2000 Bimota SB8R With 1 Mile

Description

Additional photos on this 2000 Bimota SB8R are available here for your perusal.

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:ZESSB8R07YR000055. 

The odometer shows 1 mile.

This bike came to us from a collection of 0-mile bikes on the East Coast. In preparation for the listing, we flushed the coolant, changed the oil/filter, flushed the front and rear brakes, installed a UNI air filter (required a small amount of fabrication), and had Torino Motor Racing make us a custom set of front brake lines.

Cosmetic Blemishes: 

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on the original Michelin Hi-Sport tires.

The sale includes two (aftermarket) keys.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Bimota is offered on a clean MSO. Have any SB8R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!