Bimota 1000 BB2 (2012-2013): A Fusion of Italian Passion and German Precision
Introduction
The Bimota 1000 BB2 is not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Born from the marriage of Italian design flair and Bavarian mechanical brilliance, this limited-production machine represents a rare moment in motorcycling history where two iconic brands collided. Built between 2012 and 2013, the BB2 combines Bimota’s handcrafted chassis expertise with BMW’s ferocious S1000RR engine. The result? A hyper-naked motorcycle that feels like a rolling work of art, yet delivers track-ready performance. Let’s dive into what makes this machine so special—and why it still turns heads a decade later.
Design: Aggressive Elegance, Italian-Style
Bimota has always treated motorcycle design as high art, and the BB2 is no exception. The chassis—a tubular steel trellis frame paired with an aluminum swingarm—is left partially exposed, showcasing its technical beauty. The bodywork is minimalist yet purposeful, with sharp angles and carbon fiber accents (standard on later models) that hint at its racing pedigree.
The riding position is pure streetfighter: upright bars, mid-set pegs, and a thinly padded solo seat that prioritizes aesthetics over long-distance comfort. But let’s be honest—you don’t buy a Bimota for practicality. You buy it for moments like parking at a café and watching crowds gather to debate whether it’s a concept bike or an alien spacecraft.
Engine & Performance: Bavarian Brutality, Italian Soul
At its core beats BMW’s legendary 999cc inline-four from the S1000RR, tuned to 193 hp (143 kW) at 13,000 RPM. But Bimota didn’t just bolt it in and call it a day. They reworked the intake and exhaust systems, resulting in a slightly smoother power delivery below 8,000 RPM—though “smooth” is relative when discussing a motor that still hurls you to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 3 seconds.
The real magic happens above 10,000 RPM. The engine transforms from a growling predator into a screaming banshee, accompanied by an exhaust note that’s equal parts mechanical symphony and primal roar. Fueling is crisp, though the ride-by-wire throttle can feel abrupt in its default “Race” mode. Top speed? Let’s just say the aerodynamically inefficient design becomes your only limiter north of 270 km/h (168 mph).
Handling & Dynamics: A Dance Partner That Reads Your Mind
Bimota’s chassis wizardry shines here. The steel trellis frame weighs just 9.5 kg (21 lbs), contributing to a dry weight of 179 kg (395 lbs)—remarkable for a liter-class machine. Paired with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, the BB2 carves corners with telepathic precision.
During a spirited mountain road ride, the bike feels impossibly flickable. The wide handlebars provide leverage, while the Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires (120/70-ZR17 front, 190/55-ZR17 rear) offer grip that borders on absurd. Braking is handled by dual 320mm Brembo discs up front—a necessity when you’re regularly scrubbing triple-digit speeds. The initial bite is aggressive, rewarding skilled riders but demanding respect.
Electronics: Retro-Futuristic Charm
Don’t expect the latest six-axis IMU wizardry here. Bimota’s proprietary electronics package is delightfully old-school by today’s standards, offering three riding modes (Rain, Sport, Race) and basic traction control. The LCD dash looks lifted from a 2000s sci-fi movie—charmingly dated but perfectly legible.
In practice, the traction control feels more like a polite suggestion than a nanny system. Switch it off, and the BB2 becomes a thrilling handful, demanding precise throttle control. Purists will love it; newcomers might want to keep life insurance updated.
Competition: How the BB2 Stacks Up
The hyper-naked segment has always been crowded. Let’s see how Bimota’s creation compares to its contemporaries:
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Ducati Streetfighter 1098S (2010-2015): The Italian rival trades BMW power for Desmodromic character. Ducati’s 155 hp V-twin feels meatier at low revs but can’t match the BB2’s top-end rush. The Streetfighter’s chassis is more forgiving, but lacks the Bimota’s razor-sharp edge.
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MV Agusta Brutale 1090 RR (2012-2016): Another Italian exotica, the Brutale counters with a 144 hp inline-four and showstopping looks. MV’s quickshifter and suspension are superior, but the BB2’s BMW engine is in another league for outright power.
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Aprilia Tuono V4R (2011-2015): With 167 hp from its screaming V4, the Aprilia comes closest in spirit. Its electronic aids are more sophisticated, but the Bimota’s exclusivity (only ~200 units made) makes it a collector’s darling.
The BB2’s real advantage? Exclusivity. You’re far more likely to spot a Lamborghini in the wild than one of these.
Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive
Owning a Bimota is a labor of love. While the BMW engine shares parts with the S1000RR, the chassis and electronics are pure Italian boutique. Key considerations:
- Valve Adjustments: Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). The shim-under-bucket design requires patience—or a trusted mechanic.
- Oil Changes: Stick to synthetic 10W-40 every 6,000 km (3,700 miles). The engine runs hot, so quality oil is non-negotiable.
- Suspension Service: Öhlins forks and shock need seals and fluid every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
MOTOPARTS.store Recommendations:
- Upgrade to a high-flow air filter for better breathing.
- Replace stock brake pads with sintered compounds for improved bite.
- Consider a lighter aftermarket sprocket kit to sharpen acceleration.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic
The Bimota 1000 BB2 isn’t perfect. The seat numbs your posterior after an hour, the mirrors are useless, and the lack of modern rider aids demands skill. But perfection is boring. What you get instead is a raw, unfiltered motorcycle experience wrapped in jaw-dropping aesthetics.
A decade later, it remains a rolling testament to a time when manufacturers took wild risks. For those lucky enough to own one—or dream of owning one—every twist of the throttle feels like a collaboration between Munich’s engineers and Rimini’s artists. And isn’t that what motorcycling should be about?
Looking to enhance your Bimota 1000 BB2? Explore MOTOPARTS.store’s curated selection of performance upgrades and maintenance essentials tailored for this Italian-German masterpiece.
