Designer	Enrico Borghesan	First presentation	Mailand 2019
Production period	seit 2020	Production numbers	250 (planed)
Power	170 KW (231 PS)	Hubraum	998 ccm
Topspeed	299 km/h	Weight	wet 219 kg dry 207 kg
Price	64.000 Euro (2020)	Colours	white / red / green 10 Carbon Edition
Technical basis	Kawasaki Ninja H2

The premiere of the Tesi H2 at the world’s largest motorcycle show, EICMA (Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo e Motociclo), in 2019 marked the resurrection of the Bimota brand. After years without a new model, Bimota, together with its new shareholder Kawasaki, presented a motorcycle that once again caused a sensation. Featuring Bimota’s legendary hub-center steering and Kawasaki’s powerful supercharged H2 engine, the Tesi H2 impresses not only with its technology and design but also with its price: €64,000.

Official press photos of the Tesi H2 tricolore – provided on bimota.it

The engine from the Kawasaki Z H2, including the intake system and exhaust, is integrated into the Tesi. On the one hand, using already tested and approved components significantly reduces development, testing, and homologation costs. As a result, Bimota also adopts the engine control system, lighting, and the entire electronics package from the Ninja H2. On the other hand, the 231 hp at 11,500 rpm and 141 Nm of torque are more than sufficient for a road-legal motorcycle.

In issue 1/2023 of Motorrad Szene, Manfred Rotzkowalsky described his test ride in Misano with the following words:

„Riding a cannonball! All the more astonishing that after just ten minutes, the Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tires were already shredded to the edge by the first pit stop. I didn’t even remember the first laps being that fast. A short coffee break provided an opportunity for reflection: The Tesi H2 is undoubtedly one of those motorcycles that travel faster than it feels to the rider. This is, of course, a result of the hub-center steering and the entire chassis design. The long-learned characteristics of conventional telescopic fork suspensions are completely foreign to the Tesi. The typical front-end dive when braking late is absent, meaning that trail and steering head angle remain virtually unchanged when braking or accelerating. Without these two pitching effects, cornering feels entirely different than usual. Apart from that, the Tesi allows braking into corners like no other motorcycle. The separation of suspension, steering, and braking forces works better than ever.“

The fairing, rear subframe, fender covers, and many other components are made from lightweight carbon fiber. Although the Tesi H2 still weighs 207 kg dry, it is about 10 kg lighter than the comparable Ninja H2. The aforementioned test report concludes with the following verdict:

„The Bimota Tesi H2 is a completely unique motorcycle. Thanks to the fantastic Kawasaki engine, it offers immense power reserves, while the newly designed chassis not only creates a spectacular appearance but also significantly improves handling compared to previous Tesi models. The exorbitant price is due to the limited production numbers and the sensational craftsmanship.“

The chassis of the Tesi H2 is an evolution of the hub-center steering system first introduced by Bimota in 1990 with the Tesi 1D. The front swingarm is connected to the engine – which serves as the main structural frame via two aluminum plates that also link to the steering head. Steering movements are transmitted via levers and rods to the steering pivot mounted on the left side of the wheel hub.

Compared to earlier Tesi models, the steering angle has been significantly increased due to the swingarm geometry. The rear swingarm is mounted in the crankcase, just like on the Ninja H2. Both swingarms are supported by a linkage system connected to two Öhlins shock absorbers, which are positioned almost vertically behind the engine. Compression, rebound damping, and spring preload are fully adjustable.

In issue 23/2020 of the German Motorrad magazine, a test report highlighted the chassis‘ performance, particularly under braking:

„Every time I was reminded of what an incredible advantage supercharging is on a motorcycle—no lag when opening the throttle, just immense acceleration that is deeply, deeply thrilling. The Tesi H2 remains rock-solidly stable down the straights, only dipping slightly at the front when braking. This greatly improves feedback and marks a significant improvement over previous models.
On country roads, the much softer front suspension, now with 100 mm of travel, is a revelation. It not only provides surprisingly good comfort on the often shockingly poor road surfaces around Rimini but also eliminates one of the biggest issues of older Tesi models—where limited suspension travel and stiff damping caused instability over bumps. The Tesi H2 now goes exactly where you want it to, without deviating from the chosen line. And it remains stable even under braking. The wheels utilize more suspension travel than before, and in a much more controlled manner

Bimota is limiting production of the Tesi H2 to just 250 units. Each example bears a plaque on the lower edge of the windscreen displaying its unique number: xxx/250.