The motorcycle industry began with very capable engine manufacturers who struggled to build frames to cope with their power and, conversely, frame builders without the money or know-how to make an effective powerplant for their cycle parts. When the Japanese manufacturers entered the multi-cylinder superbike market in the late 1960s, they were certainly from the former camp. A number of specialist firms sprang up to satisfy this demand, bespoke icons such as Egli, Spondon, Seeley, Georges Martin and Harris Performance. At the pinnacle, with Italian design flair and truly “finished” look was – and still is – the Rimini firm of Bimota.
Taking the massively capable and slightly tuned FZR600 from Yamaha and mounting it into their wonderfully stiff twin-spar aluminum beam frame, the YB9 was the first Bimota to have a proper name taken from exotic beach near the factory, the Bellaria.
Although a two-seater with a more forgiving ergonomic design, the bike is still very much a sports bike with 150mph capabilities. The first sport-tourer from Italy, perhaps? And straight out of the 1980s catalogue is that digital dash.
The first-year Bimota Bellaria on offer here has been part of a discerning collection of rare machines for some time. Offered in excellent overall condition, this rarity has covered a mere 3,700 miles in its 3-decades and runs perfectly. It starts easily and all systems work with Japanese smoothness, all with an awesome soundtrack.
#86 of the 145 produced, this fantastically quirky machine is the perfect blend of Italian 1980s style and Japanese practical ease of ownership.
Frame no. YB9-00086
Location: Ventura, California
SOLD
