First introduced at EICMA 1997, the Bimota SB8R was a cutting edge sport bike produced for only two years. At the heart of the model was the liquid-cooled, 996cc, four-stroke, DOHC, 8V, 90-degree V-Twin from the Suzuki TL1000R with fuel-injection, a wet-sump, and a six-speed transmission. Built by Bimota with the intention of campaigning the Japanese V-Twin-powered two-wheeler in the 2000 WSBK Championship, the Italian outfit only produced around 150 units in order to satisfy homologation rules. The SB8R’s crown jewel was its wildly trick chassis; an aluminum twin-spar unit with carbon fiber composite reinforcements (the first production road-bike of its kind). Looking to shave off weight from wherever possible, the engineers in Rimini decided to delete the rear subframe entirely, and instead had the rider perched on a self-supporting full carbon fiber tail section that by itself eliminated 4.5lbs of bulk. The frame also allowed for the rake to be set at either 23 or 24-degrees, thanks to a 916-style reversible steering-head insert.
The sophisticated new frame also enabled Bimota to position the rear suspension underneath the air-box, ridding the bike of the overheating problem the TLR’s rear suspension suffered from. The Bimota’s frame also remedied the Suzuki’s other main issue which was its hefty weight — a feat helped along by excessive use of carbon fiber throughout, resulting in a dry weight of less than 380lbs dry, more than 40lbs less than the TL1KR. Additional weight savings came in the form of 17-inch cast aluminum Antera wheels as well.
In typical Bimota fashion, the SB8R was loaded with top-shelf componentry. Suspension was comprised of 46mm inverted Paioli forks and an Ohlins rear shock, both of which were adjustable for Preload, rebound, and high/low speed compression damping. Stopping duties went to dual 320mm discs bit by Brembo four-pot calipers aided by a single disc out back.
Bimota also lightly modified Suzuki’s engine, resulting in the V-Twin putting down 74ft-lbs of torque (at 8,500rpm) and 134hp (at 9,500rpm) at the rear wheel — which is roughly what the TLR made at the crank. Tipping the scales at 436.5lbs at the curb, the SB8R was capable of achieving a top speed of around 170mph, partially thanks to its slippery, Italian-designed bodywork. Thanks to top-of-the-line suspension and and a svelte weight, the SB8R was also extremely nimble on the track. With a wheelbase of only 1,390mm (54.7”), the SB8R was shorter than not only the TL1000R but also Yamaha’s benchmark-setting YZF-R1.
This example is VIN: ZESSB8R0XYR000034.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 3,000 miles. The odometer shows 5,566 miles.
The seller acquired it almost four years ago from a private party. “Original owner had it for 20 plus years. He sold it not running to someone that thought it just needed a fuel pump. When they got frustrated and sold it, I purchased it and diagnosed it as a faulty ECU. I found an SB8R guru on the dead Bimota forum who was able to fix it and help me get it sorted out. I didn’t know anything about Bimota until I started following Iconic on Instagram. It got me interested in rare and exotic bikes but there aren’t many around me. I had never seen a Bimota until the day I bought this one. I’ve only seen one other since.” He’s selling it as he “bought a newer bike with fancy electronics and haven’t been riding this one.”
Maintenance:
“Changed all fluids, oil and filter a couple of times, coolant, brake fluid, new battery.”
The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues.
Modifications:
Moto Corse exhaust.
Bimota factory option adjustable rear-sets.
Turn signals from SB8RS model.
Raised clip-ons.
Tank protector.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ tires with date codes of 3221 and 3621.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Stress cracks next to a couple fairing mounting holes. Damage to lower fairing from exhaust.”
Currently located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this Bimota is offered on a clean Pennsylvania title.
Have any SB8R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
