment choice for leading brands including Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha.
The tread pattern is derived from the acclaimed R11 race tyre, and the layout enhances stability and feedback when cornering for ultimate performance on road and track.
Changes to the manufacturing process have also allowed Bridgestone to improve grip levels by 20% thanks to the way in which fine chemical particles are distributed within the compound, enhancing bite into the road or track surface.
The proven 3 layer compound also combines a harder wearing central section with softer shoulders which boost grip levels when cornering.
These changes all seem to have a great effect on performance, with in house testing showing the Battlax RS11 to be 2 seconds per lap faster than the previous Battlax RS10 over the course of a two minute lap.
