Update 8.1.2014: Originally posted in late January, this Santa Monica is back on eBay. This time there are a handful of new pictures, though not high resolution. However there is a very lengthy description to accompany and a significant price drop from $36k to $27,500. Links updated, -dc
While Bimota is currently only using Ducati engines in their bikes, before their most recent rescue from bankruptcy Bimota was developing bikes powered by Suzuki and Yamaha too. One of the most astonishing bikes produced during the Japanese powered era was the SB8K Santa Monica.
2006 Bimota SB8K for sale on eBay
In 2006 the SB8K was delivered with a huge amount of top shelf components. It had carbon fiber for the fairing as well as for the construction of the fuel tank, a custom frame wrapped around a Suzuki TL1000R motor with the upper frame built with lightweight alloy and a lower footrest section consisting of carbon fibre plates in a box structure. It also came with Ohlins 43mm forks and Brembo brakes. Many pieces were machined from aluminum alloy and it was the only street production bike in the world that was delivered using Bimota’s very own radial injector fuel injection (Radial EFI).
This example is being listed as new. Unfortunately there is only one picture with the listing but the seller’s description with the ad is thorough. MSRP was about $45k so you get a $9k discount for waiting 8 years to purchase!
MG & DC
brand new $45K bike ( being offered for $36K) being transported on a $1000 general landscaping trailer?!?!?!…. for someone being so detailed and having such a high dollar valued item, you’de think the transport that they might use ( even if just for display ) might leave it a little less exposed and more protected.
maybe thats how he can afford bikes like this 😉
although I did notice that the mirrors seem to be absent and arent referred to in the advert on ebay.
I suppose something nice for a collector, although I never understood the gold wheels thing that the italians all went into producing
Why would he need to service or efc of it was new and unused?
bimota’s in general are very neat bikes, however for the investor I think there are better Bimota’s out there for 36K. and Brian I agree, 45k bike on a trailer like that???? Spend another 100 buck and rent a enclosed trailer for the day…
the price is way off base. Bimota spirit has 2 brand new for 22,000 and Im sure he would be happy to let one go for 20 grand. Nice preowned santa monicas are only worth 16k
I can get past the trailer but I wonder what a bent bimota clip on is worth…
He has mirrors;
– Genuine carbon fiber racing mirrors were mounted in place of the OEM BIMOTA mirrors to both save weight , improve aero dynamics as well as improve the bike cosmetically ( $750 USD )
This guy went pretty hardcore with the mods even the battery is carbon fiber. Not sure thats worth it, I’m even thinking the ABS shell used in normal lithium batteries is even lighter.
– Carbon fiber racing lithium battery and charger set up ( cost $900 USD).
What I don’t understand is why would someone go through all the lengths to mod the hell out out of a factory modded bike and never ride it? You never get to see the difference the new parts made.
Seller also has a 2003 Benelli Tornado for sale, also with zero miles and mod’ed to heck.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Benelli-Tornado-TRE-LE-Limited-Edition-Brand-New-BENELLI-TORNADO-TRE-LE-101-Custom-Italian-Exotic-/251444872805?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3a8b484665&item=251444872805&pt=US_motorcycles
This bike has been re-listed 4 times (two at $36k and two at $30k) since this post went up, price is now $30k
I’m told it’s impossible to get parts for these things. The engine is just a TLR motor with a different ECU and intakes right? I’d like to pick up a SB8R as I loved my ol’ TLR tanks but more for riding then collecting. This one’s too much of a trailer queen.
One quick thing and sorry to hijack this post but appears there are some knowledgeable guys on this page and I really don’t view too many others. I purchased a couple of the bikes you had on this site (an NSR and RVF400) more so to collect so not worried about them but I bought a Tri Color Panigale (used) that’s on its way. It only has 1500 miles but I’m being told I won’t be able to register it in CA with less then 7500 miles? I had an older Mille R once that I ran into the problem with but was under the impression it’s only for older bikes and all new bikes are CA compliant.
Anyone happen to know? Rather not waste a day at the miserable Santa Monica DMV only to get a NO. I had to go back twice for that damn ZX7RR as my paperwork wasn’t perfect. Suppose worst case, I could use my other Ducati plate on the Panigale as I’ll likely use my CBR plate for the NSR… I know, risky but have to get these things in the Canyons, at least for a couple rides.
Again, sorry to hijack the post…just hope I didnt waste $ as it arrives next week.
Wait a minute- you bought a $25,000 used motorcycle and didn’t thoroughly research first if it can be legally titled and registered in your state? And you threadjack a Bimota post to solicit information or help on possible DMV hassles with your incoming purchase? Seriously?
I had the same thing with my RC30 when I brought it to CA. If its a US model with appropriate VIN etc then it just needs to be verified by a CHP or at the DMV. Once you get it verified you just fill out a form which includes a statement of mileage and bring that to the DMV. As long as the form you fill out says >7500 miles you’re fine.
Thanks Chris, appreciate that!
Easy Sithgear, just looking for a little help. And no.. it was a buy it now for 16K as the guy needed cash immediately and happened to be next to a buddy on the East Coast. Too good of a deal to pass up.
No worries, Adam, forget about the Bimota SB8K- this thread is yours, now. So what exactly are the California rules about mileage restrictions? Why do you have to have 7500 miles on it? What is the age cutoff? VIN digit requirements? Have you done this before? What if the Santa Monica DMV gives you a hassle about registering it? Can you then just sell it to someone out of California and jump title? Tells us about your Ducati Panigale- sounds like you stole that thing from a desperate seller. Are you going to try to register it, ride it two or three times and flip that bitch? How much are you going to profit flipping it, do you figure? $4 grand? What are your plans- will you flip it right here on RSBFS?
I just can’t get that wound up over someone asking for help. We’re all here because we like to ride bikes aren’t we?
Help a brother out or don’t, there’s no need to get excited.
Thanks again for the advice. All the best.
I bought a new-in-crate SB8K Santamonica for my collection last year with 0 miles, and it was the EU version that has carbon fuel tank and the projector headlight, etc. for $18,500. The other one I own was $18,000 that had 400 miles….
George. Are you riding either of them? I’d like to pick one up at some point but want to be able to take it out a couple times a month. I’ve built a couple of TLR motors when I owned my shop a while back so not worried about the engine, more so the electrical, throttle bodies, ECU..that sort of thing. My MV had a CAM problem, took 4 months to get a replacement (back when MV’s weren’t so common), just don’t want to relive that experience.
Adam you realize that it’s a felony in CA to switch license plates on a bike or car?
I’ve owned several bimota SB8s and a Santa Monica. All are miserable riding machines unless modified. Lean lean lean….hiccups and just terrible. Stock to Suzuki is much better. Fuel splitter and exhaust mods required for these things to run correctly. Santa Monica was the worst of all of them. Btw I bought my Santa Monica in 2010 for 15k with 300 mikes on it. This seller is out if touch w reality
Thx moto gp. Really good to know. If I can’t get an occasional track day out of the bike then it’s not worth adding to the stable.