Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1997 Bimota YB11.
Founded in 1973 in part by the acclaimed Massimo Tamburini and headquartered in Rimini, Italy adjacent the Adriatic Sea, Bimota’s nomenclature is simple: Y = Yamaha-powered. B = Bimota-designed. 11 = the 11th model with a Yamaha motor.
Bimota bestowed the name of “Super Leggera” on the YB11 – you can probably guess that the phrase translates to “Super Light.” How light is super? Dry weight was 403 pounds, an impressive 32 pounds lighter than the bike that the motor was taken from: a Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace. Snagging a Japanese 4-cylinder motor and wrapping it in an exotic frame and bodywork is the classic Bimota formula going back to the 70s, but this bike was arguably more of a sports tourer than a road racer.
The Yamaha motor was originally good for 145 horsepower, but Bimota’s engineers bumped that number up with a larger airbox, new exhaust, and a carb re-jet. The original MSRP was approximately $30,000, and that bought you revisions to the usual Bimota frame – the main crossmember was relocated towards the steering head and the swingarm pivot point was revised. Paioli supplied the suspension, including gigantic 51mm front forks that were fully adjustable.
600 were built, and 87 were sold in the US. Want to learn more? Check out this feature on the YB11 from the August 1996 edition of Cycle World.
Manufactured in July 1996 this example is VIN: ZES1YB116VRZES004. The seller purchased this bike from an Iconic auction.
The odometer shows 2,017 miles. The seller states “I bought the bike because I love the details on Bimotas and it’s obscenely pretty. I had the bodywork removed and painted to address the blemishes. Then I had a lower back surgery that will prevent me from riding the bike for at least a year, likely longer. If I had a museum or a climate-controlled shed, I would keep it, but here we are. This is an absolutely stunning bike ready for the next caretaker.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we cleaned the fuel tank and did paint correction on the bodywork of this bike on the left side, repaired scratches on the left mirror and also repaired some small cracks in the tail section. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok, PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: NA
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: New
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: Ok
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: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 46/23
Tire Date Code Rear: 25/23
Tire % Remaining Front: 100%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100%
Tire Press. Front: 33 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 36 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.96V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.70V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 7 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
-Carbs cleaned again, carb needles raised
Modifications:
The bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Rosso Corsa tires with date codes of 2523 and 4623.
The sale includes two keys and OEM Bimota leather key chain.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Bimota is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any YB11 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
