Brand Heritage:
Bimota is renowned for its boutique, high-performance motorcycles, often featuring innovative chassis design and premium components, typically produced in limited numbers.
Model Niche:
The Vdue 500 represents Bimota's foray into the competitive 500cc two-stroke sportbike segment, aiming at discerning riders seeking exclusivity and cutting-edge performance.
Competitors:
Direct competitors in the 500cc two-stroke class would include machines like the Honda NSR500, Yamaha YZR500, Suzuki RG500 Gamma, and Kawasaki KR-1S.
Exclusivity:
Bimota motorcycles are typically produced in limited quantities, offering a high degree of exclusivity.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on lightweight construction, advanced chassis dynamics, and potent two-stroke engine performance.
Manual Value:
A factory service manual for a niche Italian motorcycle like the Bimota Vdue 500 is invaluable for owners and independent mechanics due to the limited availability of specialized knowledge and parts.
Engine:
V-twin, 500cc two-stroke, cooling systems, lubrication, fuel injection/carburetion (depending on specific market version), ignition system.
Transmission:
Gearbox (likely 6-speed), clutch operation and overhaul, final drive.
Chassis:
Frame construction, suspension (front forks, rear monoshock), steering system, swingarm.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (likely hydraulic disc), master cylinders, calipers, brake lines, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, instrumentation, starter motor, ignition coils.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), carburetor tuning/rebuild (if applicable).
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, fan operation (if equipped).
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, sealing and mounting.
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fenders, trim pieces, mounting and removal.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug inspection/replacement, coolant checks.
Repair Procedures:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension fork service, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and guidance for common problems and their solutions.
Component Location:
Detailed diagrams and descriptions identifying the location of key components.
Torque Specifications:
Essential torque values for critical fasteners during assembly and maintenance.
Special Tools:
Identification and use of specialized tools required for specific procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Factory original material, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls.
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes troubleshooting guides for identifying and rectifying mechanical and electrical faults.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine and gearbox.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 500cc, 90-degree V-twin, two-stroke
Bore X Stroke:
Specifications vary by specific engine supplier (e.g., if it was a rebranded engine). Likely around 54 x 54.5 mm, typical for this displacement class.
Power Output:
Estimated 100-120 hp, depending on tuning and homologation.
Torque Output:
Estimated 60-70 Nm. Specific figures not universally published.
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition), likely with electronic timing control.
Carburetion:
Likely dual 38-40mm carburetors (e.g., Mikuni TMR or Dell'Orto PHM series) with separate oil injection for two-stroke lubrication.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 95 RON)
Oil Injection:
Separate oil injection system for lubrication of crankcases and cylinders.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1390-1420 mm (dependent on specific frame configuration).
Seat Height:
Typically around 780-820 mm, reflecting a sporty riding position.
Dry Weight:
Estimated 140-150 kg, emphasizing Bimota's lightweight philosophy.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Typically around 16-18 liters.
Safety Standards:
No specific crash ratings apply to motorcycles in the same way as cars. However, the design would adhere to European ECE regulations for motorcycle safety.
Braking System:
High-performance dual front disc brakes and single rear disc brake, likely with premium caliper brands (e.g., Brembo).
Suspension System:
Fully adjustable front forks (e.g., Marzocchi, Paioli) and rear monoshock (e.g., Öhlins, WP), allowing for precise handling and stability.
Frame Construction:
Advanced trellis or perimeter frame, designed for optimal rigidity and weight distribution, contributing to rider control and safety.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature gauge, and warning lights. Often features a minimalist, race-inspired dash.
Traction Control:
Not typically found on 1990s two-stroke sportbikes of this era.
Diagnostic Ports:
Limited diagnostic capabilities compared to modern motorcycles; relies on mechanical diagnosis and multimeter testing as outlined in the manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 2,000-3,000 km or annually. Specific to oil type used (mineral vs. synthetic).
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 4,000-6,000 km. Replacement intervals depend on plug type and usage.
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 500-1000 km and after washing/rain.
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality 2-stroke synthetic racing oil. Specific viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 10W-40) and JASO FD or TCW-3 rating dependent on injection system.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixture with a 50/50 concentration of distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil for wet clutch applications, typically SAE 75W-90 or 10W-40 motorcycle-specific gear oil.
Two Stroke Tuning:
Two-stroke engines require precise jetting and timing; improper setup can lead to premature wear or seizure. The manual's tuning section is critical.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older high-performance Italian motorcycles can sometimes suffer from electrical gremlins due to vibration and age. Comprehensive wiring diagrams are essential.
Wear And Tear Components:
Clutch plates, piston rings, and exhaust power valves are wear items common to high-performance two-strokes and require regular inspection and replacement.
Founding:
Bimota was founded in Rimini, Italy, in 1973 by Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini.
Philosophy:
Known for creating exclusive, high-performance motorcycles often using proprietary chassis designs combined with engines from major Japanese manufacturers.
Vdue Series:
The Vdue 500 was part of Bimota's effort to compete in the superbike and racing homologation classes, leveraging the burgeoning popularity of powerful two-stroke engines.
Production Period:
The Vdue 500 was produced in limited numbers during the late 1990s.
Manufacturing Location:
Rimini, Italy
Motorcycle Press:
Bimota models of this era were generally praised by the motorcycle press for their handling, braking, and exclusivity, though often criticized for their high price and sometimes demanding maintenance.
Performance Benchmarks:
The Vdue 500 would have been benchmarked against other 500cc two-strokes for track performance and acceleration.
Homologation:
Designed to meet homologation requirements for racing series where applicable.