Bimota Vdue 500cc

Powered by a Tau engine of unusual configuration which has the appearance of a V-3, with the centre cylinder having four bores which are part of the fuel injection tract. This system proved enormously problematical for the machine and led to financial disaster for Bimota.

The V due started production in 1997 after a drawn out development of several years. The 500cc 90° V-twin 2-stroke engine delivered a claimed 110hp at 9,000rpm and gave the 147kg machine a maximum speed of 250kph. Only 388 were built, with the first 185 using fuel injection and the remainder (including two racing versions) re-engineered to use carburettors.

Engine: Two Stroke, Two Cylinder Bimota 500

Cooling: Liquid

Geometry: 90 degree "V" with twin counterrotating crankshafts

Bore x Stroke: 72 x 61.25mm

Displacement: 499cc

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Fuel: Electronic Direct Injection, w/ dual 40mm throttle bodies per cylinder (later models had carburettors)

Maximum Power: 110 HP @ 9,300 r.p.m.

Maximum Torque: 60.8 ft-lb @ 8,850 r.p.m.

Electric System:

Ignition: Electronic inductive

Battery: 12V/12Ah

Starting: Electric

Transmission:

Clutch: Dry, multiple disc

Gearbox: Casssette gearbox, 6 speed

Final drive: Chain

Chassis:

Frame: Aluminum alloy oval profile with engine as fully stressed member

Wheelbase: 1340mm

Front Suspension: 46mm Paioli hydraulic fork with compression and rebound adjustments

Rear Suspension: Ohlins shock absorber w/ compression, rebound, pre-load and length adjustments

Front Brake: Dual 320mm Full Floating Cast Iron Brembo Rotors

Rear Brake: Single Cast Iron 230mm fixed

Rims: 3.50 x 17 front - 5.50 x 17 rear

Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR 17 TX 15 35GX Michelin

Rear Tyre: 180/55 ZR 17 TX 25 35GY Michelin

Dimensions:

Max length: 76.37" / 1940mm

Seat height: 31.69" / 805mm

Dry weight: 319 lbs. / 145 Kg.

Fuel tank capacity: 5 Gal / 20 lt.

Suggested Retail: $20,295