11-17-25 Update: The seller has replaced the front brake reservoir lid:
Cold Start Video:
Rev Video:
The Bimota SB8K Santamonica was already an incredible machine in its own right – in his First Ride review for Motorcyclist, Brian Catterson said “what I would have written back in 2000, had there been a point, was that the SB8K was the best twin-cylinder sportbike I’d ever ridden; more than a match for the reigning Ducati 996 and miles better than the rotary-shocked Suzuki TL1000R from which its engine was derived.” But there will always be people who want more – and this time around it was Red Baron (also known as Redbro Racing), Bimota’s Japanese importer. They created an upgraded version of the SB8K that they called the Ultimo.
Thanks to the Wayback Machine, we can show you the Redbro site from years ago in which they described the Ultimo – though you’ll want to translate it from Japanese! It shows that the original price was roughly $55,000 USD in 2000 and provides a long list of “custom points” (upgrades):
Forged high compression (12:1) pistons, high lift camshaft, modified ECU, and red paint on the cylinder head.
Custom titanium silencers.
Titanium-coated windscreen, LED turn signals built into the mirrors, HID headlights.
Alcantara seat.
STACK digital display, aluminum top triple, Brembo radial master cylinder.
Marchesini forged magnesium wheels, Ohlins fully adjustable 43mm front forks, Brembo monobloc caliper with racing rotors, red stainless steel braided brake and clutch lines.
The page also specifies that production was limited to 10 units, “only 9 units of which can actually be delivered.” This example (VIN: XXXX) is #9 out of 10, which is noted with a cloisonné plate.
The odometer shows 202 kilometers (125 miles).
“I purchased 4 zero km SB8K bikes direct from Red Baron in Japan mid-2020. I recommissioned all these bikes. This one was always going to be mine, so good tyres were fitted, all fluids replaced. I have a history of road racing/ engine building, so I understand the importance of running a bike in on a dyno. For the safety of the bike and rider. I took the bike to my dyno man, we ran the bike in correctly on the dyno, once completed we dropped the oil, replaced with new oil and started doing some full power runs, this is when the chain came off and hence the 2 bits of damage shown in the photos, to the carbon chain guard and swing arm.
The chain coming off was due to the 20 year old cush drive rubber failing. We removed the wheel, replaced the cush drive rubbers with new, fitted a new rear sprocket and quality chain. Then continues with full power checks. The bike ran perfectly right up to the rev limiter, making approx 138R WHP, there was significant extra power there to be had but we were there to run the bike in not tune it. So we were done.
The bike has been part of my collection since then, only ridden once after dyno work. Battery removed, fuel pump removed to get rid of any fuel, fuel pump dried and inside of the tank dried, all fuel lines and injectors dry. It started 1st pop with new fuel and battery.
No maintenance has been done for 3 years whilst on display. Front brake reservoir lid is a bit corroded and hose from reservoir to master cylinder should be replaced as it is starting to become porous.”
11-17-25 Update: The seller has replaced the front brake reservoir lid:
Modifications:
This Ultimo is completely stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Power 5 tires with date codes of 4820 and 4920.
The sale includes two keys, Bimota leather key pouch, owner’s manual, tool kit, and more.
It also includes a custom rear stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Porirua City, New Zealand, this Bimota is offered with New Zealand registration. Iconic can help with importation for any US buyers, however please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title.
Have any SB8K stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
