BIMOTA

Bimota TERA, the first Tesi crossover

The Bimota TERA is the third model born from the new era of the Italian firm in which the collaboration with Kawasaki is one of the fundamental pieces of its new structure. On this occasion, it is also the first crossover model from a company that has rarely opted for tourism-oriented models.

The name of the Bimota TERA comes from the acronym TEsi con Regolazione dell'Altezza (Tesi with height adjustment), and it is the first Bimota that we can consider to be integrated into the current crossover segment, but keeping some particular characteristics of the brand unchanged. , including a completely different front system than usual.

The TERA is undoubtedly a unique motorcycle due to a set of features that begins with its supercharged one-liter engine from Kawasaki, and ends with a structure of the chassis completely different from that of any other motorcycle if we except some other model of the brand itself like Tesi.

EXCLUSIVE ENGINE...The engine of the Bimota TERA is the Kawasaki that also powers the H2 series models of the Japanese firm and also the Bimota Tesi. It is a 998 cc inline four-cylinder that develops a power of 147 HP (200 HP) at 11,000 rpm and a torque of 137 Nm at 8,500 rpm.

Its great peculiarity is that it is a supercharged unit, the only one in the world with this characteristic. It is a mechanical compressor regulated by an electronic planetary system capable of developing high power while maintaining enormous torque values at low and medium speeds.

HERITAGE...The use of Kawasaki mechanical technology also allows you to take advantage of all the electronic work of the Japanese firm, so that the TERA has the different engine settings, aids and electronic assistance, which are managed with a control panel. common digital with other models of the Japanese firm.

A new exhaust system signed by Akrapovic has been designed, made of titanium and with a double outlet that has a carbon fiber end part that helps the motorcycle's performance to be excellent. The firm declares an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 s and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.2 s.

EVERYTHING DIFFERENT...The cycle part of this motorcycle is also different from what we can see in other models, since to begin with the front axle is of the "central hub" type, that is, it has the steering system inside. of the front wheel hub. This system has been used by Bimota since its first mass-produced Tesi in the 90s.

This Bimota system has the particularity of separating the steering and suspension functions in the front wheel, thus being able to regulate the sinking of the front part during braking and offering high rigidity to the front axle by not having sliding tubes like telescopic forks. , which also cause friction.

NEW SYSTEM...In the Bimota TERA a steering system is used with some variations compared to the usual one used by the brand, since the transmissions from the wheel have been replaced by a compass system placed on it, which is anchored to the steering crossbar leaving the front brake calipers between them.

The wheel continues to be anchored by a double horizontal swing arm that has a tie rod to regulate the movement of the crosshead and control the advance of the wheel with the operation of the suspension. This swingarm is anchored to a duralumin plate that in turn is attached to the chassis that supports the steering mechanism and the engine.

ALL BACK...Another particularity is that the suspensions of the two trains are controlled by shock absorbers placed in parallel in a vertical position behind the engine, which can be Öhlins manually adjustable in three ways with hydraulic knobs to regulate the spring preload, or Marzocchi semi-active electronic regulation.

The rear shock absorber is activated by the usual connecting rods and the front one receives movement from the front wheel by means of a tie rod that runs along the motorcycle below the engine and also activates connecting rods. Depending on the system, the wheel travel is different, 114 mm and 135 mm in the case of the Öhlins or 145 mm and 165 mm in the case of the Marzocchi front and rear respectively.

CHASSIS BY PIECES...The frame is made up of different pieces that are screwed together and to the engine. The upper part is made up of a double cast aluminum beam, which also supports the front and rear plates responsible for anchoring the suspensions with their respective double-arm swingarms.

The rims and brakes are also unconventional in some respects, with the front wheel having an oversized hollow hub to which 330mm discs are anchored, with the calipers held both above and below radially on the seatstays. of the direction. The tire sizes are the usual ones, 120/70 and 190/55 on 17” wheels.

WIDE...By joining a segment such as the crossover intended also for traveling and also as a duo, the new Bimota has been equipped with a wide fairing with a high screen, a very spacious double seat that is adjustable in height from 820 mm in 30 mm up and down, which means a huge range of ground clearance and also with large volume side cases.

The new steering system has also made it possible to improve not only the feel of the steering at low speed, making it more sensitive, but also to reduce the turning radius by increasing the steering radius. Compared to that of the TesiH2, the new system allows a steering turn of 35°, 8° more.

LONG RIDE...Despite its greater volume, the new Bimota TERA remains a compact motorcycle, with a wheelbase of only 1,445 mm and capable of ample autonomy thanks to a 22-liter fuel tank.

There are USB and 12V power sockets, heated grips, a more comfortable passenger seat, a tank bag and an extended windshield that are part of the list of original accessories for the bike.

Reporting: Pepe Burgaleta