An Icon Reborn: The Bimota Tesi H2 Review

An Icon Reborn: The Bimota Tesi H2 Review

In the world of high-performance motorcycles, there are few names that command as much reverence and intrigue as Bimota. For decades, the small Italian manufacturer has stood as a beacon of engineering artistry, taking powerful engines from mainstream producers and wrapping them in exotic, hand-built chassis. The Tesi H2 is not just a continuation of this legacy; it's a quantum leap. Born from a collaboration with Kawasaki, which now holds a 49% stake in the company, the Tesi H2 marries the brutally powerful, supercharged heart of the Ninja H2 with Bimota's most iconic and unconventional creation: the hub-center steering Tesi chassis. The result is a machine that is as radical as it is breathtaking, a motorcycle that challenges every preconceived notion of what two-wheeled performance can be.

An Icon Reborn: The Bimota Tesi H2 Review

Design and Engineering: A Symphony of Carbon and Billet Aluminum

From every angle, the Tesi H2 is a visual masterpiece. It's a sculpture of carbon fiber, billet-machined aluminum, and purposeful engineering. The most striking feature, of course, is the absence of a traditional telescopic fork. Instead, a complex system of linkages, swingarms, and an ingenious hub-center steering mechanism governs the front wheel. This design is the Tesi's raison d'être, separating the functions of steering, braking, and suspension. The result is a bike that does not "dive" under heavy braking. The front remains flat and stable, allowing the rider to brake hard and deep into a corner with unparalleled confidence.

The chassis itself is a work of art. The engine acts as a stressed member, with two massive, billet-machined aluminum plates bolting directly to it. A beautifully sculpted swingarm at the front and another at the rear are both controlled by high-spec Öhlins TTX shocks, giving the bike a fully adjustable, race-ready suspension system. The bodywork is a study in purposeful aerodynamics, with winglets on the carbon fairing designed to generate downforce at high speeds. Every component, from the Brembo Stylema brakes to the OZ racing forged wheels, is top-of-the-line, underscoring the bike's bespoke nature.

The Heart of the Beast: Supercharged Power and Precision

The soul of the Tesi H2 is the 998cc, liquid-cooled, supercharged inline-four engine from the Kawasaki H2. With a claimed power output of over 228 horsepower, this is one of the most potent production engines in the world. But it's not just the sheer numbers that are impressive; it's the delivery. The supercharger's characteristic "chirp" is a constant auditory reminder of the immense power waiting to be unleashed. The power band is broad and relentless, with a monstrous surge of torque that arrives from the midrange and pulls all the way to the redline. The Tesi H2’s lightweight chassis, at around 207 kg dry, makes this power even more ferocious, with acceleration that can feel like a physical assault.

Bimota has smartly integrated the full suite of Kawasaki's sophisticated electronic rider aids, including traction control, launch control, and cornering ABS. These systems have been meticulously recalibrated to work with the Tesi's unique chassis and significantly lighter weight, providing a safety net for a bike that is, by any measure, a handful. The quick-shifter is seamless, and the overall electronic package feels as polished and responsive as the Japanese donor bike.

The Ride: A Mental Recalibration

Riding the Tesi H2 is an experience that requires a complete mental reset. The most challenging aspect for a rider accustomed to a conventional telescopic fork is the lack of "dive" and the strange, disconnected feeling at the handlebars. Under braking, the front end stays level, providing no visual or tactile cue that the bike is slowing down. This can be unnerving at first, and it takes several laps or rides to build the trust needed to fully exploit the bike's capabilities.

However, once you adjust, the benefits become clear. The separation of braking and suspension allows the bike to maintain its geometry perfectly. This means you can brake incredibly late and hard into corners, and the bike remains stable and composed. The steering is light and precise, and the bike holds a line with unshakable authority. The Tesi H2's handling is less about instinct and more about trust in the engineering. It is a bike that rewards commitment and a willingness to learn a new way of riding.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Motorcycle

The Bimota Tesi H2 is not for everyone. With a price tag that puts it firmly in the exotic category, it's a machine for collectors, for those who appreciate engineering art, and for riders who want an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. It is a bold, beautiful, and unapologetically unconventional motorcycle that pushes the boundaries of design and performance.

In a world where motorcycles are becoming increasingly homogenized, the Tesi H2 stands as a testament to Bimota's enduring spirit of innovation. It’s a bike that doesn’t just transport you; it challenges you, captivates you, and reminds you that the pursuit of engineering perfection is a journey worth taking. The Tesi H2 is more than a motorcycle—it is a two-wheeled statement of radical artistry.