Supercharged, Innovative, Italian, Hub-Steered, Exclusive
Imagine straddling a beast that's more sculpture than motorcycle, with the heart of a Kawasaki and the soul of Italian design. This isn't just a bike; it's a symphony of engineering—a performance crossover that defies categories and expectations. The Bimota Tera isn't just another addition to the lineup; it's a game-changer, reshaping what we thought possible in motorcycle design.
The Tera's backbone is its innovative TESI chassis, a layout so precise that it achieves a 52.5% front weight distribution, which the wizards in Rimini consider optimal for its inline-4 cylinder heart. And what a heart it is—the supercharged 998cc engine roars with the might of a litre-class Kawasaki, delivering power and torque that's nothing short of massive. It's an experience that's as visceral as it is hard to forget.
But it's not all brute force. Bimota's mastery of form and function is evident in the Tera's hub-steered front end, a marvel that nearly doubles the steering range while keeping the aesthetics sharp and the weight down. It's a lighter, more elegant take on the center-hub steering concept that Bimota has made its own.
The suspension? A fully-adjustable, nitrogen-charged Ohlins TTX 36 that promises a ride as refined as it is rugged. And with the chassis doubling as the engine's cradle, it creates a package that's both cohesive and cutting-edge.
This bike feels alive, and with a steering linkage that directly connects the hub to the handlebars, it responds with the immediacy of thought. It's as though the bike is an extension of yourself, moving with a kind of telepathy that only the finest machines can offer.
And yet, despite its exotic looks and superbike soul, the Tera brings a level of practicality that's unexpected. With adjustable ride height to accommodate different riders and a chassis that promises to make maintenance less of a headache, it's clear that Bimota has put thought into the real-world use of this machine.
Make no mistake, though—the Tera is a road-oriented adventure tourer, with all the electronic aids you'd expect from a modern Kawasaki and a tank that's ready for long hauls. But it's the bike's personality that will stay with you—the way it makes the mundane magical and the extraordinary accessible.
It's hard to say how the Tera will fit into the market, especially with a price tag that's likely to reflect its avant-garde design and cutting-edge technology. But for those who can afford it, the Tera isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in joy, an artifact of motorcycling that will continue to inspire and excite every time you fire up that supercharged engine. This is more than a motorcycle; it's a rolling testament to the art of the possible.
Pros:
- Innovative Chassis Design: The TESI layout with a 52.5% front weight distribution is optimized for handling and stability.
- Powerful Engine: Equipped with Kawasaki’s supercharged inline-4 engine, providing exceptional power and torque.
- Advanced Suspension: Fully-adjustable, nitrogen-charged Ohlins TTX 36 suspension offers a customizable and comfortable ride.
- Unique Steering Mechanism: The hub-steered front end provides improved steering range and handling precision.
- Ride Height Adjustability: Accommodates riders of different heights, enhancing accessibility and comfort.
- Cutting-edge Electronics: Comes loaded with modern rider aids like traction control, launch control, and electronic cruise control.
- Exclusive Materials: The use of high-end materials like aluminum and carbon-fiber for the chassis and bodywork exudes quality.
- Compact Dimensions: Shorter wheelbase compared to competitors, which can improve maneuverability.
Cons:
- Price: Expected to be very high, which could limit its accessibility to a broader market.
- Complexity: The unique engineering may make maintenance more complex and possibly more expensive.
- Steering Range: Despite improvements, the 35-degree steering lock is still narrow compared to standard telescopic forks.
- Practicality: Despite being an adventure tourer, it may be better suited to the road than off-road conditions.
- Exclusivity: Its distinctive features may appeal to a niche market, potentially limiting its appeal to conventional riders.
- Weight Distribution: While optimized for performance, the front-heavy distribution might not be ideal for all riding styles.
- Availability: Being a unique and high-end product, it might not be readily available in all markets.
- Ride Height Complexity: While adjustable, changing the ride height could be complicated for the average user.
