1998 Bimota Mantra DB3

In Italy, Standard by Abhi8 Comments

Post Sale Update: This Bimota Mantra DB3 did not meet reserve at $7,000.01, having attracted 11 bids.

The Bimota Mantra, to put it bluntly, is probably the ugliest motorcycle to come out of the Rimini company’s doors. With that said, we love that they took a chance – you may never see a bike that looks like this again. Weighing only 381 pounds, the 86 horsepower Ducati motor was capable of taking the Mantra up to 125 miles per hour. Compared to other Bimotas, the peak hp number seemed low, but you were rewarded with plenty of midrange torque. This made the Mantra one of the best in-town Bimotas you could buy.

Bimota Mantra - Left Side

It’s hard to categorize this bike. Featuring the engine from first gen Monster 900s and lots of pricey suspension and braking components, (not to mention a fake wood dashboard and a glovebox!), the Bimota Mantra was truly an odd duck in the bike world. Absurdly high pricing and the polarizing looks meant they sold poorly – only 454 were ever created. The simple rarity of this bike means that values should rise in the future. Want to learn more? Sylvia Stuurman has a page where she cataloged here experiences living with a Bimota Mantra for some time, and it’s a pleasant read. Find it here.

Bimota Mantra - Gauges

This specific Bimota Mantra has less than 3,000 miles. Make sure you inspect seals and other components to ensure there’s no dry rot. May god have mercy on your soul if you need replacement bodywork panels.

Bimota Mantra - Glovebox

Find this Bimota Mantra for sale here on eBay with an opening bid of $4,000 in Valencia, California.

Bimota Mantra - Rear