Rare as a Bimota liter bike might be, finding one which has never been run is a hundred-fold more unusual. A 150hp cycle weighing 400lbs would be newsworthy today, but this one has been hidden away since 1991.
1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci for sale on eBay
Made from 1991 to 1994 but in very low numbers, the Yamaha-Bimota 1000 removes some of the compromise from the FZR 1000R “bike of the decade”. Relieved of the biposto seat, the YB10’s aluminum beam frame and beautiful bodywork does conceal 20 valves and Yamaha’s servo-controlled exhaust valve system which widens the torque curve. South of the twin 38mm Mikunis, the liquid-cooled liter escapes via 4-into-1 exhaust. 5-speed transmission to get you going, dual 320mm front disks and 280mm rear bring things back into focus. Billet frame connections, triple-tree, and brackets are a joy. Upside-down Marzocchi front forks are complemented by an Ohlins rear shock, all three-way adjustable.
Usually this is where I discuss the bike’s condition, which will be one word in this case – NEW. Evidently in a dealer’s stockroom for almost two decades, the bike was purchased in 2010, and uncrated in 2013.
This motorcycle was purchased new in the crate from the dealer in 2010. In 2013 the motorcycle was removed from the crate and the front wheel and fender were installed. No fluids have been added to include engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and gasoline. Except for the front wheel/fender the motorcycle is as it was when it left the factory. Since being removed from the crate it has been stored on stands in a dry, climate controlled garage and has never seen sunlight. All the original documentation, manuals, tool kit, and keys in the crate come with the motorcycle. Motorcycle comes with clear title and is sold “as is” with no warranties expressed or implied. Local pickup is best since the motorcycle has no fluids there are no brakes.
Finished in arrest-me red and silver, the YB10 appears ready for action, though one might expect some freshening unless keeping it as a display machine. Primarily Yamaha hard parts should ease the pain of breaking in a brand-new 24 year-old motorcycle. Bimota asked $24K when this bike was new, after doing your homework you may want to bid similarly on this beauty.
What is the risk of trying to make a bike this old rideable. Sitting unused is not a recipe for preservation often. Have lubricants used in assembly drooled away over time bare metal bearing surfaces grinding as the starter rotates it all in the bone dry head. Is that clutch fused from sitting? Honestly i do not know. Zero experience having a look at a brand new motor, 1 year old or 25. Any insights from more knowlegeadble folks? Love this bike.if i were to buy such a thing, i might be inclined to pull the valve cover and shower the valve train with a quart of penzoil. Then fill the crank with 2 more gallons, let sit a week, then drain for a day or two and refill to the proper level.
So is an unused engine a porcelain doll? Oh the angst i feel thinking of this quandry.
Would it be to much to hope one could fill it up, push the button and ride it like it’s 1991?
I have a 10 mile 13 yo bike. It sat in collections for its entire life. The tires are original – date stamps verify that. The seller refilled the bike with fluids, put in a fresh battery before letting it go. Bike runs like a new bike should, well, because it’s really still a new bike. However, the dilemma arises on what to really do with it – keeping original miles helps to retain its value. Riding it and pouting miles will take away from its unique, no? I think this is the biggest issue when it comes to “0” mile bikes.
The Dieci is a wonderful machine. I’d be all about riding it but being so perfect, I would conceed that it should be a museum piece. After all, a point of perfection is necessary from the historical perspective.
Luckily, my bike is not as perfect as this nor as rare, so I made up my mind to get Jiggy with it (it’s a Gixxer))).