Production-ready Bimota KB4 revealed at EICMA

Bimota has revealed its production-ready Ninja 1000 SX-powered KB4 at EICMA. The sportsbike from Bimota features a custom frame and unique retro styling.

• Tubular front frame

• Makes 142hp and 111Nm of torque

• Lighter and smaller than the Ninja 1000 SX

Powering the KB4 is the same inline-four engine as the one found in the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX. It produces 142hp and 111Nm of torque and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. Bimota has fit its own exhaust system with a single end can. 

Bimota has placed the radiator under the seat, instead of in front of the engine, which explains the large air intakes on either side of the fairing and a carbon fibre tunnel that runs from the intakes to the seat.

For those wondering why Bimota is using a Kawasaki engine, it’s because the latter owns a stake in the Italian company. Engine aside, the Bimota KB4 is completely different from the Ninja 1000 SX. Its chassis has a unique tubular front frame and the KB4 is also significantly lighter than the Ninja 1000 SX, tipping the scales at 187kg (dry weight). The carbon fibre bodywork is expected to be one of the contributing factors to it being lightweight.

In fact, the KB4’s dimensions are also smaller than the Ninja, with the shorter wheelbase – at 1,390mm – being the most significant. Suspension duty is handled by Öhlins FGRT 43 NIX30 fork up front and TTX 36 rear shock, complete with a remote adjuster. 

Alongside the KB4 reveal, Bimota has also announced a naked RC version for next year. It shares many components with the fully faired machines, but ditches the fairing.