1988 Bimota YB5

Description

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

The YB5 was the last of the Bimotas designed by Massimo Tamburini, and it’s one of the rare ones with provisions for a passenger.

In a 1988 review, Bike magazine noted that “when Bimota launched the model at the 1986 Cologne Show, they billed it as the Bimota designed for people who like to high profile in pairs – a two up street racer, if there is such a thing.” It was a hopped-up sport-tourer – one thing it shared from the bike it got a motor from, Yamaha’s FJ1200. The tuned Yamaha engine put out 130 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque, but in YB5 form it only had to motivate 463 pounds of dry weight, a ~55 pound reduction from the big FJ.

In addition to their work tuning the engine, Bimota went nuts with the components, which included Marzocchi M1R forks, Brembo calipers with floating cast iron rotors, and Marvic wheels. Motorcycle.com says that the “YB5 was tagged as the fastest, maddest, most expensive hyperbike on the planet when it was rolled out in 1987.”

Just 208 examples of the YB5 were built – 196 complete bikes and 12 kits. Today we’ve got #96 available for sale! This example is VIN: YB500096, Engine #: 1TX-900131. The seller imported it approximately a year ago from Japan.

The odometer shows 7,061 kilometers (4,387 miles).

Modifications:
The seller states that there are no modifications from stock.

“There are no mechanical issues, the bike starts right up and idles perfect, and the power delivery is nice and smooth through the whole rev range. The bike is fully tuned and ready to ride reliably. Recent service includes a new chain, oil change, oil filter, front and rear brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush, new air filter, and new tires.”

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax T32 tires.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
“The body work is absolutely perfect no cracks or paint chips anywhere, paint on the frame is in amazing condition, and all of the beautiful Bimota CNC machined parts are perfect with no pitting in the aluminum. The motor is very clean with no paint chips, and the exhaust is perfect with no dents anywhere and the black coating still shines nicely.”

The windshield has one crack where a screw has been over-tightened.

Currently located in Seattle, Washington, this Bimota is offered on a clean Washington title. Have any YB5 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!