Motorcycle specifications BimotaKB399 Espresso 2026 Competition breakfast

A new Bimota is always an exciting moment. The reputation of this small Italian manufacturer (strongly backed by Kawasaki) precedes it, bringing with it a mix of fantasy, prestige, setbacks, and machines that are as stunning as they are intriguing.

With its KB399 Espresso, Bimota is entering a category where few of its bikes have ventured before. This little sports bike exudes excitement and fun with a small 400cc 4-cylinder engine, synonymous with high revs, shrill screams, and tight lines. Apart from the KB2J (1981) and YB7 (1989), the manufacturer has never ventured too far into this territory, preferring big, powerful engines.

Revving at 14,500 rpm

This little engine isn’t lacking in horsepower. Borrowed from the Kawasaki ZX-4RR, this 399cc engine delivers about 80 horsepower, which you have to go far, far, faaaar into the red to get. And there, it’s pure joy. To help it sing, shed a few pounds, and lose some weight, the KB399 is equipped with a titanium Akrapovic muffler, developed specifically for it.

Buying a Bimota means, above all, joining a circle of enthusiasts. With its own codes, its passion, and an appreciation for Italian design. This design has been applied to the fairing, drawing inspiration from the KB998 Rimini, with a more vertical line than the Ninja, a scowling face, a gaping mouth, small winglets to follow the trend, and racing colors.

But it forgot the fuel tank and the entire rear section. While the paint job takes you to Emilia-Romagna, the bodywork, fuel tank, switchgear, and instrument panel bring you back to Akashi.

The Italian touch?

Where the KB399 surprises us most is in its timidity regarding the chassis. Bimota has always been committed to designing more efficient frames—often innovative, sometimes extreme—but this time, it’s content to simply paint the tubular trellis red. Not exactly impressive for a brand that’s accustomed us to billeted aluminum subframes or carbon fiber side spars. The rear suspension is also borrowed from the Kawa’, featuring a Showa BFRC Lite shock absorber; except on the ES version, which uses an Öhlins STX 46.

The front end gets more attention. You can tell this is where the Espresso wants to play its trump card (what else). The fork tubes are upsized from 37 to 41 mm, which will provide additional stiffness. Very useful for gaining precision and handling the force of the Brembo Stylema brake calipers. These calipers are much more powerful than the Tokico units on the ZX-4RR. Installing this front end requires new triple clamps, machined from solid aluminum. The suspension components are fully adjustable. As for weight, it should come in just over 170 kg, dry.

Parts unworthy of Bimota

We expected better from the KB399’s chassis… On the other hand, some parts are downright shocking. Rubber brake lines on a Bimota, street tires when we’re expecting Supercorsa… Oh! It’s supposed to come out of Rimini, with nobility in every detail. Is the brand cutting corners on certain components to cap the final price and thus align itself with the new “Sportbike” world championship? Nothing has leaked yet regarding a commitment.

The engine is Japanese, and so is the electronics. It’s more convenient for everyone. The KB399 thus benefits from the package of its Ninja counterpart, featuring 3-level traction control, 4 riding modes, an Up&Down shifter, two power modes, and ABS.

You can monitor the bike’s performance on a 4.3-inch color TFT screen, which features two display modes—the track mode instantly immerses you in the racing atmosphere.

A bold choice.

A surprising move for Bimota with this KB399 Espresso. The market for small 4-cylinder sport bikes is virtually niche; bringing an even more exclusive machine to it is remarkable but is clearly aimed at an even more discerning and enthusiastic audience.

It doesn’t come alone: an ES (Edizione Speciale) version will also be available, featuring carbon fiber bodywork, Öhlins suspension, and machined aluminum clip-ons and footpegs.

M.B. - Manufacturer photos