For enthusiasts of exclusive motorcycles who lack the means to acquire such jewels, the American market is offering a surprising opportunity. A 1996 Bimota YB11 Super Leggera, a bike that once cost around €30,000, is currently being auctioned for approximately €5,800. Yes, you read that correctly: less than €6,000 for an Italian superbike that epitomizes refinement and excellence.
The Bimota Brand: Synonymous with Exclusivity
Founded in 1973 in Rimini, Italy, Bimota is renowned for its innovative approach: using Japanese engines celebrated for their reliability and power and pairing them with meticulously designed chassis. The result is motorcycles that combine cutting-edge technology with refined design, often elevated to the status of works of art.
The Bimota YB11 Super Leggera is a perfect example of this philosophy. The name “YB11” follows the brand’s usual logic: “Y” refers to the Yamaha engine, while “B” represents Bimota, and the number 11 denotes that it is the 11th model equipped with a Yamaha engine.
At the heart of this machine is the 1,002 cc engine from the Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, which in its original configuration delivered 145 hp. However, Bimota’s engineers raised the bar: they introduced a larger airbox, adjusted the carburetors, and redesigned the exhaust system to optimize performance.
Lightness and Elegance
The name “Super Leggera,” which means “super light” in Italian, was not chosen lightly. The YB11 weighs only 183 kilograms dry, 15 kilograms less than Yamaha’s original YZF1000R. This focus on weight reduction is one of Bimota’s hallmarks.
The multitubular chassis, characteristic of the brand, is a true masterpiece, with strategic adjustments to the swingarm pivot and main beam to improve rigidity and handling. The suspension, provided by Paioli, includes adjustable front forks with an impressive 51 mm diameter.
Despite its superbike appearance, the YB11 offers sport-touring features. Weighing 215 kilograms when fully loaded and equipped with a five-speed gearbox, this bike delivers a balanced riding experience, making it ideal for winding roads and long journeys alike.
A Collector’s Rarity
The exclusivity of this bike is undeniable: only 600 units were manufactured, 87 of which were exported to the United States. The auctioned model is in near-pristine condition, with just 3,200 kilometers recorded on the odometer. Additionally, the current owner has undertaken full maintenance, including new tires, a fresh battery, and a professional cleaning of the fuel tank.
The American Market and Depreciation
Although the auction price may still rise before it closes on December 26, 2024, even doubling the current bid would still represent a true bargain for a motorcycle of this caliber. For context, other classic Bimota models have sold for significantly higher sums: a 1997 SB6R for €9,200 or a 1998 DB4 for €15,400.
Why is this bike so affordable in the United States? Part of the explanation lies in the lower appreciation of Italian brands in this market, with the exception of Ducati. The lack of a strong support network and the YB11’s positioning as a sport-touring bike, in a market that favors pure superbikes, may also have contributed to its depreciation.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a motorcycling icon at a surprisingly accessible price.
Source: Todocircuito