Description
Additional photos 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: ZESSBSR0XYR000051. This is one of over thirty motorcycles that we have been auctioning off from the Alan Wilzig collection. Alan has had this on display for years and has not ridden it at all. He acquired it in 2008 from a private party.
The odometer shows 1 mile.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, Alan had us replace the battery, change the oil and oil filter, and flush and fill the coolant and the brake fluid. We also installed a new air filter, new rear signals, and new brake lines.
Angel did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Years: Front: 2000; Rear;2000
Tire Life: 100%; Rear: 100%
Brakes: Front: 100%; Rear: 100%
Battery Voltage: 13.1V Coolant: Ok, New
Oil: Ok, New
Lights: Good
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust which goes through the normal tail light location, aftermarket tail light.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Michelin Hi-Sport Radial tires.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Bimota is offered on a clean Oregon title. Have any SB8R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
