Bimota KB1 (1978)

The 1978 Bimota KB1 motorcycle was a limited production model with only 827 units ever made. It was powered by a four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder, DOHC engine with 2 valves per cylinder sourced from the Kawasaki Z1000, with a capacity of 1015 cc/61.9 cu in. It had a compression ratio of 8.7:1 and was air/oil cooled, with four 28mm carburetors for induction. The bike could produce a maximum power of 62.6 kW/84 hp at 7950 rpm and a maximum torque of 79.4 Nm/8.1 kg-m/58.6 lb-ft at 6500 rpm. The transmission was a five-speed, and the final drive was a chain. The Bimota KB1 featured a multi-tubular backbone frame and a front suspension of either a 36mm Marzocchi or a 35mm reinforced Ceriani front fork. The rear suspension was a Corte & Cosso system built by De Carbon, with the swing arm made of chrome molybdenum sheet metal. The front brakes consisted of two 260mm discs, and the rear brake was a single 260mm disc. The dry weight of the bike was 190 kg/418.9 lbs, and it had a top speed of 237 km/h/147.3 mph. The Bimota KB1 received positive reviews in several road tests from various publications, including Cycle in 1980, MotorCycling in 1981, Motociclismo in 1979, and Moto.Revue in 1981.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Bimota KB1

Year: 1978
Production: 827 units
Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder (Kawasaki Z1000)
Capacity: 1015 cc / 61.9 cub. in.
Bore x Stroke: 66 x 70 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
Cooling System: Air / oil cooled
Induction: 4x 28mm carburettors
Ignition: –
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 62.6 kW / 84 hp @ 7950 rpm
Max Toque: 79.4 Nm / 8.1 kg-m / 58.6 lb-ft. @ 6500 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Multi-tubular backbone
Front Suspension: 36mm Marzocchi or a 35 mm reinforced Ceriani front fork
Rear Suspension: Corte & Cosso, built by De Carbon. The swing arm chrome molybdenum sheet metal
Front Brakes: 2x 260mm discs
Rear Brakes: Single 260mm disc
Dry Weight: 190 kg / 418.9 lbs.
Top Speed: 237 km/h / 147.3 mph
Road Test: Cycle 1980 MotorCycling 1981 Motociclismo 1979 Moto.Revue 1981