The Bimota SB8K Santamonica was already an incredible machine in its own right – in his First Ride review for Motorcyclist, Brian Catterson said “what I would have written back in 2000, had there been a point, was that the SB8K was the best twin-cylinder sportbike I’d ever ridden; more than a match for the reigning Ducati 996 and miles better than the rotary-shocked Suzuki TL1000R from which its engine was derived.” But there will always be people who want more – and this time around it was Red Baron (also known as Redbro Racing), Bimota’s Japanese importer. They created an upgraded version of the SB8K that they called the Ultimo.
Thanks to the Wayback Machine, we can show you the Redbro site from years ago in which they described the Ultimo – though you’ll want to translate it from Japanese! It shows that the original price was roughly $55,000 USD in 2000 and provides a long list of “custom points” (upgrades):
Forged high compression (12:1) pistons, high lift camshaft, modified ECU, and red paint on the cylinder head.
Custom titanium silencers.
Titanium-coated windscreen, LED turn signals built into the mirrors, HID headlights.
Alcantara seat.
STACK digital display, aluminum top triple, Brembo radial master cylinder.
Marchesini forged magnesium wheels, Ohlins fully adjustable 43mm front forks, Brembo monobloc caliper with racing rotors, red stainless steel braided brake and clutch lines.
The page also specifies that production was limited to 10 units, “only 9 units of which can actually be delivered.” This example (VIN: ZESSB8K00YR000063) is #6 out of 10, which is noted with a cloisonné plate. The seller originally picked this one up as an upgrade to one of his favorite bikes to ride, an SB8R. But he states: “I just love my SB8R so much, and I don’t want to sell it, but I can’t justify owning both.”
The odometer shows 112 kilometers (69 miles).
The first owner acquired this Ultimo in late 2020 “from the Japanese distributor of Bimota in Japan. The bike was unsold new, old stock from 2000..” He noted that “the odometer is showing 36 km but according to the STACK instructions, they state that the km will virtually never be zero. It is worth noting that kms will be added during factory testing of the dash without the vehicle actually doing any kms.” He estimates that the bike has a total of 5 km on it. He bought three Ultimos “along with quite a few other bikes from the Japanese dealer. Buying one of them was not an option. It was all or nothing.” He kept the first Ultimo in his personal collection of zero mile bikes, the second as his Sunday ride, and he sold this as it “really needs to go to a new home where it can be appreciated by others.” The current owner acquired it in New Zealand this year through Iconic, then had us import it and service it.
Adam took it for an extended test ride.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, install a new battery, change the engine oil/filter, flush the coolant, replace the fuel level sensor, replace the regulator/rectifier, replace the headlight, refinish the front brake master cylinder, install an air filter, synchronize the throttle bodies, install a new drive chain, and install new tires.
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok, Kevlar Construction
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New, <150mV
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5% Moisture
Final Drive Condition: New
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front:
Tire Date Code Rear:
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%, New
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%, New
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 34 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.65V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 12.90 V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 10 Miles, unit operates as designed
Tire Installed:
-Front: 120/65-17
-Rear: 180/55-17
Notes:
-Integrated turn signals a little dim
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires with date codes of 2524 and 2925.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Bimota is offered on a Bill of Sale with importation paperwork. Iconic can help obtain a Washington state title which can be transferred to any state but California for roughly $600. As an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any Redbro stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
