Description
Additional photos of this 1982 Bimota SB3 are available here for your perusal.
Bimota fans will know that SB3 translates to the 3rd model that Bimota designed around a Suzuki engine – in this case the inline 4 out of a GS1000, which was good for 90 hp and 61.5 ft-lb of torque. While the Suzuki was 562 pounds wet, the SB3 weighed just 483. The combination of power and weight helped it become the fastest production bike of its time (149 miles per hour at the Nardo ring.
The model debuted in 1979, and it was initially only sold as a kit – Bimota sent you the bike sans an engine and it was on you to supply the drivetrain. They did this through 1981, selling 336 units. In 1982 and 1983, Bimota sold the bikes ready to go, and there were 66 sold in this configuration. In other words, just 402 were ever built – and only 9 were offered in white with red speed blocks. The majority were in silver/red with a different design.
Following Bimota’s standard operating procedure, the SB3 was fully equipped with top-notch components – a chromoly trellis frame designed in-house was paired with 38mm Marzocchi forks, Campagnolo wheels, Brembo triple disc brakes, and a custom monoshock design.
This example (VIN: BIM0039082, Frame #: 00390, Engine #: GS1000152618) is one of over thirty motorcycles from the Alan Wilzig collection that we are auctioning off. Alan acquired it in 2011 and immediately put it in display in his collection. He has not ridden it.
The odometer shows 16,850 miles.
This bike was originally sold new to Malcolm Forbes (the publisher of Forbes magazine). The sale includes a New Jersey registration card made out to Forbes Inc.
The March 1983 issue of American Motorcyclist magazine also notes makes a note of this bike: “The first of the exotic machines to be sold in the United States was Bimota SB3, equipped with a Suzuki 1000cc engine, and the proud owner is none other than publisher/motorcyclist Malcolm Forbes. Not a bad addition to Malcolm’s already-impressive collection of two wheelers.”
Per Alan, Samsonite made Forbes a custom suitcase with foam inserts molded to the bike which sold separately at auction for $8,000. “It enabled any ground crew to safely load this Bimota into his famous “Capitalist Tool” signature Forbes Green 727 private jet or his 162-foot Highlander yacht. This was the bike he rode all over the world and it was refreshed for him and the Bimota factory while he was in Italy. According to factory reps, years ago the then-owners of Bimota invited Forbes to select any of their newest models as they did not service or restore customer bikes – but he insisted and they relented so he could continue to enjoy his prized personal favorite ride.”
Maintenance:
Per an eBay listing from 2011, “it has been maintained meticulously, even being taken back to Italy for a complete renovation at the Bimota factory.” We believe the frame was repainted as part of that renovation.
The bike has been sitting on display since 2011. In preparation for the listing, we cleaned and sync’d the carbs, rebuilt the petcock, cleaned the inside of the tank, installed a new battery, cleaned/lubed/adjusted the chain, flushed the brake fluid, and detailed the bike. Daniel did the work, he notes that the brake pads are at 90% front/rear.
Modifications:
K&N air filters.
Red grips.
Battery tender lead.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It’s riding on Metzeler ME33 Laser tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Bimota is offered on a clean New Jersey title (in the name of Forbes Inc).
Have any SB3 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
