Post Sale Update: This SB6 sold for $7,000 after 45 bids on eBay in Independence, Oregon…though it looks like the high bidder flaked as it’s been relisted.
In the early years, Bimota’s formula was to take a powerful and reliable Japanese engine and then replace the adequate frame and suspension with a bespoke Italian chassis and quality components. Some reviewers argue that the SB6 is the last of the old-school Bimotas because around this time the OEMs started catching up on the handling front by improving their frame designs – this made it harder to justify the price premium that Bimota demands.
With all that said, this bike was an absolute barnstormer back in the late 90s. The Suzuki GSX-R 1100 was already a fantastic bike, but Bimota took it to the next level thanks to components like an Ohlins shock, Paioli forks, and plenty of carbon fiber enveloping the Suzuki motor. The SB6 was more powerful, lighter, rare, and just plain cooler than the big GSX-R. Thanks to depreciation, it’s not even that much more expensive now, either. For more on the SB6, check out this list from Visor Down, where they proclaim this bike to be one of the 6 sexiest Bimota’s ever made.
This example (VIN: ZES1SB614SRZES038) has 15,181 miles and is claimed to be in excellent condition. The one issue seems to be a tear in the mesh in the rear fairing, though the registration may be out of date – the seller doesn’t specify if this bike is on planned non-operation or not. Find this SB6 for sale in Independence, Oregon with bidding up to $4,150 here on eBay.