Bimoto by Kawasaki KB998, alle details

Bimota maakt een comeback in het WSBK en daarvoor is natuurlijk een productiemotor nodig. Het exotische Italiaanse merk ging ten rade bij Kawasaki en kwam terug met de coolste ‘noem het geen ZX-10’ die je ooit zal zien. De volledige technische info en het persbericht vind je hieronder terug. Het prijskaartje? Dat moet nog bekendgemaakt worden, maar als je weet dat er een limiet van 43.990 euro zit op de WSBK homologatiemotoren, dan weet je dat het dat ongeveer zal zijn.

  RacingRootsHeritage

The new KB998 Rimini marks the return to WorldSBK of the famous Bimota brand. This new model carries the moniker of the headquarters’ location with pride and pays tribute to all involved in the creation of this race-ready masterpiece.

At its first outing during the WorldSBK winter test in Jerez, the new KB998 Rimini immediately made a statement of intent by claiming the top two spots. The combination of the tried-and-tested Kawasaki inline-four engine and bespoke Bimota chassis components made for a very impressive first outing. With this unmistakable racing jewel, Bimota has renewed its racing spirit by creating a machine targeted towards racing, exclusivity, craftsmanship.

The KB998 Rimini features a chassis structure combining a chrome-molybdenum oval-section pipe main frame with a machined aluminum pivot plate with eccentric adjuster, that allows for easy adjustments to chassis geometry. 

The exotic styling is matched by the use of structural exterior carbon-fiber parts. The unique winglets automatically maintain the optimal angle at all times. This is a machine built with a primary focus on speed at the racetrack – a truly high-performance racing model. 

The street version of this new WorldSBK racer is now in production. 125 units will be built before the 24th of February 2025, while another 125 units will be assembled before the end of December 2025. To adhere to FIM homologation rules, a total of 500 units will be assembled by 2026.

The Bimota lineup keeps expanding its offering of unique models that will continue to improve in the near future.

KB998 Rimini – Technical informations

Chassis: billet aluminium alloy plates with oval tube trellis frame
Engine Type/Displacement:4-stroke, 4-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC 4-valve Displacement: 998 cm3
Bore x Stroke: 76.0 mm × 55.0 mm
Compression ratio: 13 : 1
Maximum power: 147.1 kW (200 hp) / 13,600 rpm
Maximum torque: 111N・m / 11,700 rpm
Fuel system: DFI
Fuel tank capacity: 17 litres
Transmission: 6-speed
1° 2.600 (39/15); 2° 2.158(41/19); 3° 1.882(32/17); 4° 1.650(33/20); 5° 1.476(31/21); 6° 1.304(30/23)
Primary ratio: 1,681 (79/47)
Final drive ratio: 2.412 (41/17)
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch
Lubrication: With trochoidal pump
Oil quantity: 5.0 l
Length: 2,085 mm
Width: 862 mm
Height: 1,205 mm
Wheelbase: 1,454 mm
Seat height: 830 mm
Steering angle / Trail: N/A
Suspension, front: Showa USD Balance Free 43 mm
Wheel travel: 130 mm
Rear suspension: billet aluminium alloy swingarm
Rear wheel travel: 125 mm
Front tyre: 120 / 70Z R17 (58W)
Front wheel: J17M/C × MT3.50
Rear tyre: 200 / 55Z R17 (78W)
Rear wheel: J17M/C × MT6.00
Front brake: Dual 330 mm discs
Brakes, rear: Single disc 220 mm
Dry weight: 195 kg
Price: TBD