Built for Two: 1988 Bimota YB5 for Sale

Although they built their reputation around their race-spec bikes, Bimota also built plenty of street-biased bikes. There’s obviously no real racing class for a bike like the Bimota YB5, powered as it was by Yamaha’s 1188cc FJ1200 engine and 5 speed transmission.

But while it may not have been eligible for any race series, the YB5 had a couple aces up its sleeve. One was that massively torquey engine. The other was something you don’t often see on a Bimota: a set of pillion pegs matched to a passenger seat!

So while this probably wouldn’t be an ideal bike for long-distance touring, it’s nice to know you can head out to a local bike night to show off not just your taste in bikes, but your taste in significant others as well.

While Bimota was obviously famous for their lightweight construction and, although it was more than 50lbs less than the donor machine, the YB5 still weighed in at 463lbs dry. The frame was based on their SB4 and period testers reveled in the bike’s nearly magical combination of stability and agility, traits that, when combined with the flexible engine, make it an ideal sportbike for road-biased riders.

The original YB5 used 18″ wheels with low-profile tires, although this one looks like it’s been fitted with a set of 17″ wheels from Technomagnesio.

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Bimota YB5 for Sale

Rare chance to own a Bimota YB5,  one of only 208 units built.
Has been in climate controlled collection for past 10 years.  (thinning the collection)
Mileage  10,651
Condition very good,  but will need new
Tires
Battery
tune-up, etc.
All stock motor and exhaust. (FJ1200 motor)
Rare Special option Brembo technomagnesio wheels
please note:  stock “suicide” side stand and several small blemishes in fairing.

So it’s not pristine shape, but has obviously been well cared for. The bike has attracted little interest so far, with one bid at $6,500 and the reserve apparently met. Bimotas are often thought of as hideously expensive exotica, but many of the mid to late 80’s bikes sell for a relative song, considering their rarity. And because the engines and transmissions are all from common Japanese bikes, you should be able to keep one running for peanuts. Body panels can be an issue, but for the price, they represent a serious exotica bargain.

-tad