Bimota Forum

[MotoTipo99]

Hello

Joined the forum as I'm thinking about viewing a BB1 which is pretty local to me, but I've never even seen one in the flesh and struggling to find much information on them online

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1816655

I know similar questions have been asked in the past and I have looked through older posts, but wanted to ask what to look out for, and what your ownership has been like in regards servicing, getting parts etc

For those who have had one would you recommend it, and do you still have yours?

I used to have an SZR660 - it was probably one of my favourite bikes to ride, but wasn't exactly a looker (never bothered me as the ride was so good). Am hoping the BB1 is at least as good to ride, but looks really lovely

If anyone has ridden both an SZR660 and a BB1 and could offer real life experience that would be perfect!

Basically any info you can be bothered typing would be appreciated

Cheers

[Anders]

I have only one Bimota; a BB1. I have owned it since 2001, I think. It is a very fun bike to ride. I cannot compare it to the SZR, as I have never ridden one, but I had an idea about buying one when they were new. The SZR is small for me, I couldn't get my kneed into the tank recesses.

However, back to the Bimota BB1.
I have ridden it a lot on trackdays and the like, and it also was my main street bike for years. I have modified it quite a bit, I think most of it is documented here or on my personal web site www.kvenna.net. That site is old and written in Norwegian, but I guess that is no problem in these days of automatic translations.

I have no idea of how many km it is used, I would guess 20- 30000 km. Most of these bikes gets ridden less.

The bike in your ad seems quite nice and also quite original. It is missing a few upgrades that I have on mine, like the fron fork compression and spring preload adjustment. These options are nice additions, at least the compression adjustment is good to have.

The main issue with these bikes might be the odd chainline. As you see in the images, the chain is quite slack. And it has to be, as it goes a lot tighter when the rear suspension is compressed. The engine sits so low in the frame compared to the swingarm pivot that the chain rubs the top chain slider away at a frightening rate. These chain sliders are one of the most common parts to replace frequently.
My solution is to use a much bigger front sprocket, 20t. It lifts the chain off the chain slider. In addition, I have a shorter primary gearing.

This is the most fun bike to ride that I have ever owned. It is also the most time-consuming bike to maintain, as even simple tasks like an oil and filter change takes much time. But that is all forgotten when the single cylinder barks out its sound and you are riding on twisty roads or on track.

It is not a bike for the longer trips, although I have ridden from Norway down to the Mosel valley on mine. Going stright ahead on the motorway is not what it was made for.

Its 48hp is not very impressing these days, but simple remedies like bigger carbs and a more open exhaust helps a lot. On mine, I have 2x38mm Dell'Ortos and a home made exhaust that still meets the 100dB limit on my local track.

I must admit my BB1 sits in the workshop these days, as I rarely ride on the street anymore. I'm now 65 and all my motorcycling is done on an endurobike in the woods and in enduro races.

I hope this helps. Go there and have a test ride! I think you will be hooked.

If you need more info, don't hesitate to ask.
_________________
Anders
bb1, Mille S2, Guzzi / Watsonian, Morini Corsaro 125, EC200, RD350YPVS etc

[MotoTipo99]

[vort28]