Bimota has officially unveiled the highly anticipated, ultra-exclusive KB998 Rimini at this year’s EICMA, announcing that only 500 units of this Kawasaki ZX-10RR-powered superbike will be made available to the public over the next two years.
The Italian chassis specialists designed the KB998 with one primary goal: to create an FIM-compliant machine that can compete on the global stage of the World Superbike (WorldSBK) championship, with riders Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani leading the charge. Regulations require 250 homologated units to be available for sale by December 31, 2025, with an additional 250 in the following year. At a price of €44,000 (around £36,600), the KB998 meets the maximum value allowed for championship entry.
Earlier in October, Bimota revealed their superbike racer version at a WorldSBK test in Jerez, where it recorded impressive lap times, ranking second and third among participating teams. Bimota COO Pierluigi Marconi shared insights with MCN, stating, “The bike was designed for high-speed performance. We conducted extensive wind tunnel testing.”
“Everything on this machine is adjustable – steering, height, and even wings designed for speed. The wings are electronically adjustable, providing optimal settings for each corner and any speed. Although the rider can’t make changes in real-time, the system automatically adjusts aerodynamics for braking, cornering, and high-speed performance,” Marconi explained.
Unlike some brands, Bimota has no plans to create a broader, budget-friendly version of this platform. However, Marconi hinted that a refined version of the KB998 might appear in a few years.
The 194kg (dry weight) KB998 runs on Kawasaki’s ZX-10RR engine, generating 197bhp at 13,600 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 11,700 rpm. Bimota made only one change to the engine, adding a road-legal Akrapovič exhaust silencer, while keeping the rest of the 998cc inline-four powertrain untouched.
The frame is where the KB998 stands out. Known globally for innovative chassis designs, Bimota constructed a hybrid frame with oval steel tubes forming the frontal spars and a CNC-machined billet midsection. This section accommodates the rear engine mounts and provides a pivot point for the aluminum swingarm.
The front-end setup includes adjustable billet aluminum triple clamps gripping fully adjustable Showa upside-down forks, while the rear Showa shock is likely the same BFRC unit used on the ZX-10RR. Brembo Stylema calipers at the front provide exceptional stopping power.
With lightweight carbon fiber across its fairings and intakes, the KB998 is as functional as it is striking. The switchgear, TFT dashboard, and electronic systems carry over from Kawasaki’s flagship, bringing with them cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, a bi-directional quickshifter, and cruise control. Additionally, riders will have access to four modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and Rider.
