In 1990, Bimota created the YB9 Bellaria – a 600cc-powered (from the Yamaha FZR600) sportbike that was their first two-seater. A couple of years later, Yamaha built a new motor for their upcoming YZF600, and Bimota utilized it to create a new model: the YB9SR.
The YB9SR was not officially sold in the US, though in a review for Cycle World, Alan Cathcart said “it’s likely to find some eager customers in Europe, however, for it is a true hard-nosed supersport contender, with unashamed racetrack breeding, a nominal passenger seat and aggressive styling based on that of Bimota’s Tesi ES. Bimota has hit the supersport target spot-on, the second time around.” Interestingly, Yamaha actually provided Bimota with the new 600 engine before they even stuffed it in their own production bike. Thanks to an upgraded airbox and exhaust, the engine made 4 more horsepower (104 at 11,750 rpm) in the YB9SR than it did in the Yamaha. Alan continued, “throttle response on the YB9SR is so vivid you run the risk of unhooking the back tire momentarily when cranked over on bumpy surfaces, even if you twist the wrist with care. But the crisp acceleration you get from as low as 3000 rpm—the big hit of power happens at about 8000 rpm-is ample payoff for this rather sudden throttle response.” Suspension duties were handled by Paioli (41mm forks and shock), and braking was taken care of by Brembo – including 320mm rotors up front. Alan summed up the YB9 by saying, “So in Europe, at least, it looks like the 600 supersport category is about to have a new class standard imposed on it, and at the realistic price-in Europe, at least-of about $15,000. American 600cc fans with a taste for the exotic and access to the gray-market pipeline are advised to make the most of it.” Lucky for you, this one’s already in the US – specifically in Alabama with someone I’m a big fan of: Landers Sevier of Tech46.
Per Landers, this example was restored in 2023 with rebuilt calipers, rebuilt front master cylinder, brake fluid flush, new tires on powdercoated 17″ Marchesini magnesium wheels, new chain/sprockets, carb rebuild, new fuel pump/lines, and plenty more. The big surprise is the paint: “Instead of the rather bland and conservative solid powder blue or solid lemon yellow paint job that was offered by Bimota, the design partners at TECH46 in Birmingham developed an original, one-of-a-kind, custom paint scheme more flattering and fitting to this exotic machine. Featuring a combination of House of Color candy Oriental Blue and Cobalt Blue striping on Gloss Black with Orion Silver accent striping. This stunning, show quality paint scheme is finished with multiple wet coats of PPG DC2000 clear coat and features reflective white and fluorescent rocket red Bimota logos. This motorcycle is an absolute show stopper when seen in the natural sunlight. Black number plates are flanked by the obligatory Italian flag accents, and currently feature non-clear coated reflective white “#2″’s (should its new owner want to remove or change the racing number). Other than the “2”s, all graphics and decals are cleared coated.”
What do you think of the paint job? Let me know if the comments.
Find this YB9 for sale in Birmingham, Alabama with bidding up to $7,400 here on eBay.