Always a boutique brand, Italian firm Bimota was founded in 1973 by the partnership of Valeria Bianchi, Guiseppe Morri and Massimo Tamburini. And yes, the brand name was derived from the first two letters of each surname.
Of the three founders, Tamburini is the best known as he is the designer behind two iconic motorcycles from the 1990s: Ducati’s 916 and MV Agusta’s F4 revival model (see pic at right of the two together).
Traditionally the firm has taken an engine from a larger maker (all four major Japanese makers, plus Ducati) and wrapped it in a high-end bespoke chassis with unique bodywork.
Typically they have been small-volume productions for which the company has charged steep prices.
The 1996 YB11 Superleggera (Superlight) you see here is typical of the breed. When new, it cost the buyer $33,500 or over double the price of a new 1996 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade.
It’s running a tuned Yamaha YZF1000 Thunderace powerplant. In other words, a 1000cc inline four with five valves per cylinder, claiming 145 horsepower.
That was matched to a five-speed transmission.
As is typical for Bimota, the chassis is very high end, with massive, for the time, 51mm Paoli forks up front and four-piston Brembo brakes.
The beefy aluminium frame is a work of art and the whole thing weighs 183kg dry. For its era it was the size of a 600. That lot claims a 10.4 sec standing quarter time and 260km/h top speed.
In an age of 200hp street bikes, the Bimota YB11 is no longer at the cutting edge. Nevertheless it remains fast and very competent.
Its seating position is very sporty and suits the young or young at heart.
Overall handling is light and responsive, with a particularly good front end. In fact, that front is better than on many current bikes.
This was one of Bimota’s more successful models, with total production reaching 650 units.
Though expensive when new, they represent value in the market, with good ones selling in the high teens. Donington Auctions has one in its current sale.
Bimota was bought by Kawasaki in 2019, so bikes like the YB11 represent a breed we will never see again.
WHAT’S HOT ON THE AUCTION FRONT?
1974 KAWASAKI H2 MACH IV 750
Donington – Collector Motorcycle Auction, Lot 19
Date: September 9 to 22, 2024
Estimate: $32-42,000
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
An example of Kawasaki’s hero two-stroke from the 1970s, this H2 Mach IV is coming up for sale at Donington Auctions in Melbourne. The auction site backgrounder explains: “The success of the H1 500 triple, particularly in the vital North American market, saw Kawasaki develop a new model range for 1972, expanded to include the S1 250, S2 350 and H2 750 variants.
“Dubbed the Mach IV, the new 750cc had a bore and stroke of 71x63mm, 7:1 compression and three Mikuni VM30SC carburettors, for apower output of 74bhp at 6800rpm.
“A stronger five-speed gearbox and clutch were employed, along with a new CDI ignition system and the H1’s inadequate frame was suitably beefed up, with larger diameter main tubes and additional bracing. The H2 also benefited from a single 296mm front disc brake.
“A genuine superbike, the H2 enjoyed an impressive race record, with Mike Steele and Dave Burgess winning the 1972 Castrol Six-Hour production race held at Amaroo Park.”
This example is listed as having undergone a restoration and is carrying an estimate of AU$32,000-42,000.
1975 YAMAHA RD350B
Donington – Collector Motorcycle Auction, Lot 9
Date: September 9 to 22, 2024
Estimate: $6-12,000
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
If you wanted a motorcycle that was emblematic of the joys that can be provided by a simple air-cooled two-stroke road bike, you would struggle to beat a Yamaha RD350 from the 1970s.
Our recollection of owning one is that it was light, with decent handling for the day and plenty of performance to keep you interested. And, overall, they were pretty reliable while being easy to look after.
Sadly, only a relatively small percentage of the examples sold have survived, though they were a successful model for the maker.
Two-strokes are definitely on the collector radar, though currently it’s most often the glam performance liquid-cooled models of the 1980s (for example RZ/RD500) and 1990s (Aprilia RS250) that really get the serious attention at a sale.
That might present an opportunity if you’re a little more broad-minded. Donington Auctions in Melbourne has a 1975 Yamaha RD350B out of the USA coming up in its September 9 to 22 auction. It’s offered without reserve and carries a broad estimate of AU$6000-12,000.