For Sale: 1998 Bimota SB6-R
The SB6 series of Bimotas might just be the most approachable of the entire Bimota line. I know that everybody has their favorites, but for the uninitiated this might just be the best entry point into the wonderful world of handbuilt sportbikes. If you are not into Bimotas, the “SB6” nomenclature stands for Suzuki (powerplant) Bimota (manufacturer) 6 (number of Suzuki-powered types created by Bimota).
The Suzuki power in this case is from the same year GSX-R1100 – a very well respected powerplant for big horsepower numbers. The rest of the bike is pure Bimota, which is to say gorgeously appointed with top level components and lots of carbon fiber. The best part about these Italian thoroughbreds is that they really work; this SB6 has handling to match its good looks.
From the seller:
1998 Bimota Other, Classic Bimota SB 6-R bike, carbon fiber, 1100cc engine,Liquid cooled, four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC 4 valves per cylinder- low milage, stored in dry climate, barely ridden.
So why do I think these models are some of the more approachable of the Bimota lineup? Since they seem to be more common than the YB or KB series, they are more modern and more plentiful. The Suzuki engine is a gem, and readily serviced at a dealer near you. The ergos are reasonable, and the prices are usually more in line with the numbers.
As most Bimotas are coveted and well cared for, they usually have low miles. This one is sporting only 3,500 miles on the clock, according to the seller. The asking price is $10k OBO. The $10k part is a bit high by some standards, although I will note that the lack of high-res, detailed photographs would be my first concern. If you are interested in this bike, I would contact the seller for more information. Past sales of these models has been spotty – the ask is usually in the $10k range, but reality sounds a little lower than that at the end of the day. Still, that is not bad for a piece of collectable exotica that you can ride – especially if the seller is motivated!
For more information and to check out your chance of owning this Japanese-Italian superbike, click the link and jump over to the auction. Good luck!
MI
Be wary of maintenance. changing the front sprocket is VERY difficult. You have to drop the motor to do it.
You raise a good point, Fargin_Bastige. Bimotas are put together with performance and appearance foremost in mind, but some maintenance tasks can be quite difficult. These are not your average motorcycles in many ways!
As an owner of a few unique bikes in my time, I can say that Bimotas are a marriage. Some will love them, others had no idea what the he’ll they were getting into. 🙂