Four stroke, transverse four
cylinder. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity
1075 cc / 65.6 cub. in.
Bore x Stroke
72 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio
9.0:1
Cooling System
Air / oil cooled
Induction
2x Mikuni BS34SS
Ignition
Transistorized
Starting
Electric
Max Power
83.5 kW / 112 hp @ 8750 rpm
Max Torque
94.1 Nm / 9.6 kg-m / 69.4 lb-ft.@ 7000 rpm
Transmission
5 Speed
Final Drive
Chain
Frame
Lower cradle and connecting side plates. These plates are
made from machined Avional, whilst the tubes are made from Chrome-molybdenum
Front Suspension
40mm Ceriani Telescopic
Rear Suspension
Mono shock De Carbon
Front Brakes
2x 280mm discs
Rear Brakes
Single 280mm disc
Front Tyre
120/80 V16
Rear Tyre
150/60 V16
Dry Weight
184 kg / 405.7 lbs.
Wet-Weight
211 kg / 465.2 lbs.
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal.
Standing
¼ Mile
11.9 sec
Top Speed
249.4 km/h / 155 mph
Bimota have the distinction of making the
world's most expensive motorcycles. They are handmade, bespoke creations
using all the very best components. They are labour intensive to make,
beautifully finished and very fast. Bimota make exclusive, expensive,
luxurious sports bikes that approach motorcycle perfection, that ideal but
elusive marriage between Japanese horsepower and a frame that can deliver
the goods. Take one large Japanese powerplant and place it in a unique frame
with the best suspension, wheels and brakes money can buy.
The SB4 is
built around Suzuki's GSX1100 with the engine carried by Bimota's
chrome-moly, semi-cradle that supports the motor from the sides with the top
tubes unusually joining ahead of the forks and steering head for extra
rigidity. The swing-arm and rising-rate, rear suspension are anchored to the
frame by a huge plate of Avional 14, an aircraft quality alloy. This crucial
structure is milled from a solid block, glued and then bolted in place, all
in pursuit of the perfect steering head/swing-arm relation. The frame plus
swing-arm weigh just 351b.It is light and low on the move with 16in wheels fitted with low-profile
radial tyres. Bimota are the only company to fit radials as original
equipment rubber. Suspension is by Ceriani telehydraulic forks with
seven-way adjustable rebound damping and a De Carbon unit at the back. The
rear rocker arm and all the linkages are lovingly made, rose joints and
quality alloy details are everywhere. The motor is stock except for a four-into-two Bimota exhaust and some
extremely high gearing. The tall ratios complement Bimota's aerodynamic
fairing and bodywork to achieve high speed and give the GSX1100 full top end
expression, ISOmph and still pulling.
The riding position is uncompromising and built for maximum speed work.
The rider is stretched, fully prone, reaching down to the clip-ons across
the broad back of the tank, feet high on the rearsets, knees tucked into the
tank cutaways. It is cramped but strangely comfortable. Everything about the Bimota sparkles with quality. Little is cast, it is
all either machined from solid or press-forged with TIG welding throughout.
The bodywork is all in fibreglass-reinforced plastic and fits like a glove.
The bike exudes class and confidence. The later SB5 uses the bigger 1135cc Suzuki engine but is essentially
unchanged except for a longer wheel-base and different weight distribution.
The one outstanding difference is the provision of a dual seat. Previous
Bimota bikes had all been strictly solo machines.
Source: The Worlds Fastest Motorcycles by Michael Scott
& John Cutts