I love looking at concept motorcycles and motorcycle designs, especially those that move into the realm of ART, but it’s a rare treat to see a crazy design that is actually manufactured. The Bimoto Mantra as that sort of machine and one that continues to turn heads.

Mantra in Sanskrit means capable of “creating transformation” or literally translated would be “mind tool” and this design is certainly thought provoking. The Mantra features Ducati´s mid 1990s 904cc model engine, with Frenchman Sacha Lakic´s weird chassis and bodywork featuring an oval aluminum tube frame. Upon its presentation it was thought only as a project given its futuristic appearance. The real surprise came when it was marketed in two series the first in Cologne in 1994 and the second in Milan in 1997. However the second incarnation added only minor cosmetic details such as screen, headlight, handlebars and rear mudguard, all of which will fit onto earlier bikes if needed. The bike was manufactured from 1995-2003.

The Mantra with designer Sacha Lakic

Motorcyclenews.com on the Bimoto Mantra, “it is a surprising bike, because although it looks bizarre, it actually handles very well, with a stiff trellis frame, meaty Paioli 43mm forks and a firm monoshock at the back. The brakes are excellent and a 24 degree fork angle gives the Bimota Mantra real agility in town, or on very twisty roads. In a word, it’s classy.”

Check out the wooden dash!

To me, it simply looks odd, like something I might want as desk ornament, if it came in a 6 inch model. Riding…hmmmm, you be the judge, if you can find one to ride. With a craigslist aggregator search, I didn’t find one and on ebay I found a single add for a 1999 with 200 miles: Starting bid $12,000. I found one other here.
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**all photos from google images