Early Unobtainium: 1980 Bimota SB3

For Sale: 1980 Bimota SB3

12/26/2012: Back on eBay with a starting bid of $25k reserve not met and $29,500 buy-it-now. If Santa missed you this year, maybe this will work 😉 Links updated. -dc

4/12/2012: We love this early Bimota and it’s back on eBay for $4000 less than it’s last listing. Links updated. -dc

3/20/2012: Back on eBay since our original posting last year, this SB3 is now being offered out of New York for $29,000 USD or best offer. The auction is mistakenly labeled for a Ducati Superbike, which might slow some bidders down. There are also some new pictures in the auction, so be sure and check them out! Links updated. MI

When it comes to the early age of Bimotas, we do see them cross the auction block from time to time (witness this Bimota post from Rem, for example). They are, however, very rare and usually very pricey.

This particular example of the breed – in fantastic condition throughout according to the pictures – comes to us from the Ontario providence of Canada. Perhaps it is the short riding seasons that have kept this beauty from accumulating many miles – less than 5,000 miles grace the face of this bike’s odometer.

From the seller:
Look closely at the technology and engineering of the machine and it’s hard to believe that this bike is a 1980 model. The SB3 had its debut at the Milan Show in 1979 and showcased some radical thinking; particularly in the frame design. The cromoly frame is assembled around the engine and uses aircraft style ‘conical’ joints to connect the front and rear halves. It also has a ‘perimeter’ swing arm, which pivots exactly at the transmission sprocket axis, eliminating the need for chain slack and geometry changes that go along with that. Modular bodywork, top-line (for the day) Italian components (Brembo, Marzocchi, Campagnolo,). Powered by Suzuki’s bullet-proof GS1100 power plant, only 402 copies were made during its production.

This one shows some sensible mods from the previous owner (Pingle fuel tap, relocated choke, battery charger pig tail) and a bit of natural patina from use, but is in exceptional condition and with only 4,700 miles on the clock; it’s barely broken-in.

There were an estimated 402 SB3 bikes produced during the 1979-1983 model run. This bike, a 1980 model with a low VIN, is obviously an early example. Yet even after 31 years the overall condition of the bike looks to be fantasic. Such is the way with rare and exotic collectibles: a lot of looking and polishing, but often not a lot of riding.

That is a shame in some ways, as this bike was the top of the food chain at the beginning of the decade. With a chrome moly trellis frame, top level suspension and braking components and a Suzuki GS1000 mill, this bike could out handle and outrun practically anything else on the road save for an all-out racebike. Even today you might be surprised at the potential – should you be lucky (or brave) enough to ride it in anger.

This magnificent SB3 is available now via an eBay auction. At the time of this writing, the current bid was approximately $5,900 with reserve still in place. The bidding is taking place with Canadian dollars, so stateside bidders will need to watch conversion rates (1 USD is approximately .95 CAN at the going rate). The last SB3 posted here on RSBFS had an opening bid of $10k and a BIN of $25k, just to give you an expected range. There is no reason to believe that this bike would fall outside of that spread, and it will be interesting to see where the reserve is set for this rocket. For more information, click on the link and jump over to the auction. Don’t forget to tell ’em you found it on RSBFS!

MI