The Bimota DB9 Brivido followed the same path as the DB8 and was road focused rather than a track toy.
The DB8 had nodded in that direction with the addition of a pillion pad and slightly more relaxed ergonomics, but it was the DB9 that cemented an actual roadster into Bimota’s lineup.
It was a highly anticipated model and the excitement was palpable at its release in 2012.
The bike would have a short but memorable run and is now firmly seated as one of the legends in Bimota’s hall of fame.
Bimota DB9 Review
The Bimota DB9 Brivido needed to follow the outstanding DB8. It was set to be the latest generation of hand built sports machines using premium components, handcrafted from meticulous designs for a finished product that would blow the competition out the water.
The key component of any Bimota motorcycle is the engine.
In the case of the Bimota DB9 Brivido it would be the Ducati Testastretta that would form the thunderous foundation for the rest of the bikes design.
It was a beast of a motor, the next generation from the original 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione.
Incredible torque and linear power delivery, it was really the perfect engine for street riding especially as it was mated to an oil actuated multi-plate clutch. Gear changes were smooth as butter.
The engine was holstered into a carbon composite frame with alloy plates and self-supporting carbon subframe; following tradition with Bimota producing exceptional chassis’.
The DB9 was 55lbs lighter than the Ducati Diavel donor bike.
The chassis was ultra lightweight which is what had become expected of a Bimota motorcycle. Despite its low weight, it was to be rigid and provide equal amounts of agility and stability at speed.
On the front Bimota fitted Marzocchi forks and on the rear an Extreme Tech monoshock – both fully adjustable.
Stopping the beast was handled by Brembo. However, for S model used a Brembo braking system that was a centrally mounted mono brake.
Bimota didn’t let down their fans when it came to styling the DB9. It was an angular with structured bodywork, carbon fibre displayed generously, small prominent screen and cone shaped sharp front fairing, with a double stacked headlight.
The seat, footrests and tank were all redesigned from the DB8 to give more roadster feel for urban use; most of the earlier predecessor had been track focused with just enough done to make the bikes street legal.
As with most of Bimota’s motorcycles the DB9 belongs in a museum for its sex appeal alone.
The DB9 was a full on naked bike that lined up in the upper Streetfighter class along with the likes of the Aprilia Tuono V4R and the Ducati Streetfighter.
Let’s get to the most important thing then, how does the Bimota DB9 Brivido handle?
Well, the engine powers the DB9 like a freight train, it has been paired with such a light frame that the power-weight ratio is phenomenal.
Massive torque figures, lower and mid-range speed ensure getting around town is a breeze, but then when you open up the throttle, the bike accelerates smoothly and quickly as you would expect from any Ducati/Bimota collaboration.
Remarkably there are few vibrations, despite the immense usable power harnessed in such a lightweight chassis and it is known for being an outstanding ride.
The bars are raised providing a fighting stance and when you sit on the saddle you are instantly more comfortable than on the DB8. You get a feeling that you could ride all day, and frankly so you should.
The fully adjustable suspension set up means you can tailor it to your needs but fresh off the production line it is firm enough to be stable, but soaks up any bumps and provides a comfortable ride.
The front wheel is less prone to rising up than the DB8, so you could say it is somewhat more mild mannered, but that would be a bit of stretch.
It is the wide bars and more upright position that gives you a feeling of control over the DB9, you are not hunched over trying to tame a beastly sportsbike.
Instead you are in a confidence boosting natural riding position, one that you can choose whether or not to be a hooligan.
The pipes might not be under the seat, but you can sure hear them loud and clear unleashing that wonderful thumping hum of raw power.
Last little note is that even the name ‘Brivido’ explains what the bike is all about, in English the translation is ‘shiver-thrill’.
One glance at the DB9 and if you are like me you sure get shivers, it is there to thrill, from the visual joy it brings to the excellence of the ride.
Bimota DB9 Brivido Specifications
Engine and Transmission
- Engine – Four-stroke, 90 degree, L twin cylinder engine, SOHC, desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder
- Capacity – 1198cc
- Bore x Stroke -106 x 67.9mm
- Compression Ratio – 11.5:1
- Cooling System – Liquid-cooled
- Starting – Electric
- Transmission – 6 Speed
- Final Drive – Chain
- Clutch – Wet multi-plate hydraulic system
- Max Power – 162 horsepower
- Max Torque – 131 Nm
Chassis and Dimensions
- Frame – Chromo, billet aluminium, carbon fibre with aluminium plates
- Front Suspension – Marzocchi 43mm upside down forks – fully adjustable
- Rear Suspension – Extreme Tech fully adjustable monoshock
- Front Brakes – 2 x 320mm, Brembo calipers
- Rear Brakes – Single 220mm disc, 2 piston Brembo caliper
- Rake – 25 degrees
- Seat Height – 800mm
- Dry Weight – 177kg
- Wheelbase – 1435mm
- Height – 1105mm
- Length – 2040mm
- Width – 730mm
- Fuel Capacity – 18L
- Oil Capacity – 3L (3.17 US Quarts)
Variants
DB9 Brivido
This was the base model.
DB9 Brivido S
The Brivido S was the Sports version and more of a special edition run than the base Brivido.
It featured aggressive braking ability thanks to the centrally mounted mono disc outlying system and some other more exclusive components such as extra helpings of carbon fibre.
Bimota DB9 Top Speed
The top speed of the DB9 Brivido was around 162mph.
How Much is a Bimota DB9 Worth Today?
The question of the Bimota DB9 Brivido is not how much they are worth today but before you get there you need to be able to find one for sale.
They are extremely rare on the market and there is only one archived advert I could find in the UK in which the listing stated it was one of only two bikes imported into the UK. It sold for £18,000.
Bike Sales Australia has one listed for $37,500 AUD, which equates to around £19,500 or $26,500 USD
Two DB9’s sold in Italy last year, these went for $22,000 and $24,842 respectively.
Verdict
MCN were one of the first to ride frame number 0 of the DB9 back in 2012 and this is what they had to say “It’s a big surprise just how nice it is to ride and easily one of my top three 2012 bikes this year, behind the Panigale and 2012 S1000RR. Why? It fuels beautifully; it’s smooth, fast, excellent in the corners, comfortable and above all fun!”
With a top of the line Ducati and BMW as company at the top of Michael Neeves best of 2012 list I would say the Bimota did pretty well for itself and just as those bikes have matured, I am sure the DB9 has done so just as well, if not more so.
It is a truly rare gem to find, but one that is worth the hunt if you have the patience, dedication and financial backing.