Motorcycle specifications Bimota1000 KB4 2024 A swift Dolce Vita

Bimota is one of Italy's most renowned craftsmen. Its sport bikes forged its reputation until the Japanese succeeded in developing chassis that were (almost) as good. Gradually falling into disrepair, despite some top-class machines, the brand owes its salvation to a takeover by Kawasaki.

So it's only natural that the KB4 should feature an Akashi chassis. And what a dress it is! Bimota, in turn, offers an interpretation of neo-retro, with a singular sportbike whose shapes are out of this world. It's a far cry from the svelte Delirio or DB7. And yet, as always, Rimini's design leaves no one indifferent, distilling charm for those who take the time to appreciate it.

This sequence of waves and nostalgia conceals a function that clearly guided the designer's line. For aerodynamic optimization? To hide a high-tech aerospace frame? To boost the engine?
*To cool it! Is the block really that special? No, but let's find out before we find out why the KB4 is so special.

So, Kawa took over Bimota. From there, Bimota is powered by........ the 4-cylinder of the Z 1000 SX. A somewhat surprising choice, since the brand's DNA would have left us dreaming of a hairier boiler, like a ZX-10R powder keg. But the choice is justified: the KB4 is not a hypersport, more a civilized sports bike - for enlightened enthusiasts with solid salaries.

The well-known engine used by many Kawa models (several generations of Versys 1000, Ninja Z 1000 SX, and Z 1000) is transplanted unchanged into the Italian. No special preparation or exhaust is required, so its power is identical even when changing continents. A KB4 moves with 142 hp at 10,000 rpm, accompanied by 11.3 mkg of torque at 8,000 rpm. This powertrain is already smooth and responsive in the SX. But the Bimota weighs some forty kilos less. And that can make a big difference. Freed from the equivalent of a fridge between the legs, the watts will be able to express themselves with much greater gusto.
the BK4 also benefits from the engine as a stiffening element for the frame. A tubular steel trellis structure complemented by aluminum plates. The brand likes to design and operate parts-cycles that are sometimes disconcerting, like the Tesi, but always somewhere between efficient and exceptional.

Around this frame, a number of ducts have attracted curiosity, and the shapes are loaded from bow to stern. *Why do they do this? To bring air to the radiator, which is located not in front of the engine but under the seat. An intriguing but not new scheme: Benelli used it on its 900 and 1130 Tornado sports bikes. Thanks to the space freed up at the front, the engine can be placed as far forward as possible, allowing a short wheelbase.

A Bimota is also a collection of beautiful parts - enough to spend long moments admiring them, even before starting off. On the KB4, the eye lingers on the many carbon and aluminum components. Then the senses become tense when it comes to the quality of the chassis' peripherals. With Oz forged-aluminum wheels, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, an Öhlins NIX 30 43 mm inverted fork, a TTX36 shock absorber also by Öhlins, a superb machined aluminum swingarm, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires and fully adjustable suspension, it's clear that this Japanese-Italian bike will provide a great deal of riding pleasure. Especially as the wheelbase of just 1,390 mm (50 mm shorter than that of the 1000 SX) and weight of just under 200 kilos promise surprising agility.
the driver's station suggests a few reservations. It's a pity to have the same commodos and dashboard as the Kawa production. OK, it's clean, well-designed and practical, but we're entitled to a more "elevated" cockpit on a machine of this pedigree. The KB4 makes up for this with a fair amount of carbon trim, an Öhlins steering damper and a superb open-work fork crown.
The brown leather upholstery, adorned with red stitching, would almost tell the rider to wipe his boots and bum before getting on the bike.

The on-board electronics are taken from the green roadster-sport-GT. An easy and practical transfer of technology, the KB4 boasts 3 levels of traction control + off, 4 riding modes, cornering ABS, two power levels, cruise control and a 4.3-inch color TFT screen to monitor the bike's parameters and life. A graft that won't be a character cloning, however: the chassis level and overall weight reduction mean that the rider won't have a rebadged Kawasaki in his hands at all.

Driven by a new era of development, Bimota finally offers a descendant to the 1978 KB1, 1981 KB2 and 1983 KB3. Three sports bikes dedicated to the more efficient use of the Kawa engines of the time. The KB4 follows in the same footsteps, with obvious class, beautiful equipment and an oligarchic theme.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos