Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
First introduced at EICMA 1997, the Bimota SB8R was a cutting edge sport bike produced for only two years. At the heart of the model was the liquid-cooled, 996cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 8V, 90-degree V-Twin from the Suzuki TL1000R with fuel-injection, a wet-sump, and a six-speed transmission. Built by Bimota with the intention of campaigning the Japanese V-Twin-powered two-wheeler in the 2000 WSBK Championship, the Italian outfit only produced around 150 units in order to satisfy homologation rules. The SB8R’s crown jewel was its wildly trick chassis; an aluminum twin-spar unit with carbon fiber composite reinforcements (the first production road-bike of its kind). Looking to shave off weight from wherever possible, the engineers in Rimini decided to delete the rear subframe entirely, and instead had the rider perched on a self-supporting full carbon fiber tail section that by itself eliminated 4.5lbs of bulk. The frame also allowed for the rake to be set at either 23 or 24-degrees, thanks to a 916-style reversible steering-head insert.
The sophisticated new frame also enabled Bimota to position the rear suspension underneath the air-box, ridding the bike of the overheating problem the TLR’s rear suspension suffered from. The Bimota’s frame also remedied the Suzuki’s other main issue which was its hefty weight — a feat helped along by excessive use of carbon fiber throughout, resulting in a dry weight of less than 380lbs dry, more than 40lbs less than the TL1KR. Additional weight savings came in the form of 17-inch cast aluminum Antera wheels as well.
In typical Bimota fashion, the SB8R was loaded with top-shelf componentry. Suspension was comprised of 46mm inverted Paioli forks and an Ohlins rear shock, both of which were adjustable for Preload, rebound, and high/low speed compression damping. Stopping duties went to dual 320mm discs bit by Brembo four-pot calipers aided by a single disc out back.
Bimota also lightly modified Suzuki’s engine, resulting in the V-Twin putting down 74ft-lbs of torque (at 8,500rpm) and 134hp (at 9,500rpm) at the rear wheel — which is roughly what the TLR made at the crank. Tipping the scales at 436.5lbs at the curb, the SB8R was capable of achieving a top speed of around 170mph, partially thanks to its slippery, Italian-designed bodywork. Thanks to top-of-the-line suspension and and a svelte weight, the SB8R was also extremely nimble on the track. With a wheelbase of only 1,390mm (54.7”), the SB8R was shorter than not only the TL1000R but also Yamaha’s benchmark-setting YZF-R1.
This example is VIN: ZESSB8R0XYR000020.
The odometer shows 9,940 miles.
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 hydraulic fluids, clean/lube/adjust the chain, clean the fuel injectors, replace the spark plugs, rebuild the fuel pump, install a new fuel filter, flush the coolant, replace the radiators, replace the fuel tank, replace the headlamp assembly, and replace the front brake light switch. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Good
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Good
Coolant Quality: New
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
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: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: 10/02
Tire % Remaining Front: 85%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 85%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.8V New
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.85V
Running Condition: Runs well on bench, Runs Well on Test Ride (Slight Lean)
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 1 Mile
Notes:
-Original Fairings are brittle and have evidence of cracking
-Heat shielding on belly pan is deteriorated
-Cold Blooded on Startup and Slightly Lean
Recommendations:
-Tires
Modifications:
Arrow exhaust.
Tank protector.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin tires with date codes of 529 and 1002.
The sale includes two keys and the owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab 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 clean California title. Have any SB8R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
