The name Tesi comes about because this motorcycle was actually the designer’s (Pierlugi Marconi) Mechanical Engineering thesis – on paper, at least, there are technical advantages to hub-centric steering. The simplified story here is that hub-centric steering completely isolates braking forces from suspension travel, which should improve mechanical performance of both aspects. This is one of the Limited Edition “Concept” bikes. Only 29 were made, and this is number 1.
The first generation was the 1D, which utilized the 93 horsepower twin from the Ducati 851. By the third generation (3D), the Ducati-built heart was the 1,078cc dual spark engine found in machines like the Multistrada 1100 and Hypermotard 1100 (rated for 97 horsepower in the Tesi). The 3D was a vast improvement of the 2D: Blake Conner of Cycle World said “I was amazed by how much more responsive the front end was compared to the 2D.” Alan Cathcart said the “third time’s the charm” in a Motorcycle.com review. The air-cooled motor didn’t have much mass to move around – Bimota claimed a dry weight of just 370 pounds thanks to the high spec components and extensive use of carbon fiber.
This example (VIN: ZEST311D78R000001) has roughly 3,000 miles and unfortunately it has a salvage title as the original owner “let the limited steering lock surprise him in a parking lot.” I can attest that the turning radius is definitely…minimal. The seller states “all damage repaired and upgraded,” and he’s had the bike for about a decade. This looks like the cheapest way I’ve seen to get yourself a Tesi and the Zard exhaust is a nice upgrade. I prefer my Tesi 3D Final Edition a sit has much more comfortable ergonomics but I do think these look better.
Find this Tesi for sale in Veyo, Utah with bidding up to $7,250 (and it looks like the reserve has been met) here on eBay. Buy it so that I don’t!