Bikes

Gallery and Video: T12 Massimo

The legendary Massimo Tamburini's final concept - a track-only, BMW-powered work of art

May 11, 2016

The T12 Massimo is a limited-edition track-only sportbike powered by a BMW S 1000 RR engine. The design was penned by the legendary Massimo Tamburini and features the Italian designer's trademark trellis frame with magnesium sideplates. Dry weight is just over 330 pounds, and the superbike-spec BMW engine generates more than 230 horsepower.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

Although the legendary Massimo Tamburini passed away in 2014, Tamburini Corse - a company headed by Massimo's son Andrea, has introduced the Italian designer's final concept, the T12 Massimo. The bike is a very limited-edition track-only machine designed by Massimo Tamburini in the years following his retirement from MV Agusta. Scroll through the gallery below for more images and details on the bike.

Massimo Tamburini retired from MV Agusta in 2008 and was limited by contract not to establish any new contact with other motorcycling companies. On his own, he designed and developed what eventually became the T12 Massimo for three years, until in 2012 a small company was formed - Tamburini Corse - and the bike is now offered for sale.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The T12 Massimo's chassis is reminiscent of the past work of Tamburini, with a steel trellis structure and magnesium sideplates clamping the engine. A magnesium casting is used for the steering head, and the single-sided swingarm and triple clamps are also cast magnesium.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The engine is a BMW S 1000 RR superbike-spec unit, with gear-driven cams. Motec M170 electronics are used. The frame utilizes a patented system that allows lateral rigidity to be adjusted without replacing any parts.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

Running gear includes Ohlins GP-type suspension; the frame offers adjustable rake, while adjustable-offset triple clamps allow trail to be altered and the swingarm pivot height is also adjustable.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The Brembo brake package includes a GP-type master cylinder, P4.34/38 monoblock calipers and 320mm steel rotors at the front; Stauble quick-release connections are used. The rear brake is a 218mm steel disc and P2.34 monoblock caliper. Tires are Pirelli Diablo racing slicks, in 120/70 and 200/60 sizes.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

Computerized mathematical modeling and FEM analysis was used in the construction of the chassis, which allowed weight to be kept to a minimum. The engineering and styling work took approximately one year, with Massimo Tamburini transforming computerized sketches of the styling into life-size clay mockups shaped by hand.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The bodywork, airbox and intake tubes are carbon fiber, with the seat unit a supporting structure; all the carbon fiber parts are manufactured by "a company leader in the automotive and civil aviation industry." Other iconic bikes penned by Massimo Tamburini include the Ducati 916 and MV Agusta F4 and F3 models.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The T12 Massimo is a track-only bike, and "no street-legal homologated version is planned at the moment."Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The exhaust system is by Arrow.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

All major components, if not made from magnesium or carbon fiber, are CNC-machined from high-tensile aluminum alloy billet.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The Ohlins shock has been specially modified according to specifications defined by Tamburini.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

The Motec electronics package includes the dashboard and buttons on both clip-ons to control settings.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.

Ohlins FGR fork is gas-charged; note the quick-release brake lines and suspension potentiometer, which is part of the Motec electronics setup.Courtesy of Massimo Tamburini S.r.l.