The KB1 is one of the most significant motorcycles ever built by Bimota and it perfectly captured their philosophy: take a powerful Japanese engine and surround it with an Italian chassis that was dramatically lighter, stiffer, and more sophisticated than the donor bike
Designed by Massimo Tamburini and unveiled in 1977 (with production beginning in 1978), it combined the muscular, reliable engine from the Kawasaki Z900/Z1000 with a hand-built Italian chassis that completely transformed the bike's handling
The KB1 wasn't just another exotic special — it proved that chassis engineering could dramatically improve an already powerful motorcycle. It became Bimota's first major commercial success and helped cement Tamburini's reputation as one of the greatest motorcycle designers of all time
Fitted with a Graham Salter of Diptune 1,175cc race tuned engine which features Z900 crankcases, new Wiseco pistons, Unitract cylinders and cylinder head, Unitract bucket and shims and Unitract undercut gearbox
In addition the head has been gas-flowed and has been fitted with Unitract camshafts, and Mikuni smoothbore carbs. It is still fitted with the very rare Corsa race exhaust and has just had a new lithium-ion battery fitted
This superb example comes from our vendors extensive Collection of Specials - think Moto Martin, Rickman and Harris
Supplied with a current V5C, old MOTs, invoices and a list of works done on the bike, along with a copy of the KB1 parts list
A unique opportunity to purchase a beautiful KB1, that has been subject to much work by our enthusiastic vendor