The Bimota SB6 is a 1,074 cc four-cylinder superbike that Bimota built from 1994 to 1998, using an engine derived from the Suzuki GSX-R1100.
Bimota SB6 at a glance
| Manufacturer | Bimota, Rimini, Italy |
|---|---|
| Production | 1994–1998 |
| Engine | 1,074 cc inline-four, liquid-cooled, Suzuki GSX-R1100 derived |
| Power | 156 hp at 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 12 kgm at 9,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Frame | SLC aluminium perimeter frame |
| Suspension | 46 mm Paioli fork, Öhlins rear shock |
| Brakes | Brembo, 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs |
This article is based on the Italian Wikipedia article on the Bimota SB6.
History of the Bimota SB6
The SB6 was presented at the EICMA show in Milan in October 1993 and was built under the direction of Bimota’s engineer Pier Luigi Marconi. Its engine came from the Suzuki GSX-R1100 through a supply agreement between the two manufacturers: a liquid-cooled inline four of 1,074 cc that produced 156 hp at 10,000 rpm and 12 kgm of torque at 9,000 rpm, paired with a five-speed gearbox. Four 40 mm Mikuni carburettors fed the engine, and the exhaust used a 4-1-2 layout.
The chassis introduced Bimota’s SLC frame, short for Straight Line Connection: two aluminium spars ran in a straight line from the steering head to the rear swingarm, with the engine as a stressed member. Braking came from Brembo with two 320 mm front discs and radial four-piston calipers, plus a 230 mm rear disc; the suspension used a 46 mm Paioli fork and an Öhlins shock.
The SB6R
At the Cologne show in 1996 Bimota showed an improved version called the SB6R, which entered production in 1997. It is treated here as a version of the SB6, not as a separate model.
Design and features
- Engine: a 1,074 cc Suzuki GSX-R1100-derived inline four with four Mikuni carburettors.
- Frame: the aluminium SLC perimeter frame with straight spars from steering head to swingarm.
- Suspension: a 46 mm Paioli fork and an Öhlins rear shock.
- Brakes: Brembo discs, 320 mm at the front and 230 mm at the rear.
Bimota SB6 versions
- Bimota SB6: the original model, built from 1994 to 1998.
- Bimota SB6R: the updated version shown at Cologne in 1996 and produced from 1997.
See also: the Bimota SB7, the Bimota YB6, the Bimota KB2 and the Bimota collection.
Bimota SB6 questions and answers
What is the Bimota SB6?
A 1,074 cc four-cylinder superbike built by Bimota from 1994 to 1998 with a Suzuki GSX-R1100-derived engine.
How much power did the SB6 make?
The Italian Wikipedia article gives 156 hp at 10,000 rpm and 12 kgm of torque at 9,000 rpm.
What is an SLC frame?
Straight Line Connection: two aluminium spars run in a straight line from the steering head to the swingarm.
What is the difference between the SB6 and SB6R?
The SB6R is the updated version shown at Cologne in 1996 and produced from 1997.
When was the SB6 presented?
At the EICMA show in Milan in October 1993.
Video: Bimota SB6 at Hampton Downs track day
Video by kiwiSB6 on YouTube.
Sources
- Bimota SB6, Italian Wikipedia: history, engine, chassis, brakes and the SB6R
- Bimota, English Wikipedia: company background
