The Bimota KB2, also called the KB2 Laser, is a 497 cc Kawasaki-engined sport bike that Bimota built from 1981 to 1984.
Bimota KB2 at a glance
| Manufacturer | Bimota, Rimini, Italy |
|---|---|
| Production | 1981–1984 |
| Engine | 497 cc inline-four, four-stroke, Kawasaki Z500 derived |
| Carburettors | 4 × Teikei, 28 mm |
| Power | 48 hp |
| Torque | 3.8 kgm |
| Frame | Tubular trellis |
| Fork | 40 mm inverted telescopic |
| Brakes | Brembo, 280 mm front and 210 mm rear discs |
| Wheels | Campagnolo magnesium |
This article is based on the Italian Wikipedia article on the Bimota KB2.
History of the Bimota KB2
The KB2 was Bimota’s Kawasaki-engined 500 of the early 1980s. Its 497 cc four-cylinder engine came from the Kawasaki Z500 through a supply agreement, fed by four 28 mm Teikei carburettors. It produced 48 hp at 8,500 rpm and 3.8 kgm of torque at 7,800 rpm. The engine was a stressed member of a tubular trellis frame, with the fork supported by an external triangle.
The cycle parts were typical of Bimota’s approach: a 40 mm inverted telescopic fork, a Carbon rear shock, Brembo brakes with two 280 mm front discs and a single 210 mm rear disc, and Campagnolo magnesium wheels.
KB2 versions
Bimota later developed the KB2S with the 550 cc Kawasaki Z550 engine, which produced 54 hp at 8,800 rpm and 4.8 kgm at 8,500 rpm. The KB2TT used the same Z550 enlarged to 593 cc and produced 63 hp at 10,000 rpm, with aluminium brake discs instead of steel ones. A further version, the KB2J, was reserved for the Japanese market and used the Kawasaki Z400 engine.
Design and features
- Engine: a 497 cc Kawasaki Z500-derived four with four Teikei carburettors.
- Frame: a tubular trellis with the engine as a stressed member.
- Wheels: Campagnolo magnesium wheels.
- Brakes: Brembo 280 mm front discs and a 210 mm rear disc.
Bimota KB2 versions
- KB2: the original 497 cc model, built from 1981 to 1984.
- KB2S: with the 550 cc Kawasaki Z550 engine, 54 hp.
- KB2TT: with a 593 cc engine, 63 hp and aluminium brake discs.
- KB2J: a Japanese-market version with the Kawasaki Z400 engine.
See also: the Bimota SB6, the Bimota YB6, the Bimota SB7 and the Bimota collection.
Bimota KB2 questions and answers
What is the Bimota KB2?
A 497 cc Kawasaki-engined sport bike built by Bimota from 1981 to 1984, also known as the KB2 Laser.
What engine did the KB2 use?
A four-cylinder engine derived from the Kawasaki Z500, with four 28 mm Teikei carburettors.
How much power did the KB2 make?
48 hp at 8,500 rpm and 3.8 kgm of torque at 7,800 rpm.
What versions of the KB2 were made?
The KB2, KB2S, KB2TT and the Japanese-market KB2J.
What wheels did the KB2 have?
Campagnolo magnesium wheels.
Video: BIMOTA KB2
Video by bimota_service Japan on YouTube.
Sources
- Bimota KB2, Italian Wikipedia: history, engine, chassis, brakes and versions
