Bimota YB9 Bellaria (1990-1993): A Forgotten Italian Jewel Revisited

Introduction

In the pantheon of Italian motorcycle exotica, the Bimota YB9 Bellaria often gets overshadowed by its flashier siblings. But for those who know, this early '90s marvel represents a fascinating crossroads of Japanese engineering and Italian chassis wizardry. Born from Bimota's collaboration with Yamaha, the Bellaria (named after a coastal town near Bimota's Rimini headquarters) combines reliability with razor-sharp handling - a combination that still feels revelatory decades later.

Design & First Impressions

The YB9 Bellaria immediately announces its exotic pedigree. The bodywork flows like liquid metal, with a distinctive twin-headlight fairing that somehow manages to look both aggressive and elegant. At 188 kg (414 lbs), it feels astonishingly light when pushing it off the stand - a quality that becomes even more apparent on the move.

The cockpit is pure function: a simple analog tachometer flanked by warning lights, clip-on handlebars placing you in a committed (but not punishing) sport riding position. The real magic lies in the details - the way the 42mm Marzocchi USD forks (badged as Telegabel) disappear into the minimalist triple clamp, or how the single-sided swingarm showcases the 17" rear wheel like mechanical jewelry.

Engine & Performance

At its heart beats Yamaha's FZR600-derived 599cc inline-four, but massaged to produce 95 PS (70 kW) at 10,500 rpm - about 10% more than the donor bike. The power delivery is textbook '90s sportbike: a linear build-up from 6,000 rpm that transforms into an urgent wail as the tach needle swings past 8,000.

What surprises is the engine's flexibility. Unlike some peaky 600s of the era, the Bellaria will pull cleanly from 4,000 rpm in higher gears, making it surprisingly usable in real-world conditions. The caveat? Vibration becomes pronounced above 7,000 rpm, sending a constant buzz through the clip-ons that reminds you this is no sanitized modern machine.

The 6-speed transmission slots with positive clicks, though finding neutral at standstill requires precise footwork. Keep the 11-liter (2.9 US gallon) tank filled with premium fuel, and you'll be rewarded with a 200+ km (124+ mile) range - adequate for backroad blasts if not continental touring.

Chassis & Handling

Here's where the Bimota magic truly shines. The tubular steel trellis frame (with forged aluminum plates) and Öhlins rear shock create a chassis that feels alive beneath you. Initial turn-in requires deliberate input, but once leaned over, the Bellaria tracks with laser precision.

The 42mm Telegabel forks offer adjustable preload and rebound damping - a rarity on '90s middleweights. Dialed in correctly, they absorb mid-corner bumps without upsetting the bike's poise. Brembo brakes (dual 320mm front discs with 4-piston calipers) provide strong initial bite, though modern riders might wish for more progressive lever feel.

Competition

In its era, the Bellaria faced fierce rivals: - Ducati 851 Strada: More powerful (93 hp) V-twin with desmo valves, but heavier at 205 kg. The Ducati dominated in character but couldn't match the Bimota's flickable handling. - Honda VFR750F: The pragmatic choice with its gear-driven cams and 100 hp V4. More comfortable for long rides but 15 kg heavier and less thrilling in the twisties. - Aprilia RSV Mille: Arrived later but shared the Italian flair. Its 60° V-twin offered different power characteristics - more low-end grunt vs the Bimota's top-end rush.

Where the YB9 Bellaria still shines today is in its balance. It lacks the outright power of liter bikes or the low-mass agility of 250cc screamers, but carves a perfect middle path that flatters skilled riders without intimidating less experienced ones.

Maintenance & Ownership

As a MOTOPARTS.store journalist, I must highlight that while the YB9 Bellaria is relatively robust, its exotic breeding demands careful upkeep:

Engine Care
- Spark Plugs: The twin NGK CR9E plugs per cylinder (CR9EIX for iridium upgrade) require replacement every 8,000-10,000 km. Maintain the 0.7mm gap religiously. - Cooling System: The simple water+ coolant mix needs annual flushing. Watch for weeping from the curved radiator hoses - a common wear point. - Valve Adjustments: Every 12,000 km is critical. Shim-under-bucket design makes DIY adjustments challenging but not impossible with the right tools.

Chassis Maintenance
- Fork Service: The 42mm Telegabel units benefit from fresh 10W oil every 15,000 km. Upgrade to modern seals if original ones weep. - Brake Fluid: Use only DOT 4. The system's small reservoirs mean fluid absorbs moisture faster - flush annually. - Swingarm Pivot: Lubricate every 5,000 km to prevent the single-sided arm from developing play.

Common Upgrades
1. Exhaust Systems: The stock muffler is heavy. A lightweight aftermarket unit (available at MOTOPARTS.store) unlocks a throatier exhaust note and saves 3+ kg. 2. Braided Lines: Replace original rubber brake hoses with stainless steel lines for improved feel. 3. Rear Sets: Adjustable sets help tailor the riding position for track days. 4. LED Lighting: Modern bulbs in the twin headlights improve visibility without altering the classic look.

The Riding Experience

Swing a leg over the Bellaria, and you're immediately struck by how compact it feels. The seat height (800mm/31.5") accommodates shorter riders, while the tank's narrow profile lets you grip with your knees without straining.

Start the engine, and the inline-four settles into a smooth 1,200 rpm idle. Snick into first with the left-side rearset, and the clutch engages with a precise, mechanical feel.

Through third-gear corners, the bike feels telepathic. You think about changing lines mid-corner, and the Bimota complies before you've finished the thought. The Pirelli Phantom tires (original equipment) have aged poorly, but swap them for modern rubber like Michelin Power 5s, and the handling transforms into something genuinely modern.

At highway speeds, the lack of wind protection becomes apparent. The fairing deflects air to your shoulders, creating turbulence that tires necks on long hauls. This is a bike that begs you to take the scenic route, where its strengths outshine its compromises.

Conclusion

The Bimota YB9 Bellaria isn't the fastest, rarest, or most technologically advanced motorcycle ever built. What it offers is something rarer - purity of purpose. In an age of rider aids and homogenized designs, the Bellaria reminds us that riding joy comes from balance: enough power to excite but not overwhelm, handling that challenges you to improve, and styling that turns heads without resorting to gimmicks.

For owners and aspiring restorers, MOTOPARTS.store carries an ever-expanding range of YB9-specific components: - Genuine NGK spark plug sets - Brembo brake pad replacements - Period-correct fairing kits - Custom seat upholstery options

Whether you're maintaining a pristine example or resurrecting a barn find, the Bellaria remains a machine that rewards those who understand its singular vision. Ride one, and you'll find yourself glancing back at it long after the engine's cooled - the ultimate compliment for any motorcycle.

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Specifications sheet

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