Bimota DBX 1078 [2014-2017]: A Test Ride Through Italian Exoticism

Introduction

The Bimota DBX 1078 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Produced between 2014 and 2017, this Italian marvel defies easy categorization, blending the soul of a Ducati-powered enduro with the agility of a supermoto. Riding the DBX feels like piloting a handcrafted sculpture that’s been blessed with Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and a thunderous L-twin engine. But does it deliver more than just exotic charm? Let’s dive into the details.

---

Design & Aesthetics

The DBX’s design is quintessentially Bimota: minimalist, purposeful, and dripping with Italian flair. The trellis frame—a mix of NiCrMo4 steel and aluminum plates—is a work of industrial art, while the bodywork alternates between muscular tank lines and sleek, angular accents. Color schemes evolved from bold red/white/gold combinations in earlier years to subtler red/silver/grey tones by 2017, reflecting a shift from flamboyance to sophistication.

At first glance, the DBX’s tall stance (890mm seat height in enduro trim) intimidates shorter riders, but the narrow seat profile and grippy footpegs inspire confidence once you’re in motion. The Supermotard variant, with its lower 810mm seat and 19-inch front wheel, feels more accessible for urban antics.

---

Engine Performance: Ducati’s Heart in Bimota’s Body

The DBX’s soul lies in its Ducati-sourced 1078cc L-twin engine. With 95–98 HP and 100–105 Nm of torque (73.8–77.4 lb-ft), this air/oil-cooled beast delivers power with a signature Ducati growl. The Desmodromic valve system ensures razor-sharp throttle response, while the Athena/Magneti Marelli fuel injection balances raw aggression with surprising tractability.

On the road: The engine thrives in the midrange. Roll on the throttle at 4,000 RPM, and the DBX surges forward with a linear, addictive pull. By 6,200 RPM, peak torque arrives—perfect for lofting the front wheel over obstacles or blasting out of corners. The 6-speed gearbox is slick, though the clutch (dry or wet multiplate, depending on the year) demands a firm hand in stop-and-go traffic.

Top speed? A claimed 220 km/h (136.7 mph), but the DBX isn’t about straight-line speed. It’s about the thrill of harnessing that V2 bark through winding trails or city streets.

---

Handling & Suspension: Precision Meets Playfulness

Bimota’s chassis wizardry shines here. The Öhlins TTX suspension—48mm forks up front and a fully adjustable monoshock at the rear—is sublime. In enduro guise (210mm front/200mm rear travel), the DBX floats over rocks and ruts like a rally bike. Switch to Supermotard mode (19-inch front wheel, shorter wheelbase), and it carves asphalt with the precision of a sportbike.

The steering rake of 27 degrees strikes a perfect balance between stability and flickability. On tight singletrack, the 21-inch front wheel (enduro) tracks predictably, while the Supermotard’s 120/70-19 tire leans into corners with telepathic feedback. Brembo’s radial calipers (4-piston front, 2-piston rear) offer relentless stopping power, though they’re almost too aggressive for slippery off-road conditions.

---

Competition: How Does the DBX Stack Up?

Enduro Segment: KTM 1090 Adventure R vs. Bimota DBX

The KTM 1090 Adventure R (2017) is a dirt-focused titan with 125 HP and long-travel suspension. But it’s also 25 kg heavier than the DBX, lacking the Italian’s agility and exclusivity. The Bimota trades KTM’s electronic aids (cornering ABS, ride modes) for purity—a raw, mechanical connection that rewards skilled riders.

Supermotard Arena: Ducati Hypermotard 939 vs. Bimota DBX

The Hypermotard 939 (2017) shares the DBX’s Ducati DNA but wraps it in a more polished, road-biased package. Its 937cc engine makes 113 HP, yet the Bimota’s Öhlins/Brembo combo outclasses the Ducati’s Marzocchi/Sachs setup in adjustability and feedback. The DBX feels like a Hypermotard stripped of frivolities—lighter, louder, and far more niche.

---

Maintenance: Keeping the Italian Exotic Alive

Owning a DBX 1078 is a labor of love. Key considerations:

1. Desmodromic Valve Service: Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles), those Ducati valves need adjustment. Skip this, and you’ll lose the engine’s signature snap. MOTOPARTS.store offers shim kits and torque wrenches for DIY warriors.

2. Suspension Tuning: Öhlins TTX units require periodic fluid changes. Our store stocks Öhlins-specific fork oil and seal kits—critical for maintaining that plush feel.

3. Brake Upgrades: Swap the stock Brembo pads for sintered variants (available here) to reduce fade during aggressive riding.

4. Chain & Sprockets: The DBX’s chain-driven final drive demands regular lubrication. Upgrade to a DID X-ring chain for longevity.

5. Customization: Unleash more power with a free-flow exhaust (we recommend Arrow or Termignoni) paired with a fuel tuner.

---

Conclusion: A Rare Breed for the Discerning Rider

The Bimota DBX 1078 isn’t for everyone. It’s a motorcycle that demands attention, skill, and occasional wrenching. But for those who crave a machine that blends Ducati’s thunder with Bimota’s artistry, it’s a masterpiece. Whether you’re chasing horizons on dirt or shredding backroads, the DBX delivers an experience that’s as visceral as it is exclusive.

Ready to make yours even sharper? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of upgrades—because even Italian exotics deserve a personal touch.

---

Specifications sheet

---