Motorcycle specifications Massimo TamburiniT12 Massimo 2016 A king's legacy

All illustrious figures leave hidden memories, unfinished projects, far-reaching ideas. Even today, forgotten operas, lost or unknown masterpieces can be found in attics, sketches in drawers. Massimo Tamburini is one of them. And two years after his death, a sublime sports car, the posthumous legacy of this design master, pays tribute to him: the T12.

Don't look for any reference. The T12 has nothing to do with competition or market frenzy - it's a tracker with no limits in its design. This bike strives to the end of its rims to be recognized by its master, even if he will never be able to prove it. And Massimo would be proud to see his project come to fruition. His son Andrea continued the adventure so that it could take shape, life and rage. With this machine, the designer had come very close to the absolute sports machine. The design is taut and edgy, true to the spirit that inhabits each of his creations. Some of the pencil veins are reminiscent of the MV-Agusta F4. The rear end is particularly uncluttered, with no appendages to mar its appearance. There are no plates, lights, passenger footrests or exhaust pipes, and for good reason: the latter are an integral part of the hoof. What a hideout!

By the way, why T12? A T for "Tamburini", and 12 because it was his lucky number. On the engine side, the numbers are scarier. As with the brand he once created, Bimota, the engine came from another manufacturer. BMW was chosen for its spirited 4-cylinder engine, which powers the S 1000 RR. It originally produced almost 200 horsepower. But for the T12, it undergoes a shock treatment to bring it up to 230 horsepower. Wahourglll! The firepower of a WSBK machine, controlled by Motec M170 electronics.

The T12 team worked hard to achieve an unparalleled result. Not only is the bike of rare purity. But its weight can make you dizzy. Just over 150 kilos on the scales - 154.5 to be precise. A 600 couldn't manage that, and neither could a MotoGP prototype. The abundant use of carbon and other noble materials has made this tour de force possible. Black fiber is used in particular for the fairing, airbox, air intake, tank structure and self-supporting seat.

When it came to chassis design, Tamburini went further than any manufacturer has ever dared. He chose the very best in components: an inverted FGR fork and Öhlins shock absorber from MotoGP, redesigned to Massimo's specifications; GP4 34/38 monobloc Brembo brake calipers cut from solid and connected to Stäubli fittings; a Brembo PR 19/18 master cylinder, also GP-style; Marchesini forged magnesium rims; and a magnesium swingarm. Nothing but the best, which can only be honored by a top-quality frame. And that's where the genius comes in. The maestro has designed and patented a structure that goes far beyond the usual requirements. It is possible to modify the torsional rigidity of this frame without changing a single part! Moving parts in the steel trellis allow this modularity of strength. The frame also includes a steering column and magnesium side plates.
Rigidity isn't the only thing that can be adjusted. The suspensions are adjustable in all directions, of course. But also the swingarm pivot and footpegs.

This masterpiece showcases its cutting-edge technology, its mechanical fury, its haute couture stylistic definition, its renowned progenitor... Much less its price. The latter has no real significance, as the bike was designed without any marketing or related considerations. All that mattered was performance. Its exhibition in Monaco for the 2018 Top Marques show also reveals an exception in motorcycling history - $1 million (around 807,500 euros). The price of a dream? No, it's indecent. Remove the price tag, remove the labels, don't judge. Just imagine succumbing.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos