Bimota YB8 (1990-91)

The Bimota YB8 was produced in 1990-91 and only 252 units were made. It has a four-stroke, transverse four-cylinder DOHC engine with a capacity of 1002cc and a maximum power of 111kW at 10500rpm. The cooling system is liquid-cooled with 4X 38mm Mikuni carbs. The motorcycle has a 5-speed transmission and a chain final drive. The frame has two diagonal beams made of aluminum with internal ribbing, the swing arm is also aluminum. The front suspension features 42mm Marzocchi forks, anti-dive system, and a hydraulic brake. The rear suspension has a Marzocchi single shock, compression and rebound damping adjustable. The front brakes consist of 2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers and the rear brake has a single 230mm disc 1 piston caliper. The dry weight of the motorcycle is 180 kg and the fuel capacity is 20L. Bimota produced three variations of the YB8, with the Furano being the most impressive. It was a special edition with fuel injection, a lighter chassis, and a power increase to 123kW making it the fastest sportsbike available when it was launched. Only 152 of the Furano were produced, but the stiff chassis provides sure handling at high speeds.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: Bimota YB8

Year: 1990 – 91

Production: 252 units

Engine: Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder.

Capacity: 1002 cc / 61.1 cub. in.

Bore x Stroke: 75.5 x 65 mm

Compression Ratio: 12.0:1

Cooling System: Liquid cooled

Induction: 4X 38mm Mikuni carbs

Ignition: –

Starting: Electric

Max Power: 111 kW / 149 hp @ 10500 rpm

Max Torque: 117 Nm / 11.9 kgf-m / 86.3 lb-ft. @ 9250 rpm

Transmission: 5 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Two diagonal beams in section bar made of aluminium with internal ribbing. The cylinders are supported by plates bolted to the beams and the swing arm is made of aluminium

Front Suspension: 42mm Marzocchi forks, anti dive system in the left tube of the fork leg and a hydraulic brake in the right. compression and rebound damping adjustable. adjustable by four positions

Rear Suspension: Marzocchi single shock, compression and rebound damping adjustable.

Front Brakes: 2x 320mm discs 4 piston calipers

Rear Brakes: Single 230mm disc 1 piston caliper

Front Tyre: 120/70-17

Rear Tyre: 180/55-17

Dry Weight: 180 kg / 396.8 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 20 Litres / 5.3 US gal

Road Tests: Bimota YB8 1990 PS

Bimota produced three variations on the YB8 between 1990 and 1994, using basically the same chassis as the previous YB6 range. The first used a Yamaha FZR1000 EXUP engine in the traditional Bimota chassis, with extremely high-quality suspension and braking components. This base model was updated in 1993 as the YB8 E. But it was a special edition of the YB8, the Furano, which most impressed. This was fitted with fuel-injection, replacing the YB8’s carbs. Complete with a lighter chassis and a power increase to 123kW (165bhp), the Furano was the fastest sportsbike available when it was launched. Luckily for the owners of the 152 bikes produced, the stiff chassis provides sure handling at the huge speeds it can attain.: