BIMOTA SB8R (1999 - 2000) Review

Year: 1999

No hesitation of recommending it as long as they don't expect a fireblade ride.

Buying experience: Private

Bought it because I have always liked Bimota's, ever since I used to dream about them at the NEC show in the 90's with their ridiculous price tags! Only buy one if it is going to be a weekend toy, if you think of it as a handbuilt special, then treat it accordingly. I've owned mine for about a year (second Bim, first one was SB6) and the previous owner covered 400 miles in 8 years! As a result I'm still running it in, now up to 660m, so I can't say alot about the performance other than it seems quick enough. Build quality is average, there are a few niggles you need to be aware of: fairing fasteners need rubber washers mounted behind them to stop the vibes from the engine cracking the fairing around the bolt holes; the clutch cover is plastic (TL engine standard feature) so it disorts over time and eventually leaks, best remedy is to buy a billet one which also looks a lot better (especially if it is the window version). The battery is located in the headstock of the frame and looks a right awkward sod to get at, so I would definitely recommend keeping it connected to an Optimate. Oh and the self supporting seat unit can move slightly when ridden which resuls in the rubber washers moving beneath the bolts which hold the exhausts onto the seat unit. You have to untighten them, re-adjust the washer and then tighten up again after every ride. Other than that it's trouble free! Sourcing spares other than the Suzuki running gear can be a challenge, but there appears to be some sellers in Germany that have most things, and joining an enthusiast club is always a good idea. Overall a lovely bike, which looks different compared to most other manufacturers, with some lovely touches such as the carbon frame spars, a totally unique feature on any road bike, only used before on the Cagiva 500 GP Bike. Recommended.