Original Bimota models from the first few years after the company’s inception in 1975 are some of the most highly sought after sportbikes and racers in the world. The three founders who had originally met while in the ductwork industry quickly proved themselves and their ability to take a proven existing power plant from a large (initially Japanese) manufacturer and dropping into a superior frame, add (then) top-shelf components and new bodywork and create an objectively superior machine. For decades this was unarguably Bimota’s forte and one of its first (and frankly coolest) models was the 1975 Suzuki TR500-powered SB1.
Built from ’76-’80, (although some sources say ’75-’77) the SB1 was a result of a well-known Italian importer of Suzuki (SAIAD of Turin) asking Massimo Tamburini (the Ta of BimoTA) to design a new high-performance chassis for proven TR500 two-stroke engine. The SB1 would be debuted at the ’75 Milan Motor Show alongside Bimota’s aggressively cool Harley-powered HDB1. Like all of the boutique Italian manufacturer’s early models, the SB1 was an instant hit with the public and quickly proved itself out on the track.
The SB1’s propulsion was thanks to Suzuki’s tried and true liquid-cooled 492cc parallel two-stroke motor that – tuned and dropped in the Bimota frame – made a reported 83hp at 9,000rpm. This early Bimota model came equipped with two Mikuni VM 38 SC carbs and a six-speed tranny. What made the SB1 really shine though was its advanced tubular steel trellis frame. Mounted to its bar-raising chassis was top of the line Ceriani suspenders (telescopic hydraulic fork), with an adjustable Koni swingarm and monoshock in the rear. Two dual-piston Brembo 280mm disk brakes up front and a 230mm single disk brake in back gave the SB1 plenty of bite before corners.
Supposedly only 50 SB1’s were ever produced, but its limited production number is only part of what makes this example so special. Like all early Bimota machines, the SB1 proved that a level of performance above and beyond what Japanese companies were offering was very much out there, and as a consequence Bimota essentially forced other manufacturers to step up their game. Another element of the SB1 that garnered it so much admiration is the bike’s appearance, with the new bodywork wrapped around Bimota’s then-cutting-edge frame being simply gorgeous.
According to the seller: extremely rare SB1 example is all original with stock magnesium engine covers and a (then) trick magneto ignition. As the model’s name suggests, the SB1 was the first ever Bimota to be powered by a Suzuki engine. This example appears to be in near-mint condition and is seemingly owned by someone passionate about Italian motorcycles as they are a current (or maybe former) employee at Ducati Belgium. While examples like the SB1 don’t come cheap, they also don’t come around often, making this an extraordinary opportunity for anyone with passion and pockets deep enough to float this kind of high-dollar “investment”.
You can find this incredibly rare 1975 Bimota SB1 racer for sale here on RaceBikeMart.com in Belgium with a price of $29,350 (or £22,500).