In the roaring 1960s, when motorcycles were becoming more powerful but frames couldn't always keep up, Bimota arrived on the scene. While the big Japanese brands focused on high-performance engines, Bimota saw an opportunity to change the game. It all started with a group of Italians with a passion for motorcycles and a background in heating and air conditioning. Massimo Tamburini, one of the founders, had long been fascinated by motorcycle frames and saw a gap in the market.
With a handy employee, Tamburini started on the first Bimota frame, the HB1. This frame quickly proved to be a hit among international drivers, and so the Bimota story began. What really set Bimota apart was their ability to combine the best engines with their own fantastic frames. This made them a favorite among racers and fast motorcycle enthusiasts. But Bimota did more than just build frames. They were also active on the Grand Prix circuits, where their components were used by famous drivers such as Cecotto and Mamola.
The Bimota story is not only about technical perfection, but also about exclusivity. With iconic models such as the KB1 and SB6, Bimota proved that they were more than just another motorcycle manufacturer. They stood for the best of both worlds: powerful engines and unparalleled driving characteristics.
Bimota's influence extended beyond the streets. What is less known is that Bimota frames or components were used on the international Grand Prix circuits. In the period between 1974 and 1981, models such as the YB1, YB2 and YB3 achieved numerous victories. And even outside the racing scene, Bimota continued to innovate. For example, they supplied engine blocks from young damaged engines for complete Bimota engines, after major brands refused to supply their engine blocks directly.
The first Bimota models have an iconic status and are synonymous with exclusivity. With only 827 units produced, the KB1 was a real seller. It is clear that Bimota stands for exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Thanks to the visionary minds behind Bimota, such as Massimo Tamburini, the legacy of this legendary Italian brand lives on. Their unique approach to motorcycle building has left a lasting impression on the motorcycle world. AMK editor Hans Smid has written an extensive and readable article about it in the April issue. The April issue will now be in stores for another week and a half.
Mighty machines, and sometimes very strangely styled, as evidenced by the Bimota Mantra (a kind of DKW Sputnik, for those who still know that moped).
I always bought the booklets from Alk publishers, and at Bimota I could keep looking for a long time.
Didn't they also have systems with cable steering, and one-sided front suspension and so on?
Yes, at least 1 photo of this product would have been nice.
Never heard of Bimota. Never seen one either. Not even in this article.
A photo was included, but it may have been a bit too heavy. So we edited the photo and added two extra.
Bimota was an immediate success and therefore received a lot of attention. Also in the Dutch motorcycle magazines.
Perhaps born too late to have experienced these golden times?
Never having heard of something often goes hand in hand with not delving into something. The information is available, but the trick is to find it as an enthusiast
Then you are too young….
Or you've been living under a rock for the entire 70s and 80s