2012 Bimota DB5 E Desiderio

2012 Bimota DB5 E Desiderio sits as the standard-bearer above the DB5 RE in Bimota's small-batch sportbike range, built around Ducati's air-cooled L-twin rather than the liquid-cooled units found elsewhere in the lineup. This is a bike built for riders who want the mechanical honesty of a Ducati engine wrapped in a chassis that's been massaged by Rimini's boutique frame builders. The trellis frame and single-sided swingarm aren't just styling flourishes; they sharpen turn-in and give the bike a planted, precise feel that mass-produced sportbikes rarely match. It rewards deliberate riding, not point-and-shoot commuting, and it demands an owner who understands that low-volume Italian engineering means quirks alongside charm. The 2012 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year, so buyers comparing it to a 2011 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences. Expect this bike to attract experienced riders stepping away from mainstream Ducati or Aprilia twins, looking for exclusivity and hands-on ownership rather than dealer support. Collector interest remains moderate, driven by Bimota's limited production numbers and the appeal of Ducati power in a hand-built frame.