The Bimota SB8R is the original road model of Bimota’s Suzuki TL1000R-engined SB8 family, presented in 1997 and built from 1998; the SB8K of 2000 was a more powerful homologation special.
Bimota SB8K at a glance
| Manufacturer | Bimota, Rimini, Italy |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–2006 (SB8 family) |
| Engine | 996 cc 90° V-twin, Suzuki TL1000R derived |
| SB8R | original road model, presented in 1997 |
| SB8K | 2000 homologation special, 150 units planned |
| Power (SB8K) | 149 hp claimed |
| Frame | Composite aluminium spars with carbon-fibre pivot plates |
| Injection | Marelli electronic, 59 mm throttle bodies |
| Suspension | 46 mm Paioli fork, Öhlins rear shock |
| Brakes | Brembo, 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs |
| Weight (SB8K) | 172 kg |
Sources disagree on the SB8R/SB8K relationship: the English Wikipedia calls the SB8R the racing version, while the Italian Wikipedia and Motorcycle Specs describe the SB8R as the original road model and the SB8K as the 2000 version. This article follows the Italian Wikipedia and Motorcycle Specs.
History of the Bimota SB8K
The SB8 was presented at the Milan motorcycle show in 1997, and the original version was called the SB8R. It was designed around the 996 cc 90° V-twin of the Suzuki TL1000R: the engine was highly tuned by Bimota, which replaced the standard injection with a Marelli system using 59 mm throttle bodies instead of 52 mm.
The chassis was a composite structure: two aluminium spars ran from the steering head along the top of the engine, joined by an aluminium cross-member, and connected to two box structures in carbon fibre at the swingarm pivot. The result was low weight with high rigidity. Suspension was a 46 mm Paioli fork and an Öhlins shock, and Brembo supplied the 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs.
The SB8K
For 2000 Bimota prepared a more powerful version called the SB8K, with refined aerodynamics and a slightly more powerful engine, and planned to build 150 examples, the minimum production required by the FIM for the Superbike World Championship. At Phillip Island in 2000 Anthony Gobert won on the SB8K in only the team’s second race, thanks to a good tyre choice in changing weather; it was Bimota’s first and only Superbike World Championship win.
Bimota declared bankruptcy in 2000 and production stopped. When the company reopened in 2003, it restarted with the machines already in stock and launched the SB8K Gobert and SB8K Santamonica special versions in 2004, with high-grade components. The SB8 family was produced until 2006.
Design and features
- Engine: a 996 cc Suzuki TL1000R V-twin, tuned by Bimota and fed by a Marelli injection system with 59 mm throttle bodies.
- Frame: aluminium main spars joined to carbon-fibre pivot plates, a composite layout unique to the SB8.
- Suspension: a 46 mm Paioli fork and an Öhlins shock.
- Brakes: Brembo 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs.
- SB8K: refined aerodynamics, more power and a planned run of 150 units.
Bimota SB8K versions
- SB8R: the original road model presented in 1997 and built from 1998.
- SB8R Special: a special version of the SB8R.
- SB8K: the 2000 homologation special with refined aerodynamics and more power, planned at 150 units.
- SB8K Gobert and SB8K Santamonica: 2004 special versions built after Bimota reopened.
See also: the Bimota SB6, the Bimota SB7, the Bimota DB7 and the Bimota collection.
Bimota SB8K questions and answers
What is the Bimota SB8R?
The original road model of Bimota’s Suzuki TL1000R-engined SB8 family, presented in 1997 and built from 1998.
What is the Bimota SB8K?
A more powerful 2000 version of the SB8 with refined aerodynamics, planned at 150 units for Superbike homologation.
What engine did the SB8 use?
A 996 cc 90° V-twin derived from the Suzuki TL1000R.
Did the SB8K win a Superbike race?
Yes. Anthony Gobert won at Phillip Island in 2000 on the SB8K, Bimota’s only Superbike World Championship win.
When was the SB8 family produced?
The SB8R from 1998, the SB8K from 2000 and the Gobert and Santamonica versions in 2004; production ended in 2006.
Video: bimota SB8K in japan
Video by takehiko nanbu on YouTube.
Sources
- Bimota SB8, Italian Wikipedia: SB8R and SB8K history, composite frame, injection and racing career
- Bimota SB8K, English Wikipedia: SB8K materials, TL1000R engine and radial EFI
- Bimota SB8K, Motorcycle Specs: SB8K as a development of the SB8R, 996 cc engine and 149 hp claim
