
BIMOTA BB3 (2014 - on) Review

At a glance
Power: | 200 bhp |
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Seat height: | Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm) |
Weight: | Low (395 lbs / 179 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesOne of the lightest and most powerful bikes ever. But on the track it comes up a little short. The tyres aren't great and it really isn't worth the extra £10,000 over the 2014 S1000RR it shares so many parts with.
It's a brave attempt for Bimota and looks fantastic but there a few rough edcges that are hard to overlook on something costing so much.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineWhen you really start to push on, the front feels vague. The rear felt better but that's because BMW's electronics control everything pretty well.
Some of this would be sorted with some better tyres, but a few niggles would remain.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityA claimed 200bhp makes the BB3 one of the most powerful road bikes of the moment - joint top with the Ducati Superlegerra. It uses the same engine as the BMW S1000RR but has new an extra 7bhp.
It's a scream, but you;d expect nothing less from the tried and tested inline four. There is simply power all through the rev range and it delivers it smoothly and without drama building to a peak as you near the redline.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe test bike developed a slight electrical fault which prevented MCN testers from turning the ABS off. NBot a good sign. With limited dealer back-up in the UK, potential buyers need to be comfortable with working on some things themselves. but it's a BMW engine so help will be at hand.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThis bike comes in at a whopping £28,000. That's a lot of anyone's money and is nearly double what a BMW S1000RR would cost. The donor of many of the Bimota's parts.
Equipment
Same as the BMW S1000RR's. Three rider modes - plus Slick as an optional extra. There is also switchable traction control, ABS and a quickshifter.
The clocks are also shared with the German donor machine and the quickshifter is from BMW too. The Continental Attack tyres lacked a bit of feel when pushed hard and that also translated to a lack of bite when braking hard.
Specs |
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Engine size | 999cc |
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Engine type | in-line four |
Frame type | Tubular steel |
Fuel capacity | 16 litres |
Seat height | 820mm |
Bike weight | 179kg |
Front suspension | Fully adjustable |
Rear suspension | Fully adjustable |
Front brake | Brembo M50 |
Rear brake | single 250mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 155/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 35 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £93 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £28,000 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | 2 years unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 200 bhp |
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Max torque | 82.6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 186 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
New bike. Uses the engine and many of the electronics from BMW S1000RR.
Other versions
None - all-new model
Owners' reviews for the BIMOTA BB3 (2014 - on)
No owners have yet reviewed the BIMOTA BB3 (2014 - on).