Rimini Blaster: 1997 Bimota YB11 Superleggera for Sale

Introduced in 1994 and weighing in at just 403lbs dry, the Bimota YB11 was a claimed 35lbs lighter than the Yamaha “Thunderace” that donated its powertrain, which hardly seems worthy of the name “Superleggera” but the difference between the two bikes is pronounced: the Bimota is sharper, more agile, more aggressive. It also helps that the motor was retuned slightly to a claimed 145hp with a larger airbox and freer-flowing exhaust that was good for a 170mph top speed, while the riding position helped enhance the bike’s more committed feel: high pegs gave miles of clearance and the long reach over the tank to the bars meant maximum attack, while Paioli suspension front and rear gave serious feedback, at least over smooth pavement…

Early Bimotas often used trellis frames similar to Ducati’s when they, you know, actually had frames… By the 90’s, Bimota had switched to a very light and stiff aluminum beam frame as seen here, along with an aluminum swingarm. It’s an interesting combination: the YZF1000 was a bit old-school, with a big 1002cc engine and a five-speed gearbox instead of six. It did use Yamaha’s five-valve heads for deep breathing and a wide powerband that’s miles from today’s literbike screamers.

From the original eBay listing: 1997 Bimota YB11 Superleggera for Sale

This beautiful machine is part of a wonderful collection of Italian Superbikes.  These bikes are owned by a friend who is 70 years young, and he has reluctantly decided to sell off some of them.  He’s not computer savvy, so he asked if I would list the bikes for him as a favor, and we decided to list them individually rather than listing all the bikes at one time.

This Bimota was recently serviced and a new battery installed.  It starts immediately and runs strong, with a wonderful exhaust note.  While not an absolutely show bike perfect, the cosmetics look extremely nice overall – it is evident that this bike has led a very pampered life.  I could not find any issues to note.

Since this bike has been on static display for some time, the tires should be replaced for safety if it will be ridden regularly.

Bimota made its name by taking powerful and reliable engines from Japan and fitting them into sophisticated frames with top-quality suspension at both ends, all wrapped up in lightweight bodywork that was generally very simply to remove and held on with just a handful of fasteners. They were racebikes for the road. But after the Japanese Big Four had mastered engines, they turned their relentless engineering might on the next big challenge: handling.

By the late 1980s, they’d caught up and Bimota increasingly had to rely on the exotic and exclusive nature of their bikes to sell, as their performance advantages evaporated and their Italian-ness became more pronounced. Out of the box, Bimotas were often overly-stiff, temperamental, and flawed. But the formula remained: use the best engines Japan has to offer and use them to power the most exotic bikes on the planet.

Bidding is very active on this bike and, with just two days left on the auction, is up to $7,300 with the Reserve Not Met. This should be a good bike to ride, with that flexible, proven YZF engine and gearbox. As a bonus, it even comes fitted with passenger pegs. Although considering it’s a Bimota, I wouldn’t assume there’s actually a pillion pad under that tail section…

-tad