Bimota KB3 (1983)

The Bimota KB3 was produced in 1983, with only 112 units made, and powered by a four stroke, transverse four-cylinder, DOHC engine with a capacity of 998cc. The engine had 2 valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 8.9:1, and was air and oil cooled. The bike had 4x 34mm Mikuni induction and CDI ignition, with an electric starting system. The motorcycle produced a maximum power output of 76.8 kW / 103 hp at 9400 rpm and a maximum torque of 85.3 Nm / 8.7 kg-m / 62.9 lb-ft at 7300 rpm. The transmission had 5 speeds and final drive was through a chain.

The KB3 had a unique frame that was linked with the steering tube with the rear shock absorber crossbar. The lower cradle had two connecting plates made of machined avional. The front suspension was Italia 40 mm with eight settings with magnesium tubes, while the rear suspension had a slightly backward facing De Carbon shock absorber with ten settings. The swing arm was made of chrome-molybdenum steel, and the bike had a rake of 27.5 degrees and a trail of 83.8 mm / 3.3 inches. The front brakes were equipped with two 280 mm discs and the rear brake had a single 280 mm disc.

The Bimota KB3 had a dry weight of 205 kg / 451.9 lbs and could achieve a top speed of 233 km/h / 144.8 mph. It completed the standing 1/4 mile in 11.6 seconds, reaching a speed of 197.3 km/h / 122.6 mph. The bike was reviewed by Motorrad in a road test alongside the HB2, HB3, and SB3 models.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Bimota KB3

Year: 1983
Production: 112 units
Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 2 Valve per cylinder.
Capacity: 998 cc / 60.9 cub. in.
Bore x Stroke: 69.4 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio: 8.9:1
Cooling System: Air / oil cooled
Induction: 4x 34mm Mikuni
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 76.8 kW / 103 hp @ 9400 rpm
Max Torque: 85.3Nm / 8.7 kg-m / 62.9 [email protected] 7300 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Linked with the steering tube with the rear shock absorber crossbar. lower cradle with two connecting plates made of machined avional
Front Suspension: Italia 40 mm with 8 settings with magnesium tubes
Rear Suspension: Slightly backward facing De Carbon shock absorber with 10 settings. The swing arm is made of chrome-molybdenum steel.
Rake: 27.5 degrees
Trail: 83.8 mm / 3.3 in.
Front Brakes: 2x 280mm discs
Rear Brakes: Single 280mm disc
Dry Weight: 205 kg / 451.9 lbs
Standing 1/4 Mile: 11.6 sec. / 197.3 km/h / 122.6 mph
Top Speed: 233 km/h / 144.8 mph
Road Test: HB2 HB3 KB3 SB3 Motorrad