Bimota YB9 Bellaria (1994-1996): A Testament to Italian Engineering audacity

Introduction

The Bimota YB9 Bellaria is not just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Born from the marriage of Italian chassis mastery and Yamaha’s engineering prowess, this 1990s icon remains a benchmark for how a middleweight sportbike should balance precision, power, and exclusivity. While its production spanned just three years (1994–1996), the YB9 left an indelible mark on riders who craved a machine that felt closer to a GP racer than a street-legal compromise. Having spent time with both the carbureted SR and fuel-injected SRI variants, I can confidently say this: The Bellaria is a time capsule of innovation, and it still thrills like few others.

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Design: Form Follows Function, Italian-Style

Bimota’s obsession with minimalism and aerodynamics shines in the YB9’s design. The twin-spar aluminum frame—crafted from Anticordal aircraft-grade alloy—is a work of art, visible beneath the bike’s sleek, three-piece bodywork. Unlike the slab-sided aesthetics of its Japanese counterparts, the Bellaria features a dramatically waisted tail section and a front fairing sculpted to channel air into underslung intakes. The result is a machine that looks fast even standing still.

The SR and SRI models share this foundation but diverge in details. The SRI swaps carburetors for electronic fuel injection (EFI), adds carbon fiber air intakes, and introduces a three-piece fairing for easier maintenance—a nod to its racing intentions. At 175 kg (385.8 lbs) dry, the YB9 feels almost unnervingly light by modern standards, akin to hefting a well-balanced sword.

Ergonomics? Unapologetically track-focused. The clip-on bars are low, the rearsets high, and the seat perches you at 810 mm (31.9 in)—a posture that screams “attack mode.” Yet, the narrow fuel tank (16–20 L capacity, depending on model) lets you grip with your knees, offering a sliver of comfort during spirited rides.

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Performance: A Symphony of RPMs

At the heart of the YB9 lies Yamaha’s 599cc inline-four, a derivative of the FZR600 and later Thundercat engines. But Bimota didn’t stop at bolt-on parts. The SR’s carbureted version (100 hp @ 11,500 rpm) benefits from rejetted Keihin carbs and a free-flowing exhaust, while the SRI’s EFI system (106 hp @ 12,500 rpm) transforms the motor into a midrange-friendly beast.

Riding the SRI is revelatory. Below 5,300 rpm, it’s docile—almost polite. But twist the throttle past halfway, and the EFI delivers a linear surge that builds to a 12,500-rpm crescendo. The engine doesn’t just rev; it screams, with a metallic howl that echoes through the Marche hills. Torque peaks at 64.3 Nm (47.3 lb-ft), but it’s the top-end rush that defines this bike. Keep it above 8,000 rpm, and the YB9 devours straights, hitting 240 km/h (149 mph) with ease.

The 6-speed gearbox is slick, encouraging clutchless upshifts, while the chain final drive ensures minimal power loss. Fuel consumption? A reasonable 5.1 L/100 km (46.6 mpg) for the SRI—if you can resist the redline.

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Handling: Where the YB9 Redefines "Agility"

Bimota’s chassis wizardry elevates the YB9 from mere sportbike to cornering savant. The 41mm Paioli USD forks—machined from billet aluminum—offer 22 compression and 24 rebound adjustments, while the rear monoshock fine-tunes preload and damping. With a steep 24-degree rake and 93–95 mm of trail, steering is telepathic. Flick the bars, and the bike dives into apexes like a hawk spotting prey.

On the track, the YB9 feels invincible. The Michelin Hi-Sport tires (120/70 front, 180/55 rear) grip with tenacity, and the Brembo brakes (dual 320mm discs up front) deliver stoppie-inducing power. Even at lean angles that scrape pegs, the chassis remains composed—no headshake, no drama.

But this precision demands sacrifices. The stiff suspension and high footpegs punish riders on bumpy roads, and the riding position is a one-way ticket to wrist fatigue. Yet, these quirks fade when you’re carving a mountain pass, the engine wailing as you chase the next apex.

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Competition: The 600cc Arena’s Maverick

In the mid-’90s, the YB9 faced fierce rivals:

1. Ducati 748: The Desmo V-twin offered soul-stirring torque and a soundtrack to die for. But at 170 kg (374 lbs) and 98 hp, it couldn’t match the Bimota’s power-to-weight ratio or razor-sharp steering.
2. Honda CBR600F3: A benchmark for reliability and midrange punch. Yet, its steel frame and conservative geometry felt pedestrian next to the YB9’s race-bred agility.
3. Yamaha Thundercat (YZF600R): Sharing the same engine, the Thundercat was a value champion. But it lacked the Bimota’s exclusivity and chassis finesse.

The YB9’s Achilles’ heel? Price. At nearly double the cost of Japanese rivals, it catered to purists. But for those who bought in, the reward was a machine that blurred the line between street and track.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owning a YB9 is a labor of love. While the Yamaha-sourced engine shares parts with the FZR600, Bimota-specific components (like the frame and bodywork) require patience to source. Here’s how to keep yours pristine:

• Brakes: Swap pads regularly—Brembo’s 4-piston calipers love fresh sintered compounds. MOTOPARTS.store stocks aftermarket kits that enhance bite without sacrificing rotor life.
• Suspension: Rebuild the Paioli forks every 15,000 km (9,300 mi). Use quality DOT 4 fluid and consider upgrading springs for rider-specific tuning.
• Chain & Sprockets: The YB9’s power demands a robust DID chain. Replace every 20,000 km (12,400 mi) and pair with hardened steel sprockets.
• Cooling: Flush the system annually with ethylene glycol-based coolant. The YB9’s liquid-cooled engine runs hot during track abuse.
• Electronics (SRI): The EFI system’s TDD ECU is reliable but avoid aftermarket fuel pumps. Stick with Bosch replacements for consistent pressure.

For riders seeking upgrades, MOTOPARTS.store offers lightweight sprockets, high-flow air filters, and carbon fiber body panels to shave weight further.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece

The YB9 Bellaria isn’t just a relic—it’s a reminder of what happens when passion overrules pragmatism. Yes, its ergonomics are brutal, and parts hunting can test your resolve. But few bikes from the ’90s deliver such unadulterated feedback or exclusivity. Whether you’re chasing laptimes or collector’s status, the YB9 rewards those who dare to ride it as Bimota intended: with commitment, courage, and a grin plastered behind the visor.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we’re here to keep your Bellaria biting at the apex. After all, legends deserve nothing less.

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Specifications sheet

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