Description
Additional photos of this Bimota KB1 are available here for your perusal.
Bimota’s first foray with a Kawasaki powerplant was the KB1, a beautiful combination of Bimota’s frame design (featuring adjustable steering head and swingarm pivot angles) with your choice between the legendary engines from a Z1 (903cc) or a Z1000 (1,015cc). Based on the engine number of Z1E26081, we believe this utilizes a 1974 Z1-A engine.
With their advanced designs, Bimota was able to remove over 88 pounds of weight from the corresponding Kawasaki donor bike. Bimota sold 827 examples between 1977 and 1982, and all but 16 of them were sold as kits that you had to assemble yourself. The 16 ready-to-go bikes were sold at 8,100 lire – the same price as the Lancia Montecarlo sports car.
The KB1 was offered in three series – evolutions included Marzocchi forks, double Brembo front disc brakes, and cutouts in the frame to allow for more steering lock and easier maneuvering at low speeds.
This example is VIN: KB100193, Engine #: Z1E26081. It was first titled in England on October 26th, 1979. The seller acquired it from an estate sale in England through a Bonhams auction in 2020.
The odometer shows 8,710 miles.
The bike got a major service in 2016-2017 which included cleaning the carbs, degreasing the engine, draining the fuel tank and carbs, and painting the exhaust and wheels. It had been sitting since, so in preparation for the listing the seller had us replace some fuel line and a fuel pipe, change the oil/filter, clean and sync the carbs, flush the brake fluid, service the chain, clean/lubricate the air filters, replace the regulator/rectifier, and give it a detail. Daniel did the work, he notes that the brake pads are at 90% front and rear and that there is no front brake light switch or turn signals. He also notes that there is a minor leak from the #1 cylinder exhaust gasket when the motor is cold, it goes away when the engine warms up.
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
The sale includes a 2-up tail section – note the footpegs which fold in.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin M45/M48 tires which have aged out.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Bimota is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any KB1 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
