Tamburini’s last creation unveiled – the T12 Massimo superbike

When Italian designer Massimo Tamburini passed on two years ago on April 6, 2014, he left behind a design legacy in the world of motorcycles. Tamburini’s motorcycles designs were iconic, he was the father of motorcycles like the Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4. His last creation – the T12 Massimo was recently unveiled.

Tamburini was also one of the three founders of Bimota. Retiring from MV Agusta in 2008 after completing the F3 675. Tamburini went to work on his dream of the ultimate superbike. Working together with son Andrea, Tamburini brought to life the T12 Massimo – ‘T’ for Tamburini, ’12’ being his lucky number and ‘Massimo’ being both Tamburini’s first name and “maximum” in Italian.

Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, Tamburini handed over development of the T12 Massimo to Andrea, before succumbing to his ailment. Taking over the reins of development, Andrea produced two prototypes of the T12 Massimo, which were unveiled recently
Carrying the SBK version of BMW Motorrad’s S1000RR inline-four engine, the T12 Massimo is a combination of lightweight and exotic materials, combined with precision manufacturing.

The result is a 226bhp track-only motorcycle that weighs a shade above 150kg, with the physical dimensions of a MotoGP bike. Carbon-fibre is used throughout the entire machine, from the sleek slab-sided fairing, through to the air-box and intake runners, up to the self-supporting fuel tank and tail-piece. The 999cc S1000RR engine is used as a stressed member, a Tamburini design signature. Carried in a minimal steel trellis frame, massive machined billet aluminium side-plates anchor the swing-arm.

Magnesium is used for the head-stock, swing-arm and wheels, and the very best racing-quality components are included, such as Ohlins suspension for the front and rear. Braking is done by Brembo, using racing-use only components with Staubli fittings, and the T12 Massimo’s electronics are by Motec.
Available only on order, the T12 Massimo is not road legal and is expected to cost in the region of 300,000 euro (Rs 2.27 crore).