Description
For Sale: A beautiful & very rare Bimota KB1 – An icon of Italian Motorcycle Heritage.
Step into the world of true Italian exotica with this rare 1980 Bimota KB1, a masterpiece that is all about craftsmanship, innovation and design; this is the model that helped define the Bimota marque.
A little of the rich history of Bimota:
Founded in 1973 in Rimini, Italy, by Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and the legendary Massimo Tamburini, Bimota quickly earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of motorcycle engineering. The company’s name itself is a blend of its founders’ surnames: Bianchi, Morri, and Tamburini.
Bimota was born out of a passion for creating superior chassis to harness the power of the era’s most potent engines, resulting in machines that set new standards for handling and design
The KB1: Tamburini’s iconic design.
The KB1 stands as one of Bimota’s most significant achievements and was the most successful model of the Tamburini era.
Produced between 1978 and 1982, only 827 KB1s were built, with a mere 16 assembled entirely at the Bimota factory - making each example a collector’s dream.
Powered by the formidable Kawasaki Z1000 engine, the KB1 was more than just a motorcycle; it was a revolution in chassis design, boasting a multi-tubular backbone frame of chrome-molybdenum steel, advanced suspension, and a dramatic weight reduction over its Japanese donor bike.
Performance and presence
With 84 hp and a top speed of 237 km/ h (147 mph), the KB1 was a true superbike of its day, offering razor-sharp handling and a riding experience that was equally at home on the road or the racetrack.
Its purposeful, aerodynamic bodywork and Italian flair make it a standout wherever it goes, while the engineering beneath ensures it delivers the ride of a lifetime.
A rare opportunity
This 1980 Bimota KB1 is No. 662 of only 827 ever made.
A rare chance to own a pivotal piece of motorcycle history - a machine that not only showcases the genius of Massimo Tamburini (who would go on to design the Ducati 916 and MV Agusta F4) but also represents the golden age of Italian motorcycle innovation.
With its limited production, racing pedigree and enduring desirability, the KB1 is a must-have for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Don’t miss your opportunity to add this legendary Bimota KB1 to your collection.
I've owned this Bimota for 10 years after importing it into the UK from South Africa in 2015. It is fully registered, I have the V5 in hand - it is registered as a historic vehicle, meaning it is exempt from MOT and Road Tax. It has only covered 2300km on the road - previously it was a racing machine.
Experience the legacy. Own the legend.
