The Bimota YB6 is a 989 cc four-cylinder superbike that Bimota built from 1988 to 1990, using an engine derived from the Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis.
Bimota YB6 at a glance
| Manufacturer | Bimota, Rimini, Italy |
|---|---|
| Production | 1988–1990 |
| Engine | 989 cc inline-four, four-stroke, Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis derived |
| Carburettors | 4 × Mikuni, 37 mm |
| Power | 140 hp |
| Torque | 11.5 kgm |
| Frame | Aluminium perimeter |
| Suspension | 42 mm Marzocchi fork, Marzocchi rear shock |
| Brakes | Brembo, 320 mm front and 230 mm rear discs |
| Wheels | Oscam aluminium, three-spoke |
This article is based on the Italian Wikipedia article on the Bimota YB6.
History of the Bimota YB6
The YB6 was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1987 and produced from 1988 to 1990. Designed by Federico Martini, it used a 989 cc inline four derived from the Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis, fed by four 37 mm Mikuni carburettors. It produced 140 hp at 9,000 rpm and 11.5 kgm of torque at 7,500 rpm, with the engine acting as a stressed member of an aluminium perimeter frame.
The cycle parts were Brembo brakes with two 320 mm front discs and a 230 mm rear disc, a 42 mm Marzocchi fork, a Marzocchi rear shock and three-spoke Oscam aluminium wheels.
YB6 Exup and YB6 Tuatara
At the presentation of the Bimota racing team in Rimini in 1989, the company announced the YB6 Exup. It used the FZR1000 Exup engine of 1,002 cc with a 75.5 mm bore and 56 mm stroke, 36 mm carburettors and a five-valve cylinder head, plus the electronically controlled Exup exhaust valve; it produced 148 hp at 10,000 rpm. The chassis was identical to the standard YB6, but the round tail light was replaced by a square one.
Also in 1989, at the Milan show, Bimota announced the YB6 Tuatara. Designed under Pier Luigi Marconi, it used the FZR1000 Exup engine with Weber Marelli electronic injection and produced 145 hp at 9,500 rpm; its Marzocchi fork had inverted stanchions.
Design and features
- Engine: a 989 cc Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis-derived four with four Mikuni carburettors.
- Frame: an aluminium perimeter frame with the engine as a stressed member.
- Suspension: a 42 mm Marzocchi fork and a Marzocchi rear shock.
- Wheels: three-spoke Oscam aluminium wheels.
- Brakes: Brembo 320 mm front discs and a 230 mm rear disc.
Bimota YB6 versions
- YB6: the original 989 cc model, built from 1988 to 1990.
- YB6 Exup: the 1989 version with the 1,002 cc five-valve Exup engine, 148 hp and a square tail light.
- YB6 Tuatara: the 1989 version with Weber Marelli injection, 145 hp and an inverted fork.
See also: the Bimota YB9, the Bimota YB11, the Bimota SB6 and the Bimota collection.
Bimota YB6 questions and answers
What is the Bimota YB6?
A 989 cc Yamaha-engined superbike built by Bimota from 1988 to 1990.
What engine did the YB6 use?
An inline four derived from the Yamaha FZR1000 Genesis, with four 37 mm Mikuni carburettors.
How much power did the YB6 make?
140 hp at 9,000 rpm and 11.5 kgm of torque at 7,500 rpm.
What was the YB6 Exup?
A 1989 version with the 1,002 cc five-valve FZR1000 Exup engine and 148 hp.
What was the YB6 Tuatara?
A 1989 version with Weber Marelli electronic injection, 145 hp and an inverted fork.
Video: Bimota YB6 YB8
Video by STAR BIKERS la moto per tutti on YouTube.
Sources
- Bimota YB6, Italian Wikipedia: history, engine, chassis and the Exup and Tuatara versions
