Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128209
year. Or, as we are considering if we fail to reach agreement with Ducati on this point, do we create a network of Bimota after-sales centers around the world, where our customers who have bought bikes directly from the factory can go to have them serviced? Our Italian customers can always bring them to the factory in Tuscany or to the Bimota Center in Abano Terme, but for those further afield, this is an important consideration. I can't answer this point definitively yet, but we understand this is a crucial element in the restructuring of the company and will resolve it very shortly. AC: How about racing? Bimota established itself on the world stage through its success in winning races and world titles, but apart from Gobert's unexpected victory in Australia three years ago, there hasn't been much success of late. Will the new Bimota go racing? GDP: Yes, we must - because as you say, Bimota's entire history is closely linked to raCing. Carbon Dream will race Bimota products this year at the highest level, although I must declare that our target is not to take part in World Superbike, but rather in World Endurance, which we believe will better reflect our capabilities for success. The SB8K is obviously already homologated for Superbike racing and therefore for Endurance, so in the medium term, this will be our vehicle for bringing Bimota back into competition. However, when the Millone reaches production, I'm certain this will be very competitive in SuperTwins and BoTT racing, and we will support our customers who want to take part in major events like Daytona and Assen or in Japan. However, further down the line we will be producing a Testastretta-engined model, which will have evident potential for Superbike racing, provided the twin-cylinder bikes will still be competitive in this. But in the short term, we will begin with World Endurance - and the first round of this year's championship will be the Imola 200 on May 4. Since 2003 is Bimota's 30th birthday, we're planning to relaunch the marque at this historic event, which saw the public debut of the very first Bimota HB 1 back in 1973. Together with the Bimota Club we'll be inviting Bimotisti from all over the world we're expecting 300 to 400 bikes in all - to attend and take part in our double celebration: one, that Bimota is 30 years old, and two, that it's been born again, hopefully this time for good! eN LIMITED EDITION MOTORCYCLE ART BY HARRY MILLER This Series: • Full-Color, Umited-Edilion Prints Signed by Artist· Only 250 in Each Series • Printed on Heavy 100 Lb. Stock· Ready to Frame • $80 Artist Proof· $65 Signed & Numbered (Artist Only) • 545 Unsigned Prints· Shipping Included Roger Reiman 19" x 24" 1964 Grand National Champion CA Residents add 7.75% Sales Tax, Includes Shipping (U.S. only) To Order, use the eN Products order form in the back of this issue, or call Imi!!i!l Cycle Ne\/Vs Products at 714-751-7433 (gam-Spm PST) eye I e n e _ 50 • APRIL 16, 2003 47