The Bimota BB1 Supermono is a lightweight single-cylinder sport bike that Bimota built in 1995 and 1996, using the 650 cc Rotax engine of the BMW F650.
Bimota BB1 Supermono at a glance
| Manufacturer | Bimota, Rimini, Italy |
|---|---|
| Production | 1995–1996 |
| Engine | 650–652 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, Rotax/BMW F650 derived |
| Carburettors | 2 × Mikuni, 33 mm |
| Power | 48 hp at 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 5.9 kgm at 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Frame | Aluminium oval-tube trellis |
| Fork | 43 mm Paioli |
| Brakes | Brembo, 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs |
| Weight | 148 kg dry |
| Top speed | 196 km/h |
The French Wikipedia gives a 650 cc engine, while Bimota.info gives 652 cc; the table shows the range. The French article gives 376 Supermono plus 148 Biposto, a total of 524, while Bimota.info gives 376 Supermono.
History of the Bimota BB1 Supermono
The BB1 Supermono was unveiled at the Cologne motorcycle show in 1994 and produced in 1995 and 1996. It was designed by Pier Luigi Marconi around the 650 cc single-cylinder Rotax engine used in the BMW F650, which gave the model its name: BMW Bimota number 1. The engine produced 48 hp at 6,500 rpm and 5.9 kgm of torque at 6,000 rpm, with a five-speed gearbox and two 33 mm Mikuni carburettors.
The frame was an aluminium oval-tube trellis, with a swingarm made of aluminium tube; the fork and shock came from Paioli. Brembo supplied a 320 mm floating front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, and the three-spoke aluminium wheels were Antera units. The mudguards and instrument surround were carbon fibre, and the exhaust silencers were enclosed in the seat unit.
The most unusual feature was the fuel tank, mounted below the engine in the belly of the fairing rather than above it, which lowered the centre of gravity. The first prototype had a rectangular headlight, but production machines used two round lights.
Biposto and racing
At the Cologne show in 1995 Bimota presented the BB1 Supermono Biposto, with an adapted rear frame loop so that a passenger could be carried; its exhausts remained under the seat but were now exposed. The Supermono was sold in red and grey, the Biposto in dark blue, both with “Bimota” and “Powered by BMW” on the fairing.
The BB1 was entered in the Italian single-cylinder championship in 1994 with the engine enlarged to 725 cc and 75 hp at 10,000 rpm. Bimota also offered a race kit for about 10,000 euros more, with full bodywork, magnesium wheels, electronic injection and new suspension.
Design and features
- Engine: a 650–652 cc Rotax single from the BMW F650, with two Mikuni carburettors.
- Frame: an aluminium oval-tube trellis with an aluminium swingarm.
- Fuel tank: mounted below the engine to lower the centre of gravity.
- Suspension: a 43 mm Paioli fork and a Paioli rear shock.
- Brakes: Brembo 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs.
- Weight: 148 kg dry and 167 kg wet.
Bimota BB1 Supermono versions
- BB1 Supermono: the single-seat production model, built in 1995–1996.
- BB1 Supermono Biposto: the two-seat version presented at Cologne in 1995.
- Racing version: a 725 cc, 75 hp machine raced in the Italian single-cylinder championship.
See also: the Bimota BB3, the Bimota DB2, the Bimota SB6 and the Bimota collection.
Bimota BB1 Supermono questions and answers
What is the Bimota BB1 Supermono?
A lightweight single-cylinder sport bike built by Bimota in 1995 and 1996 with a Rotax engine from the BMW F650.
Why is it called BB1?
BB stands for BMW Bimota, and 1 indicates the first model in that line.
How much power did the BB1 make?
48 hp at 6,500 rpm and 5.9 kgm of torque at 6,000 rpm.
Where is the fuel tank?
Below the engine, in the belly of the fairing, to lower the centre of gravity.
How many were built?
The French Wikipedia gives 376 Supermono and 148 Biposto, a total of 524; Bimota.info gives 376 Supermono.
Video: BIMOTA BB1 SUPERMONO
Video by fuoriserieMOTO21 on YouTube.
Sources
- Bimota BB1, French Wikipedia: history, engine, chassis, equipment, Biposto and production numbers
- Bimota, Italian Wikipedia: the 1995 Supermono with a BMW engine
- Bimota BB1 Supermono, Bimota.info: 652 cc, 48 hp, 196 km/h, 148 kg dry and 376 produced
