Down Memory Lane: Bimota YB11

The 1990s Bimota YB11. Sweet...

Some time ago, we’d written about ‘The Greatest 11s,’ where we spoke about the Suzuki GSX-R1100 and the Kawasaki ZZR1100. Well, we forgot to include one. The Bimota YB11, which, despite the 11 in its name, doesn’t have an 1100cc engine.

Launched in the late-1990s, the Bimota YB11 was fitted with a DOHC, 20-valve, 1000cc inline-four, taken from the mighty Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace. This engine was tweaked by Bimota, and made 148 horsepower at 10,200rpm. Top speed was in the region of 275km/h.

The YB11 was beautifully styled, had racebike-extreme ergonomics, stiff Paioli suspension, Brembo brakes and a significant front-end weight bias. Dry weight was 183kg. Brand-new, the bike cost US$30,000 which was quite a bit for the late-1990s (of course, it’s quite a bit even now…!), but with its expensive, high-spec components, powerful engine, superb handling and gorgeous styling, perhaps the price was justified. At least for rich Bimota enthusiasts…

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Ducati Desmosedici RR: The most desirable bike in the world!
The limited edition MV Agusta F4 CC. Gorgeous!
Moto Corse Special Edition MV Agustas and Ducatis!