Supercharged Exotic

Here is Bimota's most powerful bike to date, the dramatic hub centre-steering and supercharged TESI H2 that combines Kawasaki's supercharged power with Italian design and flair. Our first impression following a first ride at the Modena circuit in Italy

-  Adam Child 'Chad'

LET ME BRING YOU UP TO SPEED. KAWASAKI of Japan now own 49.9 percent of Bimota, which is brilliant news for the small Italian firm. Since its creation in the early 1980s, Bimota has historically bought engines from Kawasaki or Yamaha or Suzuki or Ducati and then produced a bespoke chassis to wrap around those power units. However, developing its fuelling and exhaust systems and then getting the new bike to meet increasingly tough emission regulations was extremely difficult and costly.

But now, thanks to Kawasaki, Bimota has a colossal amount of engine technology to borrow from its Japanese partners. And this, the TESI H2, is the first bike to come out of this unique and intriguing relationship.

Essentially, Bimota has taken one of the world's most powerful engines, the supercharged H2, plus its fuelling and exhaust, instruments, switchgear, lights, and electronic rider aids and then added its own chassis and design. Without any fuelling or electronic development costs or Euro-4 compliance to worry about, Bimota's focus has been centred on what it does best: chassis and design.

There are wraps and, then, there is Bimota ots

Bimota has opted to use its Difazio-type hub-center-steering TESI front end which was designed by Pierluigi Marconi in the 1980s before reaching production in 1991. The new billet aluminum rear swing-arm and carbon/aluminum front arms get bolted directly to the supercharged Kawasaki motor. Two Öhlins shocks at the rear control the front and rear wheels independently. The conventional trellis Kawasaki frame has been removed.

But it is not just about the frame and suspension either. The aerodynamic bodywork, with wings that create high-speed downforce (11 kilograms), plus the fuel tank are all carbon-fibre. Oh, and this 231-hp motorcycle tops the scales at 207 kg (dry).