While Bimota is known for its high-tech hub steering models, that doesn’t mean the 58-year-old Italian motorcycle maker can’t have some fun. The 2022 Bimota KB4 fits into that mold, replacing jaw-dropping engineering with provocative styling.
- The KB line dates from 1978. The K denotes that a Kawasaki engine powers the machine. The ball started with the KB1, a high-performance street bike powered by a Kawasaki KZ1000 engine in a trellis frame. Massimo Tamburini, the “ta†of Bimota, designed the body of the remarkable motorcycle. A clean example sold for $ 27,500 at Mecum Auctions’ Las Vegas 2020 sale. It’s been 38 years since the KB3 rolled off the Rimini assembly line, so a KB4 is long overdue.
- The new KB4 reflects Kawasaki’s 49% stake in Bimota. True to the KB tradition, this new bike is fitted with a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 engine and, you guessed it, a trellis frame. The KB4 also uses Kawasaki electronics, although the dashboard has a carbon fiber mount.
- Although Bimota is known for its hub steering designs, the KB4 has conventional Öhlins suspension. The fork happens to be an Öhlins upgrade track for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R owners, while the linkage-assisted stacked reservoir shock is part of Öhlins flagship Hypersport shock line. Both units are fully adjustable. For those who must have hub steering, Bimota sells the Tesi H2, which is powered by Kawasaki’s supercharged inline 4-cylinder.
- The tires are top quality Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP rubber and Brembo calipers are used for stopping.
- Bimota reminds us of its reputation for innovative engineering in the cooling system. The diagonally mounted radiator sits between the seat and the rear wheel, with the system highly pressurized.
- The KB4’s appearance is meant to evoke the 1970s, but the company wanted more than a strictly retro motorcycle. “It went from the first sketch to the full-size model in a matter of months thanks to computer-aided design,†says designer Bimota Enrico Borghesan, “and without missing any of the passion that has made so many Bimota products fun to drive and to show. KB4… will appeal to enthusiasts of all ages because design attracts you and performance keeps you there. The Bimota ‘Vintage Inspired’ has the soul for dynamic and functional motorcycles.
- We don’t have a price for the 2022 Bimota KB4, although Bimota does allow you to pre-order the bike on their website. Bimota Spirit in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the US importer. Bob Steinbugler is the owner of Bimota Spirit and has had a relationship with Bimota for over 40 years. Delivery of the KB4 is scheduled for 2022.
Specifications 2022 Bimota KB4
MOTOR
- Type: Inline-4
- Displacement: 1043cc
- Bore x stroke: 77 x 56 mm
- Maximum power: 142 horsepower at 10,000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 82 ft-lbs at 8,000 rpm
- Compression ratio: 11.8: 1
- Refueling: four 38mm throttle bodies
- Transmission: 6 speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate
- Final drive: chain
FRAME
- Frame: steel trellis
- Front suspension; Travel: Fully adjustable 43mm Öhlins R&T NIX 30 inverted fork; 5.1 inch
- Rear suspension; travel: hlins TTX 36 linkage assisted, fully adjustable piggyback reservoir shock; 4.8 inch
- Wheels: Forged aluminum
- Front wheel: 17 x 3.5
- Rear wheel: 17 x 6.0
- Tires: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 190/50 x 17
- Brakes, front: 320mm rotors with radial-mount Brembo calipers
- Rear brake: 240mm disc with Brembo caliper
- ABS: standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 54.7 inches
- Rake: 24.0 degrees
- Trail: 4.0 inches
- Seat height: 31.9 inches
- Fuel capacity: 5.2 gallons
- Curb weight: 428 pounds
2022 Bimota KB4 price: $ TBD MSRP
2022 Bimota KB4 Photo gallery
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