

Over the last three decades, Bimota has consistently produced the most outrageously styled motorcycles of any contemporary manufacturer. The DB3 Mantra was the Rimini company’s attempt at a ‘naked bike’, and was styled by Frenchman Sacha Lakic. It was built in two versions—the first in 1995 and the second in 1997—with only minor details changed, such as the fairing, exhaust system and headlight. This particular machine was built in 1997, and is one of just 28 bikes finished in red. Most of the 454 Mantras built were finished in yellow and gray, and all Mantras featured the V-twin Ducati Monster M900 engine. It’s a light bike at only 173kg (381lbs) dry, and the 86bhp motor propelled it to 200kph (125mph). Today, the styling seems no less oddball—but can you see shades of the new Ducati Diavel in there?

Images courtesy of Phil Aynsley.





