Sweet Air – 1991 Bimota YB9 Bellaria in Italy

Seen only a couple of other times at RSBFS, only a handful of the 145 total YB9 Bellarias ever made it to the states.  Bimota’s only two-seater is based on the Yamaha FZR600 drivetrain, with a few extra horses from intake and exhaust work.  Re-painted as many were in reaction to the factory’s ice blue color scheme, this Bellaria is offered in Italy, but would be worth a side trip from Venice if you are headed that way.

1991 Bimota YB9 Bellaria ( Italy ) for sale on eBay

Framed in Bimota’s usual twin alloy spars with billet connectors, the YB9 was quite compact for a 600, even more so for a biposto.  Handling with the Marzocchi suspension front and rear reviewed better than the FZR, though the bikes were really for different markets, the Bimota being more of an exotic.  Oversize Brembo brakes and tires, plus 4-2-1 exhaust system insure function follows form.  Riding position is fairly relaxed with elevated clip-ons and roomy seat.  The air intakes make an outstanding visual statement crossing the frame and the lines are echoed in the seat console and belly stripe.  Early digital dash looks clean but was hard to read.

While the fairing on this Bellaria appears original, the usual stepped dual seat has been replaced with a sportier mono-plus, maybe a knowledgeable reader knows the origin of this mod.  Now in white with what seems to be the factory steel blue trim, shows low miles and looks good save the alternator cover.  The auction indicates a salvage title which would have to be investigated.  From the eBay auction:

BIMOTA BELLARIA YB9 RARE MODEL ONLY 142 EXEMPLARY PRODUCTS, THE MOTORCYCLE IN QUESTION HAS THE NUMBER OF CHASSIS 112.

THE MOTORCYCLE ‘marching, COUPON HAS MADE ONLY 6350 KM (3900 MILES) PLEASE NOTE AS’ WAS CHANGED BACK,

FOR ALL INFORMATION AND VIDEO OF THE MOTORCYCLE FUNCTIONING, CONTACT,

SHIPPING WORLDWIDE THROUGH COURIER SPECIALIZED.

Bimota claimed 95 hp from the 599 cc four, and weight was nicely under control at 385 lbs. dry.  Named for and built to cruise the coastal towns near the factory’s home, the Bellaria was easy on the eyes if not the checkbook.  Impossibly rare here, winning the auction would just be the beginning of a story involving travel and paperwork, and with luck a sweet ride in the last chapter…

-donn