BIMOTA BB1 SUPERMONO (1995 - 1999) Review

The Bimota BB1 is strictly one for enthusiasts and collectors. Gorgeous looks, excellent handling and Italian exclusivity are the positives. Unfortunately the negatives (lack of power and heavy vibrations from the engine) more than outweigh the plusses for most people. Also the Bimota BB1 is not cheap and dealer back up is almost non-existent.

This is where the Bimota BB1 Supermono excels dynamically. The engine may be underwhelming but you can make up some ground on the brakes and through the corners. The bespoke aluminum frame, steep steering and light (for the period) weight add up to an extremely nimble, sweet handling motorcycle. Brakes great but not superb by modern standards.

The Bimota BB1's engine is the Rotax-developed 652cc single cylinder which BMW use in its F650 range. It’s torquey at low revs with a friendly burble. But it won’t rev that high – get even close to the 8000rpm red line and the vibration’s punitive. And it’s not very powerful. Bimota claims 48bhp which is about right – but we’re talking Yamaha XJ600S Diversion territory. Over 90mph it just runs out of puff.

So few examples of the Bimota BB1 are in use and those that are don’t do enormous mileages so few problems are reported. Engine reliability is good and the motorcycles are built to a high spec not a price. The biggest problem facing owners is the lack of a UK importer which makes servicing and obtaining parts difficult. Although this has recently changed.

Not good. There’s better motorcycles for the money than the Bimota BB1 Supermono no matter what you want. If you must have a Bimota, try the YB9 – it’s Yamaha FZR600R engine is twice as powerful and much smoother. If you must have a racy sports single, Yamaha’s XTZ660 is a better bet for less dosh. Find a Bimota BB1 Supermono for sale.

Like most Bimotas the BB1 is a race bike for the road so luxury was not high on the designer’s agenda. An extra front brake disc was a £300 option. The fuel tank has a neat ‘glove box’ compartment which is extremely handy. Bimota designers were switched on enough to keep the fuel lower in the bike for better weight distribution. Compare and buy parts for the Bimota Supermono in the MCN Shop.