Bimota stays considered one of motorcycling’s most uncompromising area of interest producers. The Italian bikemaker has by no means chased quantity, producing bikes in extraordinarily restricted numbers with obsessive consideration to element. And this one follows the identical ideology.
You’re taking a look at Bimota’s smallest bike but. The KB399, because it’s known as, turns into the second out-and-out sports activities bike in Bimota’s ‘KB’ lineup.
And never solely is it the smallest Bimota but, however additionally it is essentially the most inexpensive bike by the model. You’d argue a beginning worth of £9,749 (round US$13,000 per direct conversion) is hardly inexpensive, and I’d second that. However put it into inline-four perspective, and instantly that price ticket doesn’t look as painful.
Bimota
The KB399 is basically primarily based on the Kawasaki ZX-4RR, similar to its larger sibling, the KB998, which is predicated on the ZX-10RR. For individuals who don’t already know, Kawasaki owns a 50.1% stake in Bimota. Thus, the platform sharing.
So, what does it borrow from the ZX-4RR? Let’s begin with the engine. It’s the identical 399cc inline-four with the identical bore, stroke and compression ratio. Meaning the ability output is equivalent at round 80 horsepower and 28.8 lb.ft (39 Nm) of torque. That type of energy, on paper, makes it a correct observe weapon.
Subsequent up is the body. The tubular metal chassis can also be shared with the ZX-4RR, as are the Showa inverted forks, and a monoshock on the again. The one change right here, although, is that the KB399 will get extra suspension adjustment than the Kawasaki, because of preload and damping adjusters.
Bimota
The braking setup can also be borrowed, with 290-mm discs, however they’re held by Brembo Stylema four-pot radial calipers versus Kawasaki’s in-house items on the ZX-4RR. Heck, even the TFT cluster is identical, with the identical digital aids (trip modes, 3-step traction management, and fast shifter) because the Ninja.
At this level, you could be questioning why Bimota launched a motorbike of its personal when a lot is lifted off of the ZX-4RR. So let’s take a look at the variations.
First, the suspension is extra adjustable right here as we’ve mentioned. Bimota has additionally added a titanium Akrapovič silencer to the middleweight. You additionally see a brand new fairing which options winglets. Now, how useful these winglets are for the KB399 stays to be seen.
Additionally totally different on the KB399 are billet higher and decrease triple clamps, and a machined steering stem prime cap. You additionally acquired Ohlins rear suspension on the higher-spec trim. Plus, it sports activities Bimota’s signature pink, black, and white paint on a pink body.
Bimota
And for those who have been to need one thing extra premium, Bimota has additionally launched a pricier ES (Edizione Speciale) trim with a carbon fiber fairing, clip-on handlebars, billet brake and kit pedals, and adjustable billet footpegs.
In fact, that trim’s an entire lot pricier, at £14,699 (US$19,600 in conversion). There are rumors that Bimota is pondering of taking the KB399 to the upcoming World Sportbike Championship, so that you would possibly as nicely be taking a look at a street-legal race bike right here.
Bimota
The brand new Bimota would not face a lot competitors on this house. The Ninja ZX-4RR is just about the one inline-four sports activities bike on this section. However I nonetheless don’t see the purpose. Why wouldn’t you avoid wasting money and go for the Kawasaki as a substitute? Except you’re an enormous Bimota fan, by which case, you need to hurry.
That’s as a result of the KB399 will clearly be restricted in quantity. Bimota will begin taking orders from April 3, stating that there will likely be ‘order home windows’ linked to every month’s manufacturing. The primary few deliveries are anticipated to occur by late October/November this 12 months.
Supply: Bimota
