Bimota Forum

[Frank.61]

Hi,

I'm new and own (since 10 days) a Bimota SB4 (blue/red).
I'm living in Belgium although Dutch by birth and have been a Bimota fan since they started making the incredible KB2 (yep I'm that old).

I was reading this forum and got totaly inspired by the rebuild Waggy is doing (HB2)!

Mine has frame number *536190* but since the identification plate is missing I have no clue when and how it left Rimini (on the papers I can see that it was first registered June 1984).
The bike has less then 7.500 km on the clock but the outside is not what it should be, needs some t.l.c. and I plan to bring her back to her old glory within the next year or so (though not as perfect as Waggy's since he is for the moment my benchmark).

Really hope you can help me out if questions come up.
I do have an engineering background but here it is all about experience, which you have more then I.

1 thing surprises me ..... the seemingly lack of documentation (I only could find a parts list - without describtion).

When I took the body down as also the fuel tank I scared myself stiff: is that asbestos under the fuel tank????

Ok, hope to hear and read from you!

Greeting from Belgium!

Frank Peutz
Maasmechelen :shock[/img]

[waggy]

Hi Frank,

Welcome to the forum, hopefully someone will have answers to any questions you have. As you have already discovered there is little literature on these old bikes; hopefully haynes or clymers will have done a manual for original jap donor bike, which will help with engine, carbs, electrics etc.
Make sure you have a good digi camera and take loads of pictures as you go along, I also remember the KB2 so my memory isn't so good
They are an easy bike to work on and all bearings are easily available.
Dont know what you have found under the tank as mine had nothing under it.
Don't forget tp post some pictures, we love pictures here.

[Frank.61]

Waggy, I ' ve tried to post pics but didn't succeed.
Any advice?

Frank

[waggy]

Hi frank,

This might help; First click on Upload Image, this opens a new page, then click Browse button and find your image, then click Uploadfiles button which opens a new page with target address for your image. Right click on target address and copy shortcut. Then use your browser back button to get back to your original post, then hit the Img button, then paste your shortcut and then hit the Img button again. Then hopefully when you hit the preview button your image will appear in the text.

if you need to adjust the size of your image, the paint programme in Windows has a handy resize function.

If you still cant load image, email it to me and I'll post it.

[brian]

Hi Frank and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on the purchase of your sb4. According to the (very little) info i have, your sb4 should have the 1100 Katana engine in it and there were 272 made in 1983 / 84.

The best way to post pictures that i've found is to save them to a website like Photo Bucket first and then link it to here. Use the Img button above then copy the direct link and then hit the Img button again. Img must show at either end of the direct link.

Cheers,
Brian
_________________
'99 DB4 #104, '96 SB6 #1165, '94 DB2 J #652, '99 DB4 #088, '08 VTX1800, '93 ZXR750R M1, '95 ZXR750, '95 ZXR750 Race Bike, '94 CBR400rr NC29 Race Bike, '94 CB250, '49 BSA C10 250, '61 BSA A10 650, '89 ZXR750, '91 Ducati 851

[2bims]

The best way I've found to post pictures...is let someone else do it...at least until you learn...But welcome to the Forum Frank...losts of helpful folk on here that can lend a hand guiding you through the many various elements of Bimota Ownership...

[Frank.61]

Hey,

Thanks, I'm really happy to finaly own a Bimota!

Could you help me out on 1 item ?
On the type plate (you know the aluminium tag rivited on the frame tube) you see the engine as also your frame number.
Could you tell me if the actual number which is stamped in the headstock of your Bimota is exactly the same?

This since my frame number, stamped in the headstock, is *536190* (which is also the number in my vehicle registration certificate).
The numbers on the aluminium tags I have seen, only have much lower numbers (typical between 0 and 300).

So I'm confused and Rimini doesn't respond either.

Ok hope you can enlighten me a little!

Frank

NOTE: Anyone experience with the Avon Azaro-ST A45 & A46?
The only (?) radial tyres currently available for our 16" wheels.

[bimotanige]

Hi frank the number on the headstock on my sb4 is the same as the aluminium plate.
I run the Bridgestone BT45 non radial which are good but take a while to warm up before you can get to the edges
_________________
KB1x2, SB3 SB4 BB1 DB2 Vdue Evo YB11 RB1 Ducati MHR Suzi GS650

[2bims]

Hi frank...not heard of frame numbers being same as engine Nos....but normally the stamped number on the headstock matches the metal plate rivetted to the frame....These metal plates can still be bought as "blanks" from a company in Germany...so anyone could make their own up if they had lost the plate....normally only the last 3 Nos of the series denotes the frame Number

The registered bikes on this register have Nos from 1 to 267 for Sb4's with 272 listed as being made
http://www.bimota.ch/register/register_bimota_sb_en.html

Theres no "190" on the list but then the lists are not full complete lists, but the fullest lists available...but of all Sb4's made the "bible" lists that 154 were kits...

[Frank.61]

Hi Bims & Nige,

Thanks for your response!
First to Nige's reaction: so you would have *000xxx* assuming you have SB4 number xxx ?
To 2Bim's: ok so if understood well, mine having *536190* would mean I have SB4 number 190 ?!
Does anyone have the "prefix" 536 also and what does it mean?
Have you ANY idea who is selling these blank aluminium tag's (what's the right term for this plate - me being Dutch), since if mine is number 190 I could have it made correctly........

Nige, by the way, ordered an old copy of the "Practical Sportsbikes" issue of last June ........ great !

Why can't I find yours (2) not in the B-CH register (just curious)?

Does anyone know which numbers were sold as kit and which were sold as complete bikes?
The administration should still be available I assume.......

Anyway thanks sofar for your comments!

Frank

[Mike Jennings]

Hello Frank,

congratulations on getting your SB4. Just to say that your bike has 16 inch wheels so tyres might be a problem; you could try a company called 'Goldentyre' who make 16" tyres.

Cheers, MikeJ

[2bims]

Hi Frank...the Swiss Bimota Register is the most complete register there is....and was used in the making of the "Bimota - 25 years of Excellence" book...but the list is made up solely of whomsoever notifies their Bimotas to Manuel Nunez who runs the Swiss Bimota Club...and whilst it has links to the factory...it is an independent club and list...I know that the Bimota Factory is trying to assimulate information from these lists as they dont have up to date information.

Not everyone puts their bikes on there, so it doesnt mean that your frame number isnt out there elsewhere, or if yours is the only one

Only the last 3 digits are ever used for records with Bimotas as their production runs never went beyond that per bike...Normally theres Zeros in front of the numbers, and on later models the number also comprised a Date stamp of year of manufacture (of the frame at least...bike could have been a couple of years after) they also have "R" as the place of manufacture, being rimini, and later models also included, SB, Db, YB as model numbers on the frame plates.

I'll try and find themanufacturer of the frame plates, its a largeish lister on ebay.de Germany that were listing them, and also make or at least sell many "blanks" for other manufacturers...Model i.e. DB2, would be stamped on, place of manufacture, engine cc size and Frame number, that would match the one on the headstock tube

About half way down of page 3 on this post shows the frame plate on my DB2, there are also * in the frame number, and Max peso/weight that can be carried....does your frame have any small holes from rivets as to where it once was??

http://www.bimotaforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1196&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=30

[Frank.61]

Yes the wholes are still there (right upper frame tube near the coil), even parts of the rivets.
But someone told me the number on the headstock should be exactly as on the aluminium tag but since I've never seen figures not starting with 000 on the tags I was confused.
Anyway IF you would have a clue who sells these tag I would be over the moon.

So yours has a similar number structure as mine (*536190*)?

Frank

[waggy]

Hi frank,

My frame is also missing its vin plate, whoever painted it last, thought it a good idea to throw it away then again maybe none was fitted as no visible holes in frame. It doesn't really bother me, as the headstock is well stamped being HB2 *00xxx*

If you do require a vin plate this firm can make custom vin plates if you can provide a photo and dimensions, maybe someone on the forum can provide that info.
http://www.vin-plate.co.uk/index.html

[Frank.61]

Hi Waggy,

I'll keep it in mind.
Problem for me is that several countries require such a VIN plate (Belgium, Germany).
I bought mine in Holland and when it is restored I want it on a Belgium plate ..... and for that I need a VIN plate.
Will try to get a replica if I can't find a virgin Bimota plate.
Will ask some what a tailor made version would cost me.

Again when I will let you know.

Frank