Bimota DB9 Brivido 1198 (2012-2017): A Testament to Italian Motorcycling Theater

Introduction: The Art of Controlled Madness

The Bimota DB9 Brivido isn’t just a motorcycle – it’s a declaration of war against compromise. As I thumb the starter button of this 162 HP Italian thoroughbred, the Ducati-sourced Testastretta 11° V-twin awakens with a guttural bark that resonates through its titanium exhaust. This isn’t merely transportation; it’s a masterclass in how to transform raw engineering into emotional theater. For those who view motorcycling as a full-contact sport with the senses, the DB9 Brivido remains one of the most compelling arguments for passion over practicality in the modern motorcycling landscape.

Design Philosophy: Aggression Meets Elegance

Bimota’s designers approached the DB9 Brivido like sculptors working with molten metal. The 2,040mm (80.3") length and 730mm (28.7") width create a taut visual package that looks fast standing still. My test bike’s white/red livery isn’t just paint – it’s a heritage statement, echoing the colors of Bimota’s 1970s racers. The 800mm (31.5") seat height plants you in the machine rather than atop it, while the negative LCD display peers through a tiny flyscreen that’s more psychological comfort than actual wind protection.

The exposed trellis frame – a NiCrMo4 steel/aluminum hybrid – isn’t hidden beneath plastic but celebrated like automotive jewelry. Those forged OZ Racing wheels (17" front/17" rear) aren’t just lightweight at 7.3kg (16.1lbs) front/9.1kg (20.1lbs) rear; they’re rotating sculpture. Every fastener, every weld, every carbon fiber accent whispers "hand-built in Rimini."

Engine Performance: Desmodromic Dominance

At its heart throbs Ducati’s 1198cc Testastretta 11° – 106mm (4.17") pistons hammering through 67.9mm (2.67") strokes. The numbers tell part of the story: 162 HP @ 9,500 RPM, 131 Nm (96.6 lb-ft) @ 7,700 RPM. But the reality is more visceral. Below 4,000 RPM, it’s a civilized commuter. Cross 5,500 RPM and the horizon starts bending – by 8,000 RPM, the world becomes a tunnel vision of acceleration.

The desmodromic valvetrain’s mechanical symphony – part sewing machine, part chain saw – becomes your soundtrack. Fueling through Athena/Walbro injectors is crisp, though urban riding demands clutch finesse from the oil-bath multiplate unit. That claimed 260 km/h (161.6 mph) top speed isn’t just achievable – it feels inevitable given enough straight road.

Chassis Dynamics: Ballet in Aluminum and Steel

Bimota’s chassis engineers were clearly overachievers. The 25° rake and 1435mm (56.5") wheelbase strike a perfect balance between quick steering and high-speed stability. Throwing the DB9 into corners reveals its secret: the entire bike weighs just 177kg (390lbs) dry – comparable to modern 600cc supersports.

The Öhlins 43mm DLC-coated forks (120mm travel) and TTX rear shock (130mm travel) aren’t just adjustable – they’re endlessly tunable. On smooth tarmac, dial in more compression damping and feel the front tire carve like a CNC machine. Hit broken pavement? Back off the preload and let the suspension swallow impacts that would jar fillings loose in lesser nakeds.

Brembo’s M50 monobloc calipers (320mm dual discs front/220mm rear) offer surgical precision. Initial bite is firm but progressive – no wooden feel here. During hard braking from 160 km/h (100 mph), the chassis stays composed, the forged wheels minimizing unsprung mass’s effect on suspension action.

Riding Experience: Controlled Chaos

Riding the DB9 Brivido is like conducting an orchestra of controlled explosions. The wide handlebar (730mm/28.7") gives leverage that makes the bike feel 50kg lighter than its spec sheet. Clutch pull is surprisingly light for a wet multiplate unit, though the 6-speed gearbox requires positive shifts – no vague clicks here.

Fuel range? The 18L (4.76 gal) tank gives about 240km (150 miles) before the fuel light blinks – less if you’re exploiting that V-twin’s midrange punch. The riding position is committed but not cruel – 800mm (31.5") seat to peg distance accommodates 6-foot riders comfortably for 2-hour stints.

At legal speeds, the DB9 feels almost polite. But open the throttle past 60%, and it transforms into a snarling beast – the front wheel pawing at air in first three gears. Traction control? None. ABS? Optional on later models. This is motorcycling reduced to its purest elements – rider, machine, physics.

Competition: How the Bimota Stacks Up

In the hyper-naked arena, the DB9 Brivido faces formidable foes:

1. Ducati Streetfighter 848/1098: Sharing the same engine family, the Ducati offers more dealer support but lacks the Bimota’s exclusivity. The Streetfighter feels heavier at 195kg (430lbs) wet and doesn’t have the DB9’s race-bred suspension components.

2. MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR: With 144 HP from its inline-four, the MV delivers smoother power but can’t match the Bimota’s torque (1090RR: 110 Nm vs DB9’s 131 Nm). The Brutale’s electronics package is more advanced, but enthusiasts might prefer the DB9’s analog purity.

3. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100: Aprilia’s 175 HP V4 is faster on paper, but the DB9’s power-to-weight ratio (0.915 HP/kg) keeps it competitive. The Tuono’s wider handlebars and taller seat (825mm/32.5") suit larger riders better, but the Bimota’s chassis feedback is more nuanced.

What sets the DB9 apart is its hand-built nature. While competitors roll off assembly lines, each Bimota receives individual attention – evident in details like the mirror-polished swingarm pivot points and flawless paint alignment.

Maintenance: Keeping the Italian Flame Alive

Owning a DB9 Brivido is a commitment – but one that rewards the devoted. Key maintenance considerations:

• Valve Adjustments: Desmodromic systems require precise shim adjustments every 12,000km (7,500 miles). Budget 6-8 hours labor for experienced mechanics.

• Oil Changes: The 3L (3.17 qt) capacity needs fresh 15W50 synthetic every 5,000km (3,100 miles). Use high-zinc formulas for camshaft protection.

• Suspension Service: Öhlins recommends fork oil changes every 20,000km (12,400 miles) or 2 years. Rear shock rebuilds every 30,000km (18,600 miles).

• Brake Maintenance: Brembo pads wear quickly under hard use – check thickness every 3,000km (1,860 miles). Stainless steel brake lines from MOTOPARTS.store improve feel and longevity.

• Chain Care: The 525 pitch chain needs adjustment every 500km (310 miles) – a Scottoiler XSystem reduces maintenance frequency.

Pro Tip: Always warm the engine to 60°C (140°F) before hard riding. The Testastretta’s tight tolerances demand proper heat cycling to prevent premature wear.

Conclusion: The Last Analog Superbike

The Bimota DB9 Brivido exists in that rarefied air where engineering becomes art. It’s not the fastest, not the cheapest, not the most practical. But for riders who value mechanical purity over electronic nannies, exclusivity over ubiquity, it remains peerless. Every input – from the throttle’s initial twist to the Brembos’ bite – feels like direct communication between rider and road.

In an era of rider modes and lean-sensitive ABS, the DB9’s unapologetic rawness is its greatest virtue. This isn’t a motorcycle you simply ride – it’s one you negotiate with, bond with, ultimately master. And in that dance of man and machine, the Bimota proves some experiences can’t be digitized.

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MOTOPARTS.store Pro Recommendations:
- Upgrade to a DID 525ERV3 chain for improved durability
- Öhlins SD052 steering damper enhances high-speed stability
- Brembo RCS19 radial master cylinder improves brake modulation
- GB Racing engine covers protect those precious cases

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Specifications sheet

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