Why two-stroke legend Stan Stephens wants a Bimota Vdue

1997 Bimota Vdue

Two-stroke guru Stan Stephens has spent a lifetime perfecting the dark arts that make this fickle design of motor sing. From RD350LCs to RG500s and even a few special projects along the way, Stan has worked his magic under a haze of blue smoke since the 1970s and now even though semi-retired his skills are in high demand. So, what used bike would the man with twostroke oil running through his veins buy? Well, it wouldn’t be a four-stroke, would it...

“I remember in 1984 making a trip all the way to the Paris Motorcycle Show just to see the RD500LC in the flesh. I honestly don’t think we even bothered to walk around the show, we just went to the Yamaha stand, looked at the RD and went home again! I know the only thing it shares with the YZR500 race bike is the paint colour but it’s still a really beautiful motor that is very robust and will take a lot of tuning and modifying. I’ve even built a 1200cc V6 version that sounded incredible! But there is a huge problem with bikes like these, their price. I couldn’t pay what people are asking for an LC, YPVS or RD500LC, mainly as I remember how much they cost back in the day! So if I was going to buy a two-stroke I’d buy a very special one – the Bimota Vdue.

“I’ve never ridden a Vdue but it appeals to me as it looks fantastic and has a very advanced engine. Bimota put a lot of work into the motor and while I know they didn’t run very well, I’m sure it can be sorted and I’d be happy to give it a go as I’d like to look inside one. My main worry about the Vdue is the seat height. I stood next to one once and I’m not 100% certain I could get a leg over it! This may sound unbelievable, but I’ve never owned a twostroke road bike and I reckon the Bimota would be a very special thing to have in my garage.”