[Test Ride] Riding the Premium Handmade Machines BIMOTA RIMINI and TESI H2 TERA

The relationship with Kawasaki has made BIMOTA, which was previously only for a select few enthusiasts, suddenly a reality. It can be purchased normally and serviced normally. This Italian premium brand has even introduced a 400cc model, thanks to its collaboration with Kawasaki. We rode two of the flagship models from this reborn BIMOTA.

Handcrafted in a Small Town Factory

BIMOTA has a long history of building frames, despite its ups and downs. Many fans will know that in the past, they produced numerous models with engines from various manufacturers. Based in Rimini, a small town in the "Motor Valley" region of eastern Italy, the company began a new relationship with Kawasaki in 2018.

Recent BIMOTA models feature Kawasaki engines, a result of their collaboration. However, it's interesting to note that there's no obligation for BIMOTA to use Kawasaki engines; they are free to use engines from any manufacturer. This relaxed agreement with Kawasaki is quite unique. Despite partnering with a major Japanese manufacturer like Kawasaki, production still takes place in Rimini, with the same handcrafted system of producing only small batches of five units at a time. These are not mere industrial products but are closer to works of art. For more details on BIMOTA's history, please refer to the "Heritage" section on their official website.

RIMINI

RIMINI (2026) This is the homologation model for the KB998, which began competing in WSBK in 2025, featuring the 998cc engine from the ZX-10RR mounted on a Bimota original frame.

TESI H2 TERA

TESI H2 TERA (2026) Announced in 2023, this adventure model features a supercharged engine inherited from the Ninja H2, while retaining the series' signature hub-center steering.

Rimini and Tesi Tera

We were able to test ride two models: the RIMINI, equipped with a ZX10R engine and competing in WSBK, and the TESI TERA, BIMOTA's first adventure model.

The RIMINI is a model that signifies BIMOTA taking over the role of Kawasaki's WSBK participation. It is even more race-focused than the ZX10R. While production bikes are typically modified into race machines, the RIMINI's existence allows for an approach where the racing machine is prioritized, and a road-legal version is then derived from it.

This is facilitated by its chromoly frame, as opposed to aluminum. While mass-produced bikes require frames designed with mass production in mind, BIMOTA's frames are easier to modify, allowing them to respond to various demands from the racing scene. For the road-legal version we tested, the engine and electronic controls are directly from Kawasaki, meaning BIMOTA's philosophy isn't directly applied there. In fact, BIMOTA reportedly stated, "Kawasaki's reliability is higher than what we can build." This suggests a focus on their core competency: frame building.

RIMINI (2026)

The other model is the TESI TERA, BIMOTA's first adventure-style model. BIMOTA had a desire to create a long-travel model using their proven center-hub steering system. This model was born from combining that desire with the powerful and refined engine of the H2. Despite the center-hub steering, they have achieved the necessary steering angle for an adventure bike and developed special tires with block patterns capable of extreme speeds, demonstrating a strong commitment to this concept.

TESI H2 TERA (2026)

RIMINI: Reveling in a Pure Racing Machine

The RIMINI, with its unique carbon fiber bodywork and distinctive BIMOTA colors, exudes a special aura. While it uses the same headlights and instruments as the ZX10R, its special nature is undeniable. The announced price is 6.93 million yen. Considering it's almost entirely handmade, features extensive use of carbon parts, and is race-ready for WSB, this price might be justifiable.

However, upon closer inspection, the "handmade feel" is evident, for better or worse. The edges of the carbon fairings are not rounded like those on production bikes; they have the raw feel of racing fairings. Some parts are incredibly thin, appearing as if they might crack during riding. The construction prioritizes lightness and peak performance over durability and fine tolerances.

The assembly is similar. Panel gaps and joint clearances are not up to the standards of mass-produced vehicles but rather those of racing machines. Production bikes incorporate strength and durability into their fairings, along with considerations to minimize wind noise and vibration. While production bikes use rubber washers and grommets for fastening, the RIMINI does not. Lightness, ease of removal, and simplicity are prioritized, reflecting the demands of a racing machine.

The variable wing is another example. It adjusts its angle based on speed. While a production bike's wing might move with a subtle "whizz" or "whirr," the RIMINI's moves with a distinct "clack-clack." This might not seem luxurious, but it serves its function, showcasing a certain boldness.

All these elements define BIMOTA and the RIMINI. This is not a mass-produced ZX10R but a racing machine built for WSB, minimally adapted for road use. That is precisely where its value lies.

RIMINI (2026) Riding position

RIMINI (2026)

The Pride of a Frame Builder

As soon as you start riding, the creaks and groans from various parts, as described earlier, are transmitted through the chassis. The meter and mirrors vibrate noticeably, truly giving the impression of a racing machine with the bare minimum of road-legal components attached – a genuine homologation model feel. It's special, perhaps even raw... certainly a finish completely different from the production bikes we are accustomed to.

However, the riding experience is, as expected, superb.

The engine, with its slight power increase due to intake and exhaust modifications, is undoubtedly the ZX10R's, and as mentioned, the electronic controls are the reliable Kawasaki units, ensuring ease of use. And of course, it's fast.

The chassis is where BIMOTA truly shines. It gives the impression of a slightly higher seat but with a low center of gravity and a long wheelbase, though the specifications show only minor differences. Despite this, it lacks the stiff impression often found in supersport models, feeling surprisingly approachable for such a premium machine. The only significant difference in specifications compared to the ZX10R is the caster angle: 23.5° for the RIMINI versus 25° for the ZX10R, making it slightly steeper. However, this doesn't result in overly quick or nervous handling. The front-end grip is excellent, even on rougher surfaces, allowing for spirited riding on public roads and winding paths.

RIMINI (2026)

The frame's excellence is particularly evident when hitting bumps at speed, causing the chassis to flex. Instead of a sharp, jarring reaction, it absorbs the impact with a large, smooth oscillation, similar to older steel-framed bikes. This forgiving response prevents the rider from being startled. While it's difficult to ascertain such nuances from a brief ride on public roads, the underlying sense of capability and inherent comfort suggests that this same comfort is leveraged at the limit of performance. The RIMINI's prowess is palpable.

However, it's true that there are significant hurdles to overcome for everyday riding on public roads. After riding for a while, the intense heat radiating from the engine became noticeable. Constant hot air was directed at both thighs, and even though the test day wasn't particularly hot, it was still "tough." This premium machine truly feels most at home on the racetrack.

TESI H2 TERA: Smooth yet Potent, a New Benchmark for Adventure Bikes

What was pleasing about switching to the TESI TERA was that it was clearly designed with road use in mind. It possesses the same premium feel and luxury as the RIMINI, and its distinctive "different from the rest" appearance, thanks to the center-hub steering, is striking. However, the ride is exceptionally smooth, and the fit and finish of the bodywork, with minimal rattling, feel reassuringly like a production bike.

The fairing panels appear to have proper grommets and reinforcing stays, resulting in minimal creaking and an overall sense of high quality. The softness when mounting, the low seat height, the natural riding position, and the quiet exhaust note all contribute to a velvety smooth riding experience.

The engine plays a significant role in this positive impression. While the H2's supercharged engine unleashes invincible power in the high-RPM range, it also delivers substantial torque in the everyday riding range, with exceptional refinement, minimal vibration, and quiet operation. The smooth throttle response and natural power delivery are, in fact, well-suited for an adventure motorcycle.

TESI H2 TERA (2026) Riding position

TESI H2 TERA (2026)

The chassis was also excellent. Although the engine characteristics are completely different, the rider's and bike's centers of gravity feel close, providing a stable, low-center-of-gravity sensation, reminiscent of BMW's flat-twin engines. The suspension is very soft, offering a supremely comfortable ride, yet it doesn't feel mushy even when ridden aggressively. Instead, it grips the road and propels the bike forward smoothly. The sense of connection to the road is outstanding. By shifting up early and opening the throttle generously from low RPMs, one can comfortably utilize the H2 engine's torque band. The smooth, effortless maintenance of a high pace feels akin to piloting a large, luxurious four-wheeled vehicle.

While adventure bikes are often characterized by large-displacement twins, Kawasaki has shown with the Versys that four-cylinder engines can also fit this category. However, the TESI TERA surpasses this, presenting what feels like the ultimate form of a four-cylinder adventure bike. Has there ever been a two-wheeled vehicle this refined and luxurious? We were thoroughly impressed.

BIMOTA's Revival

We weren't deeply familiar with BIMOTA's position before its collaboration with Kawasaki, but we believe their partnership is a very positive development. The fact that such a premium brand now feels accessible, can be purchased, and serviced normally provides significant peace of mind. Furthermore, parts supply is streamlined through integration with Kawasaki's logistics network.

Moreover, in an era where some venerable European brands are merely licensed names, Kawasaki's decision to build a cooperative relationship while respecting BIMOTA's core manufacturing principles deserves praise.

While the price point remains a hurdle, BIMOTA has become significantly more approachable in terms of actual purchase and reliable ownership. Seeing one on the street is a joy in itself.

RIMINI / TESI H2 TERA Detail Check

RIMINI

While the lights are from the Kawasaki ZX10R, the fairing is a unique carbon fiber creation. Its beauty is moving, considering it's handmade in an Italian small factory. However, the handmade feel is evident in various details. For instance, a bolt protrudes unusually long from the large air intake in the center, secured by a nut. The finishing of the fairing edges and the gaps at the seams also indicate a different standard than production parts, reinforcing its identity as a racing machine.

Equipped with an automatically variable wing during riding. When you grip the front brake to start riding, it makes a "clack! clack!" sound for operational confirmation, which is charmingly audible. However, its effect was difficult to perceive during our road ride.

The suspension is from SHOWA, designed with Superbike racing in mind, but the lower axle part of the front fork is custom-machined. It's a luxurious touch to hide these finely machined parts with carbon covers.

The frame consists of machined aluminum plates for the pivot area and chromoly for the main frame. The chromoly section, in particular, is attractive for its ease of adjustment in terms of diameter and thickness, catering to the demands of racing. Beyond that, it also provided a unique, subtle softness or compliance on public roads, different from the ZX10R's aluminum frame.

The swingarm, with its lower yoke, is also a masterpiece of machining. The rear axle chain adjuster mechanism is truly breathtaking. The wheels are Marchesini.

The firm seat is also characteristic of a racing machine. Its length allows for a wide range of rider sizes and facilitates active weight shifts. The seat height is 830mm, 5mm higher than the ZX10R, yet the overall bike feels lower-centered, which is intriguing.

Like the lights, the instruments are genuine Kawasaki ZX10R parts. The engine and electronic control systems are not custom-tuned by BIMOTA but are inherited directly from Kawasaki. BIMOTA reportedly stated, "Kawasaki's reliability is higher than what we can build."

The main key is naturally a BIMOTA specification, and the serial number is displayed on the front of the fairing.

TESI H2 TERA

Features the supercharged H2 engine. Beyond its 200 horsepower maximum output, its abundant torque in the everyday riding range and its straightforward, predictable throttle response are appealing, and these characteristics are well-suited for an adventure machine. Naturally, the engine wasn't designed with center-hub steering in mind, but BIMOTA has skillfully integrated it by extending a large plate from the headstock. This allows the center-hub steering system to be combined effectively with this engine.

An unusual sight: two shock absorbers are placed side-by-side in the space where the rear suspension is typically located. The front center-hub steering system channels all suspension functions here via various linkages. It's remarkable that there is no play, transmission lag, or delay.

The seat is quite slim for an adventure model, suggesting a pursuit of sportiness. Simultaneously, this slimness makes the bike feel smaller and provides excellent ground reach. The pillion seat is wider and appears more comfortable.

The TESI H2 TERA features fixed wings. While center-hub steering typically has limited steering lock, the TESI H2 TERA increases it from 27° on the TESI H2 to 35°, making U-turns effortless. Braking is also powerful; despite the overall soft ride, it exhibits a peculiar sensation of sticking to the road and holding firm during hard braking, perhaps a characteristic of center-hub steering.

Specially developed tires with large block patterns that achieve ZR classification for the first time. Produced in Turkey, they feature prominent BIMOTA logos on the sidewalls. While the TESI H2 TERA is marketed with off-road capability in mind, the question remains whether one would actually take this machine off-road...

The relaxed riding position, wide steering angle, and familiar Kawasaki switchgear and instruments create a comfortable cockpit view. The inner fairings are all carbon fiber, adding to the luxurious feel. The high-quality finish, with its good fit and minimal rattling, approaches that of a production bike. The only minor drawback is the visible wiring in some areas.