EICMA 2021: Bimota KB4 and KB4 RC
Italian boutique firm Bimota reveals gorgeous fours built around Kawasaki’s Z1000Two years after first revealing concept sketches, Bimota used EICMA to finally unveil what will be the production version of its Kawasaki 1043cc inline-four-cylinder-powered KB4, following it up with news that a naked ‘race cafe’ version called the KB4 RC will soon follow.
While the Kawasaki powerplant remains unchanged, the radiator and fan has been moved from the conventional placement in front of the engine to the rear of the bike, where it’s packaged within the rear tail unit of the KB4.
The switch from the front to the rear of the bike has allowed Bimota to create a more compact motorcycle, significantly reducing the wheelbase to 1389mm by bringing the front wheel closer to the frame.
Related reading:
7 things you need to know ahead of EICMA 2021
EICMA 2015: Bimota's 1200cc hyper naked
Speaking of the frame, it’s a mix of hi-tensile tubular steel and billet machined aluminium plates. Suspension is by way of Öhlins’ top-shelf manually adjustable units with a 43mm upside-down NIX30 fork matched to a TTX36 rear shock, with Brembo’s top-shelf Stylema calipers looking after the front braking duties.
The KB4 tips the scales at 187kg (dry) and has a seat height of 810mm, the latter adjustable by nearly 10mm in either direction. In terms of electronics, the Bimota KB4s will carry the same spec as the Kawasaki Z1000 they’re built around.
“The KB4 and KB4 RC will appeal to enthusiasts of all ages because the design draws you in, and the performance keeps you there,” said Bimota designer Enrico Borghesan during the bikes’ unveiling.
“You ride some bikes because you have to, but you ride these Bimotas because you want to.”
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
