Aside from the disastrous VDue, Bimota’s stock-in-trade was wrapping lightweight frames and fantastically exotic bodywork around reliable powertrains from established manufacturers. The magical formula that led to bikes like the Bimota SB6 seems so simple, it’s a wonder it took so long for other manufacturers to catch on: wrap too much engine in too little motorcycle, fit quality suspension, profit. But it’s obviously more difficult than it looks to make that formula work, and the Japanese tendency to overbuild was clearly blunting the otherwise very butch GSX-R1100’s performance: the SB6 made virtually the same power, but weighed a stunning 90lbs less than the donor Suzuki.
With 1,700 built, the SB6 was one of Bimota’s most successful models, and that means that prices are relatively low for this Suzuki-powered blaster. It’s not a cutting-edge performer anymore but, with almost 150hp from the 1074cc inline four, huge midrange, and light weight, a well-ridden SB6 will certainly keep up with modern machines.
There are some very minor blemishes on this example, just some small chips around fairing fasteners. But aside from that awful touring seat pad that’d be in the garbage before I even got the bike home, the bike is pretty much immaculate and looks great in the very Italian tri-colore paintwork on the swoopy body panels. I personally prefer the look of the later SB6R, but there’s no doubt this is a very striking motorcycle.
From the original eBay listing: 1995 Bimota SB6 for Sale
9809 milesexcellent condition72 year old owner can no longer ride
There were 1144 sb6’s made, not 1700.
Plus 600 sb6r’s