More Than Half a Century of
Beauty, Passion and Tradition

The Legend Began in a Small Workshop in Italy

In 1966, Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri and Massimo Tamburini founded a plumbing company. They called it bimota, a combination of their three surnames.

Among the three founders, Massimo Tamburini stood out as a pure motorcycle enthusiast—later to be hailed as a legendary motorcycle designer. In time, he began to customise his personal machine. With skilful techniques and a refined sense of design, he transformed a production motorcycle into a fully-fledged supersport machine. His passion for motorcycles grew stronger with each passing day. His tuning ideas evolved, his techniques became ever more sophisticated, and his pursuit showed no sign of slowing. What began as a small workshop gradually evolved into a motorcycle manufacturer devoted to true enthusiasts. Thus, a new chapter began under the name “bimota meccanica.”

And in 1973, motorcycle enthusiasts were treated to a design and engineering feat unlike anything they had ever seen.

The First Revolution

bimota was founded in Rimini, initially as a plumbing company. Tamburini made his first prototype while still working at the plumbing company in the early 1970s.
Tamburini's fanatical passion for motorcycles was crucial to convince the partners to convert the company into a motorcycle manufacturer.

HB1

The HB1, the first motorcycle created by legendary motorcycle engineer Tamburini, was named as the first Honda-engined model built by bimota, with only 10 hand-made units produced.

TECNOLOGIA

1973 - Eccentric-type Chain Adjuster (HB1)

The HB1 featured an eccentric-type chain adjuster for quick, precise adjustments.
This mechanism, using an eccentric cam, is still widely used in modern bimota models.

1974 - Cantilever-type Suspension (YB1)

The YB1 was the first model with a cantilever-type suspension.
This system provided progressive performance, offering soft movement over small bumps and firm resistance during larger impacts.

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SB1

The first Suzuki-engined model commissioned by Suzuki Italia, this racing model used the TR500 engine.

TECNOLOGIA

1976 - Coaxial Swingarm Pivot (SB1)

The SB1 featured a groundbreaking design with a coaxial drive sprocket shaft and swingarm pivot.
This ensured the distance between the drive and driven shafts remained constant during vertical swingarm movement, allowing the long swingarm to deliver excellent road-following and suppress body posture changes during acceleration and deceleration.

*SB2 shown

1976 - Linkage-type Monoshock Suspension (SB1)

While twin shocks were standard in GP machines, bimota was among the first to adopt the linkage-type monoshock suspension for this model. Other manufacturers followed in the 1980s.

*SB2 shown

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SB2

The first street-legal production model, featuring super-advanced racing technology and innovative ideas, such as an under-frame fuel tank with a centre-up exhaust system (from the concept model), a co-axial swingarm, a monocoque design for the fuel tank and rear frame, and a linked mono-shock.

TECNOLOGIA

1977 - Front and Rear Split Frame (SB2)

Inspired by aircraft design, the SB2 featured a front-and-rear split frame with the engine as a stressed member, a method still used in models like the current Tesi series.

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KB1

The first bimota with a Kawasaki engine.
The Z-series engine (Z1000/Z1000MkII), a symbol of high power at the time, was mounted on a twin-spar style pipe frame.
It was the most widely sold pipe-frame model.

Proof of the Supreme

In 1980, bimota won its first world title with the YB3 (TZ350 engine and original frame) as Jon Ekerold became WGP 350 class champion, marking the start of its full entry into the motorcycle business.

KB2

Powered by a mid-range Kawasaki engine (400 - 600 cc), it is also said to be one of Tamburini's greatest loves.

Birth of Tesi Concept

As a university student, Pierluigi Marconi designed the frameless, centre-hub steering “Tesi” system—named after his graduation thesis—while spending time at the bimota factory.
The blueprint featured a Kawasaki engine, foreshadowing future collaboration.

TECNOLOGIA

1982 - Hybrid Frame (Steel x Aluminium) (HB2)

Designed by Tamburini, the HB2 featured an advanced hybrid frame combining bimota’s signature truss-style steel pipes with machined aluminium pivot plates.
This concept marks a milestone in bimota’s frame development and lives on in the 2025 KB998 Rimini.

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The Baton Passes to the Next Generation

With Tamburini’s departure, young talent Federico Martini became technical director.
His DB1 (1985, first Ducati-powered model) and YB4 (1986, aluminium twin-spar frame) brought bimota even greater global acclaim.

KB3

The 3rd bimota model using a Kawasaki engine, featuring the Z1000J engine.

TECNOLOGIA

1983 - Aluminium Composite Wheels (KB3)

Individually developed wheels combining lightweight, high-rigidity aluminium plates.
The unique structure integrates the rim flanges and secures both sides with rivets.

1985 - Full Covered Bodywork (DB1)

The fully covered bodywork, which shocked the world by concealing the entire frame, sparked a trend later adopted by many motorcycle brands.

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Top of the World

The YB4, powered by an FZ750 engine and ridden by Virginio Ferrari, won the 1987 TT-F1 World Championship with three victories out of seven races.

TECNOLOGIA

1986 - Aluminium Alloy Twin-Spar Frame (YB4)

bimota’s first aluminium frame, made from aircraft-grade anticorodal alloy and crafted by Martini, led to victory in the TT-F1 World Championship in 1987.

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YB4 E.I.

The YB4 E.I. was the base model created to be homologated for the World Superbike Championship and featured an advanced electronic fuel injection system with multiple sensors for precise throttle control.

Marconi Era Begins

Marconi was appointed as the new technical director, leading to the release of a series of sensational bikes.

Tesi 1D 851

The first production model with the Tesi system, unveiled at the 1990 Cologne Show, quickly made designer Marconi’s name known worldwide.

DB2

Powered by Ducati’s air-cooled L-twin engine, it remains a favourite among fans worldwide.

SB6

Innovative design with a 1,074 cm3 liquid-cooled Suzuki engine in a straight-style aluminium spar frame. bimota’s best-selling model.

BB1

The first bimota powered by a BMW (Rotax) engine, developed for the popular Euro Supermono single-sport race series in Europe.

SB8R

Features a unique aluminium-carbon composite frame and a 995 cm3 Suzuki twin engine.

500V due

The first model with both frame and engine made by bimota. Its 499 cm3 2‑stroke engine featured direct fuel injection for clean, powerful performance.

TECNOLOGIA

1997 - Hybrid Frame (Aluminium x CFRP) (SB8)

A twin-spar aluminium frame was developed with CFRP (dry carbon) reinforcement around the pivot.
This advanced structure combines rigidity, flexibility, and lightness, contributing to success in WorldSBK.

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SB8K

In a wildcard entry at the WorldSBK Phillip Island round, Anthony Gobert took victory in Race 1 aboard the SB8K, showcasing its outstanding performance to the world.

DB5

Powered by a sporty Ducati air-cooled L-twin 992 cm3 engine, it was seen as the spiritual successor to bimota’s iconic DB series.

HB4

Developed for the Moto2 class of MotoGP, it featured a signature bimota chassis with a tubular steel frame and aluminium plates, powered by Honda’s 599 cm3 supersport engine.
Technical lead: Andrea Acquaviva.

Tesi 3D Naked

The first naked Tesi, with a lightweight chromoly trellis swingarm and a 1,078 cm3 Ducati air-cooled L-twin. Delivers sharp handling and strong performance—true to bimota’s character.

DB X

bimota’s first off-road model, based on the Motard-style DB10 and powered by Ducati’s 1,078 cm3 L-twin engine.

BB3

Developed for WorldSBK, this pure racing machine used a BMW 998 cm3 inline-four engine.
Despite strict EVO class regulations, bimota entered two bikes that occasionally outperformed factory machines from the open class.

Tesi H2
The Revolution Continues

At that year’s EICMA, bimota announced a capital tie-up with Kawasaki and unveiled the Tesi H2—limited to 250 units—combining Kawasaki’s supercharged Ninja H2 engine with bimota’s iconic Tesi system.
Led by longtime supporter Pierluigi Marconi, this marked the beginning of a dream collaboration between Kawasaki’s power and bimota’s inspired engineering.

TECNOLOGIA

2019 - Tesi for Supercharged Engine

The new-generation Tesi system was developed to handle the power of Kawasaki’s 998 cm3 supercharged engine, which produces up to 178 kW (242 PS) under boost.
For added rigidity and strength, parts are machined from aluminium ingots, with CFRP used in arm joints and aerospace-grade adhesives ensuring lightweight construction.

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KB4
Vintage Inspired

The KB4 features a Ninja 1000SX inline-four in a compact 600cc-class body.
It updates the classic KB style with café racer flair and bimota’s core racing spirit.

TECNOLOGIA

2020 - Rear Radiator Layout

Placing the radiator under the seat brings the front tire closer to the engine, achieving an ultra-short wheelbase and ideal front-rear weight distribution.
Designed by Marconi to enhance the street riding experience.

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BX450
Ready to Get Muddy

bimota’s first enduro model, the BX450, debuted as a factory entry in the Italian Motorally.
Based on the competitive KX450, it has delivered strong results—including victories—since its debut.

KB4RC
Racing Freedom

This naked model was designed to bring the racy spirit of the KB4 to more riders, with a sharper focus on street cornering performance.

Tesi H2 TERA  
Crossover Revolution

bimota’s first crossover model, featuring TERA—a next-generation centre-hub steering system that allows for wider steering angles than the current Tesi.
Powered by a Z H2-based supercharged engine.

TECNOLOGIA

2024 - New Tesi System: TERA

The evolved TERA system (bimota patented) features a simplified linkage connecting handlebars and wheels, significantly reducing components.
Fewer parts improve reliability, while a 35° steering angle on both sides offers agility on par with small-displacement bikes.

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KB998 Rimini 
Racing Revolution

A race homologation model built for WorldSBK—the pinnacle of production motorcycle racing.
The KB998 Rimini pairs a signature chromoly trellis frame with aluminium plates and is powered by the seven-time title-winning Ninja ZX-10RR engine.
Developed with BbKRT, chassis settings and components were fine-tuned for maximum track performance.

Technologia

2025 - Variable Winglet

bimota introduced an active winglet system that adjusts angle during acceleration and braking to enhance aerodynamics—improving lap times by increasing front tire grip.

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Production Timeline

*Numbers in brackets are production figures as of 2026