Only rarely seen outside Japan, the market for which it was exclusively designed, the Bimota YB7 is like a 3/4 scale YB4. The bike is based around the FZR400 powerplant, so it’s obviously no real powerhouse, with a claimed 65hp from the 399cc liquid-cooled four. But that just means you get a sweet-handling, four-cylinder exotic with performance you can actually access, seeing redline in multiple gears, instead of just first, without finding yourself in the pokey.
And weighing in at 352lbs dry, it’s not like the bike is actually slow: 136mph is plenty to have fun with, and the bike has a reputation for being relatively easy to ride and unintimidating as well, even in everyday traffic.
They’re very rare as well, with less than 500 produced and, being Bimota, they’re certainly collectible. So these fill a bit of a weird niche: an everyday exotic that won’t try and kill you. For me, that’s a big plus but, for many speed-junkies, anything less than 750cc’s is a complete waste of time.
From the original eBay listing: 1988 Bimota YB7 for Sale
Located in Santa Ana, California. Bike has 5951 km = 3570 miles on it. This Bimota is based on the Yamaha FZR400. These bikes were built for the Japanese market only. Bimota made approx. 321 of these bikes. This bike is in very good condition with low miles. The engine runs very good. There is no crash damage on this bike. I do not have a title for this bike. Bike is being sold with a bill of sale only. Non USA buyers will have to make there own shipping arrangements. I can recommend a very good shipping company in Los Angeles. Bike is being sold as is, no returns. So, ask questions and look at the pictures carefully before you bid. Again, this bike is being sold with a bill of sale only. I do not have a title for this bike.
The seller mentions that he doesn’t have a title for this bike, so be sure to check with your DMV if you plan to register it for the road. Caveat emptor: in some states, this will definitely cause headaches, although it may be no problem at all in others.
That being said, it’s a really cool little bike that has, so far, generated very little interest. Which is a shame: parts to maintain it should be easy to come by, even if fairing panels are not, and the bike will provide more capability than probably 90% of riders can actually exploit.
If you could locate some pattern bodywork, it might make a very cool little racebike or track-day curiosity. Certainly, it’d be satisfying to run down literbikes and even 600’s on a screaming little 400…
-tad
Love it! exactly the type of RSB i am delighted to find on this site! Im a sucker for 400cc machines. Alas, I lack the means for such an impulse buy. The lack of a title helps ease my pain though.
Bill of sale only? Have fun with that, guys.
I own a bike just like it and is titled in Illinois, bike is razor sharp and looks gorgeous in person,i bought mine titled but i was told the process was painless , i used Broadway title for some old bikes and the guy running that service is great, got me a title for an old Ducati bevel 750
Good info! I know it varies a ton, depending on where you live.
@ ciprian: then why didn’t you get a legal title to the red/black Suzuki Gamma that was on here last week? You had no bids on it, and didn’t answer questions about its title.
Regarding the Bimota: the high corrosion levels and cracked seat show poor long term storage condions, and are troubling indicators. Having owned and ridden YB8s and YB10 Diecis, I can assure readers that you definitely want one with the engines these were originally designed for- not a Japan market restricted torqueless 400cc variant.
Can anyone explain why bimota gave this a 7 designation when its only 400cc? thats been bugging me about these bikes for a while
Marty,
I’m a-thinking it’s the 7th version.
It’s my understanding that the number in the model designation from Bimota means that there were 6 versions prior.
It may be a misnomer to say “the 7th version” because the YB7 isn’t based on YB6 which isn’t based on YB5, etc. It may be more correct to simply say the 7th model with a Yahama powerplant. I know I may be splitting hairs, but I don’t want someone to misunderstand.
Getting a title may not be a problem, unless the bike turns out to be stolen.
Bimota’s alpha-numeric designations use the “Y” to designate “Yamaha” [obviously], the “B” for “Bimota”, and then the number indicates which bike in that series we’re talking about. So the “YB7” is “the 7th Yamaha-engined Bimota.” it has nothing to do with displacement, which runs counter to what most manufacturers do.
Davidson, I was mid brain-fart when I wrote that, and couldn’t come up with a better word than “version”.
Thanks for clarifying.
And for splitting hairs.
I’ve got a ’88 FZR 400. Nothing but fun, fun, fun…
i did not get a title because i was not gonna keep the bike. i figure it did not make any sense to waste money,time and add another owner for few months only, i had several offers but decided to title it and ask a lot more so now i am waiting for the Illinois title, will re list the bike as soon as i receive it in within 3 weeks or so, thx Ciprian
BTW, Gamma is Fun Fun Fun