Pierobon
X80R
Pierobon X80R, a track
bike that takes the Ducati 848 Superbike engine, and wraps it in the usually
goodies that Pierobon has become known for in the two-wheeled space.
Regular readers will
note some similarities between the X80R supersport and the X60R air-cooled
superbike, and that is because the two models’ EN AW-7020 aluminum alloy frames
and swingarms share the same general philosophy that comes from Pierobon.
The Italians say that
their focus has been to provide greater torsional rigidity to the chassis,
without compromising lightness and compactness. As such, the tubes are mounted
very closely to the engine, which Pierobon says results in better handling performance
and agility of the bike.
Similarly, the
box-section double-sided swingarm uses an under-braced design, with the aim for
maximum edge-grip, acceleration, and corner entry. Of course, the power
plant on the Pierobon X80R is very different from the other models. The Ducati
848 Superbike lump has been sourced for the X80R, though it seems Pierobon can
adapt the X80R design to accept any four-valve Ducati lump. You can of course buy
the X80R as a kit, with the trellis frame, subframe, swingarm, fuel tank,
rearsets, and other bits from Pierobon being used in conjunction with pieces
off of a donor bike.
Pierobon has tried to
make the conversion as easy as possible, so the fuel tank mounts any 848, 1098,
1198 fuel pump, while the rear subframe will allow the mounting of any 848,
1098, 1198 undertail exhaust. You can get bodywork in either fiberglass or
carbon fiber, we suggest the latter.
When it is all said and
done, Pierobon says you can get the X80R down to 330 lbs, which should
certainly attract any racer, track day enthusiasts, or purveyor of nice things.
Bring your wallet though, because that sort of performance and exclusivity
won’t be cheap.
