Groundbreaking Work of Art- ’84 Bimota SB4S Mirage

Location: Huron, Ohio

Mileage: 9,665

Price: Auction, $10,000 starting bid

We’ve seen a run of Bimota’s here recently on RSBFS, many artfully written up by Mike. It’s an interesting company. If you happen to read Bike magazine (from England and one of my favorites) the December issue profiles, among other great stuff, the Bimota company. An interesting read that highlights Bimota’s trouble with the V-Due (see Mike’s post on one here) and how the company started and how it is surviving. What you will learn is that the bikes built early, particularly, were Bimota’s most groundbreaking work. Bimota was ahead of the times, working the power/size equation well before anyone.

Here’s the detail from the seller on this machine-

1984 Bimota Sb4S one of 34 built and sold worldwide. Designed and built by Massimo Tamburini. Tamburini went on to design the Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4 and is legendary in the motorcycle industry. This particular bike was built late 1983 In Rimini, Italy and delivered to Performance Works Canoga Park, CA. It comes with the original Certificate of Origin, and Original warranty and service manual serial numbered to the bike documenting its authenticity. This particular bike has been featured on a motorcycle magazine cover and it will also be included also with other period magazines featuring the Sb4S. This bike has several special order factory options; the older style Camponola rims, twin pot Brembo redline racing calipers, ferrari style mirrors, pearl paint- all installed at the factory before delivery. The bike runs well, the tires are decades old and are hard and cracked. Everything works as it should, the petcock weeps a little fuel overnight from the float valve drain tube if left at the on position. The bike needs some TLC as there are some nicks in the paint and minor surface corrosion as would be expected for a bike of this age- but I would rate this bike a 8.5 out of 10. These early Bimotas seldom come up for sale, and some say the SB4S is the best of the space frame bikes. This is a very rare bike, most people have never seen one, it can not be ridden anywhere without drawing a crowd. ( as it should) I’m guessing there are several in the USA, but I’m not sure. This bike is sold as is with no implied or written warranty. It is listed locally, delivery is the responsibility of the buyer, and I will not ship this bike out of the USA. U.S. Bank Transfer preferred, or cash in hand at the time pick up.

And some more pics for you-

Bimota made it’s claim to fame by taking the engines of other bikes (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Ducati) and building a better chassis around it. This bike was built around the air cooled Suzuki GS 1100 motor, starting with some good power. Bimota then went and built everything around it better. And better looking. No doubt that Bimota has built some of the most beautiful bikes on this planet.

This bike appears complete and in pretty good shape for its age. It has some miles (in the world of Bimota’s anyway) but the seller says everything works. Probably will need some new tires. Limited production means you’re probably not gonna see a lot of these in your neighborhood.

So, $10k to start and who knows from there. If you collect, or just love Bimota’s, take a look and read up on this machine. Then go place your bid!

-RN