Drawing on his experience re-invigorating Laverda, industrialist Francesco Tognon’s similar approach to Bimota involved development of a slightly less exotic and more saleable motorcycle. The resulting SB8R used Suzuki’s TL-1000 L-twin in a carbon-aluminum hybrid frame, and put Bimota on the comeback trail.
2000 Bimota SB8R for sale on eBay
A showcase for early carbon-fiber production techniques, the SB8R used alloy twin spars and headstock keyed to carbon lower frame connectors, as well as a predominantly carbon fairing and self supporting seat sub-frame. The 996cc Suzuki twin generated 138 hp after Bimota’s comprehensive massage of the induction system, with 59mm intake horns and race-worthy shower injectors. Suspension is fully adjustable at both ends, 47mm Paoli forks with rear monoshock. Semi-floating 320mm Brembo disks are up front with a 230mm rear brake. The carbon upper fairing incorporates fresh air intakes, making a big visual statement above the fuel tank / airbox and blocking any view of the handlebar switches.
Shown in the midst of a little Italian collection, this SB8R could use a weekend at the spa, but looks complete and correct, with just a scrape here and there to show for its roughly 8,000 miles. Either much better pictures or inspection would be great to really establish condition. From the eBay auction:
2000 BIMOTA SB8R, SUPERBIKE IN GREAT CONDITION, RUNS INCREDIBLE, SOUNDS FANTASTIC, RECENT SERVICE, NO ISSUES, LOW RESERVE, BIKE COMES WITH REAR WHEEL STAND, CLEAN LIEN FREE CALIFORNIA TITLE, WE AT BUYERS EXPENSE CAN SHIP WORLDWIDE, BIKE IS ADULT OWNED AND CHERISHED FROM NEW, SEXY AND RARE…
With chain driven cams, maintenance on the big twin should be less than the Italian 996 it aspired to be, and parts availability will likely be easier. Opposite for the Bimota-specific parts, which might take some research and lira to get ahold of. The big carbon fairing reviewed as a little clunky design-wise but great protection for the rider as speeds climbed over the ton. For whatever reason, more SB8R’s are seen on the used market, but even higher production for Bimota meant only a few hundred each year. Bimota weathered the late 1990’s and went on to more exotic and less practical machines, but the SB8R is a signature Bimota, with an interesting but production powerplant and GP-inspired chassis design…
-donn
Hmm, would you really buy a 16 year old bike with a frame partially made from carbon fiber produced in such small scale? I’d be scared of delamination and invisible defects..
Why can’t sellers put a little time and effort into cleaning and presenting their bikes to make them a little (a lot) more presentable?
Seems like a no-brainer to me.
I have an SB8R in much better condition. There is absolutely no de lamination of the frame’ carbon sections. The carbon for the frames was done by the same supplier that does carbon for Ferrari