Bimota TERA
In the realm of high-performance motorcycling, Bimota has long stood as a beacon of innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The Italian marque has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible on two wheels, blending race-bred performance with the kind of artisanal detail that turns motorcycles into rolling art.
At the forefront of this blend of speed and style is the TERA project—an audacious endeavour that seeks to fuse Bimota’s iconic supercharged inline engine prowess with the revolutionary TESI chassis layout. The TERA represents not just a new model but a bold statement in the motorcycle sector, promising an unparalleled synthesis of power, handling, and rider engagement.
The TERA project, as described, sounds like an ambitious and innovative step in the evolution of motorcycle engineering and design, embodying the characteristic spirit of Bimota, a company known for its high-performance motorcycles and avant-garde approach to engineering.
Supercharged Engine
Key Points
Here are some of the key points of the TERA:
- Kawasaki’s iconic supercharged inline engine
- Massive 14 kgf•m of torque
- Innovative TESI layout
- Optimal weight distribution on the front end
- Unique motorcycle in the world
- The perfect harmony of performance, driving pleasure, and comfort
- The unrivalled technical execution of the iconic Bimota DNA
- Totally new chassis designed from scratch
- Exclusive use of aluminium alloys and carbon fibre
Kawasaki and TESI Chassis
The TERA seems to showcase several key features:
- Supercharged Inline Engine: The use of a Kawasaki supercharged engine is notable for its power delivery, especially with a substantial torque output of 14 kgf•m. This suggests that the bike will have considerable acceleration and pulling power, essential for a performance-oriented motorcycle.
- TESI Layout: The TERA continues the legacy of the TESI chassis concept, which is unique in its approach to motorcycle dynamics. A TESI layout traditionally means a hub-centre steering setup, which can offer more precise handling by separating the steering, braking, and suspension functions.
- Optimized Weight Distribution: Achieving a weight distribution of 52.5% on the front end indicates a deliberate engineering choice to enhance handling characteristics, particularly for an inline 4-cylinder Cross Performance motorcycle, which could offer benefits in stability and cornering performance.
- Versatility and Comfort: The design goal of the TERA to accommodate every driving style and all roads while offering superior comfort and exclusive qualities suggests that this bike is meant to be both a performer and a comfortable tourer.
- Advanced Materials: The use of aluminium alloys and carbon fibre for the construction of the TERA chassis is indicative of Bimota’s commitment to using high-quality, lightweight materials to improve the performance and handling of their motorcycles.
- Stylish Frame and Design: Bimota motorcycles are also known for their striking visual appeal, and the description hints at a continuation of this tradition with a completely new frame design. This design, being an evolution of the TESI H2 model, promises to blend aesthetic style with functional engineering excellence.
Inline 4-Cylinder
The TERA project, as with any advanced motorcycle concept, comes with its set of pros and cons. Here’s an analysis:
Pros:
- Advanced Powertrain: The supercharged inline engine from Kawasaki promises immense torque and power, offering exhilarating performance and acceleration.
- Innovative Chassis Design: The TESI chassis concept is renowned for its unique approach to motorcycle handling, potentially providing superior cornering stability and front-end feedback.
- Optimized Weight Distribution: With a front-end weight distribution of 52.5%, the TERA is engineered for balanced handling dynamics, which could translate to better control and confidence for the rider in various riding conditions.
- Material Use: The employment of aluminium alloys and carbon fibre ensures a lightweight yet strong structure, contributing to both performance efficiency and the bike’s overall agility.
- Versatility: Designed to cater to every driving style, the TERA could be an excellent choice for riders who enjoy both spirited performance runs and comfortable touring.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Bimota’s commitment to style means the TERA is likely to be a visually striking motorcycle that stands out for its design as well as its performance.
Cons:
- Complexity and Cost: The advanced technology and materials likely mean the TERA will be an expensive motorcycle, potentially placing it out of reach for the average consumer.
- Maintenance and Repairs: The specialized TESI chassis and the high-performance engine might require more complex and costly maintenance compared to conventional motorcycles.
- Rider Adaptability: The unique handling characteristics of the TESI layout may require a learning curve for riders who are accustomed to traditional motorcycle dynamics.
- Weight: Despite the use of lightweight materials, the additional components associated with the supercharged engine and the TESI system could add to the overall weight of the motorcycle.
- Practicality: While it aims to be versatile, the TERA’s focus on performance and cutting-edge technology might compromise some practical aspects, such as storage space and fuel efficiency.
- Exclusivity: The combination of performance, technology, and design may make the TERA a more exclusive offering, with potential limitations in dealership availability, part scarcity, and a smaller support community compared to more mainstream models.
Conclusion
The TERA project marks a significant milestone in Bimota’s illustrious history, encapsulating the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection. With its cutting-edge supercharged engine and innovative TESI layout, the TERA is poised to redefine the standards of motorcycle engineering and aesthetics. This motorcycle isn’t just a testament to Bimota’s legacy; it is a bold stride into the future, offering riders a machine that doesn’t compromise on power, comfort, or style. In the TERA, Bimota has created more than just a motorcycle; they’ve crafted an experience that is sure to exhilarate the senses and set a new benchmark for the industry.
The TERA project underlines Bimota’s dedication to producing motorcycles that are not just modes of transportation but are also experiential in nature—vehicles that offer a blend of top-tier performance, innovative engineering, and emotional engagement for the rider.
Specifications of Bimota TERA
| Model name: | Tera |
| Frame type | Aluminum alloy plates billet machined, with rear swingarm mounting plate |
| Engine type / Valve system | 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, supercharged |
| Displacement | 998cc / 60.9 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 76.0 x 55.0 mm / 2.99 x 2.17 in |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Max. power | 147.1 Kw / 200 hp @11,000 r/min |
| Max. torque | 137.0 Nm / 101 lbf-ft @ 8,500 r/min |
| Fuel system | FI (Fuel Injection) Euro 5 |
| Ignition | Battery and coil (transistorized ignition) |
| Ignition Timing | 10°BTDC @ 1,100 r/min > 41° BTDC @ 6,000 r/min |
| Spark Plug Type | NGK SILMAR9E9 |
| Gap | 0.8 > 0.9 mm / 0.031-0.035 in) |
| Starting System | Electric starter |
| Cylinder Numbering Method | Left to right 1-2-3-4 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-4-3 |
| Lubrication system: | Forced lubrication (wet sump) |
| Engine Oil Type | API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM, with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2 |
| Viscosity | SAE 10W-40 |
| Capacity | 4.7 L (5.0 US qt) |
| Coolant Capacity | 3.1 L (3.3 US qt) |
| Transmission | 6-speed, constant mesh, return shift |
| Clutches | Wet, multi disc |
| Final Drive | Chain drive |
| Primary Reduction Ratio | 1,480 (74/50) |
| Final Reduction Ratio | 2,556 (46/18) |
| Overall Drive Ratio | 5,098 (Top gear) |
| Gear Ratio | 1st 3,077 (40/13) |
| 2nd 2,471 (42/17) | |
| 3rd 2,045 (45/22) | |
| 4th 1,727 (38/22) | |
| 5th 1,524 (32/21) | |
| 6th 1,348 (31/23) | |
| Frame Type | Aluminum alloy plates billet machined, with rear swingarm mounting plate |
| Front Suspension / Wheel Travel | Öhlins TTX 36 nitrogen gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and adjustability and hand-turn spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring/114 mm (4.48 in) |
| Optional | Marzocchi semi-active suspension system (Wheel Travel 145 mm / 5.70 in) |
| Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel | Öhlins TTX36 nitrogen gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, compression and rebound damping and adjustability and hand-turn spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring/135 mm (5.31 in) |
| Optional | Marzocchi semi-active suspension system (Wheel Travel 165 mm / 6.49 in) |
| Front Brakes | Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston Brembo Stylema® calipers, dual semi-floating 330 mm discs, KIBS ABS |
| Rear Brakes | Opposed 2-piston calipers, single 220 mm disc, KIBS ABS |
| Tire Size | Front 120/70ZR 17 M/C (58W) |
| Rear 190/55ZR17 M/C (75W) | |
| Rim Size | Front J17M/C x MT 3.50 |
| Rear J17M/C x MT 5.50 | |
| Rake/Trail | n/a |
| Overall Length | n/a |
| Overall Width | n/a |
| Overall Height | n/a |
| Ground Clearance | 174 mm (+/-30 mm) / 6.85 in (+/-1.18 in) |
| Seat Height | 820 mm (+/-30 mm) / 32.28 in (+/-1.18 in) |
| Curb Weight | n/a |
| Fuel Capacity | 22 lt / 5.81 gal |
| Wheelbase | 1,445 mm / 56.89 in |
| Electronic Rider Aids | Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Kawasaki Traction Control KTRC (3-MODE), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Brembo Stylema Calipers, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS) (upshift & downshift), Electronic Cruise Control, All Led Lightning, Full-Colour LCD TFT screen, Assist & Slipper Clutch. |
