Walkaround and Cold Start Video:
In 2019, the seller created a video explaining how hub-center steering works – the featured bike is the one for sale in this listing (and he acquired the Vyrus 50C32T from us)!
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 2008 Bimota Tesi 3D. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Tesi is Italian for “thesis”, and the name reflects that this bike started as a thesis project by Pierluigi Marconi exploring hub-center steering for his mechanical engineering degree.
The first generation was the 1D, which utilized the 93 horsepower twin from the Ducati 851. By the third generation (3D), the Ducati-built heart was the 1,078cc dual spark engine found in machines like the Multistrada 1100 and Hypermotard 1100 (rated for 97 horsepower in the Tesi).
The 3D was a vast improvement of the 2D: Blake Conner of Cycle World said “I was amazed by how much more responsive the front end was compared to the 2D.” Alan Cathcart said the “third time’s the charm” in a Motorcycle.com review.
The air-cooled motor didn’t have much mass to move around – Bimota claimed a dry weight of just 370 pounds thanks to the high spec components such as Extreme-Tech shocks and extensive use of carbon fiber.
The initial run of Tesi 3Ds was called the Concept Limited Edition, and they were differentiated by carbon fiber tie rods, CNC-machined master cylinder reservoirs, and a wet clutch.
Some sources state that there are just 29 of the Limited Editions – this is #5.
This example is VIN: ZEST311D48R000005. The seller purchased it on March 13th of 2018 from Central Classic Cars/Auto Europe in Birmingham, Michigan.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 230 miles. The odometer shows 3,017 miles.
Modifications:
Per the seller, “the only known modification is the rear turn signals were changed by the previous owner for unknown reasons, original signals are included – I will note that oddly one appears to have a more smoked lens than the other.”
“Other than the rear signals I have been led to believe that all other parts were the result of factory options including carbon case/belt covers, gold Marvic wheels, and a Zard exhaust.”
There is also a battery tender lead.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
The seller notes “cracking of paint on tank near center due to ethanol expansion.”
Inside of the tank:
The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues. It was last serviced at Ducati Detroit in January of 2020 with a $1,579 service bill that included new belts, new tires, a new battery, oil/filter change, and safety inspection. The bike has been ridden 52 miles since the service was performed.
A handwritten log of maintenance from the previous owner shows:
1-18-2015, 451 miles: replace brake/clutch fluid, oil change
5-20-2015, 780 miles: new Pilot Sport 3 tires
8-20-2015, 1984 miles: replace handlebar supports (recall, Bimota furnished parts)
3-15-2016, 2,420 miles: oil change with Motul 300V 10-40.
It is riding on Pirelli Rosso Corsa II tires with date codes of 2019 and 3419.
The sale includes three keys, bike cover, the owner’s manual, CD with owners/parts/service manuals, tool kit, business card holder, and tools that attach to the front wheel to balance it when changing tires.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Bimota is offered on a clean Indiana title. Have any Tesi 3D stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
