Bimota YB9 Bellaria (1996-1998): A Forgotten Jewel of the 600cc Supersport Era

Introduction

The Bimota YB9 Bellaria, particularly its SRI variant produced between 1996 and 1998, is a motorcycle that defies easy categorization. Part Italian exotic, part Yamaha-engineered precision, and entirely focused on delivering a racetrack experience for the street, this limited-production machine remains a fascinating footnote in 600cc supersport history. With only 225 units ever made, the YB9 Bellaria SRI isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement of engineering audacity. After spending a day threading one through winding mountain roads and testing its limits on a closed circuit, it’s clear why this bike still commands reverence among enthusiasts who value purity over practicality.

Design & Aesthetics

The YB9 Bellaria SRI is unmistakably a Bimota. Its angular, minimalist bodywork—split into three sections for easier maintenance—wraps around a twin-spar aluminum chassis that looks like it belongs on a MotoGP prototype. The signature "Vee-neck" windscreen and carbon fiber air intakes add a touch of race-bred aggression, while the staggered exhaust pipes exit with purposeful asymmetry.

Finish quality is typical of boutique Italian manufacturers: flawless in some areas (the mirror-like paint), idiosyncratic in others (the instrument cluster offset to the left). The riding position is uncompromising, with clip-on bars that force your torso low over the 16-liter fuel tank and rearset pegs that lock your legs into a 250GP-style crouch. At 810 mm (31.9 inches), the seat height is accessible, but the thinly padded perch reminds you this isn’t a bike for lazy Sunday rides.

Engine & Performance

At its heart lies a Yamaha FZR600R/Thundercat engine, but Bimota’s modifications transform it into something extraordinary. The 599cc inline-four retains its 62x49.6mm bore/stroke but gains forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft, and Bimota’s own electronic fuel injection (EFI)—a first for a 600cc production bike in 1996. The result? 106 HP at 12,500 RPM (78 kW) and 65 Nm of torque (47.9 lb-ft) at 10,000 RPM, channeled through a butter-smooth 6-speed gearbox.

Twist the throttle, and the EFI delivers power with the urgency of carburetors but none of their abruptness. Below 7,500 RPM, it’s docile enough for city traffic, pulling cleanly from 2,000 RPM without stuttering. Past 8,000 RPM, the engine transforms into a snarling beast, hurtling toward its 13,000 RPM redline with a linearity that modern ride-by-wire systems still struggle to match. The claimed 250 km/h (155 mph) top speed feels achievable, though you’ll need a racetrack to verify it.

Chassis & Handling

Bimota’s aluminum twin-spar frame is the star here. With a razor-sharp 24-degree rake, 95mm trail, and 1,410mm wheelbase, the YB9 turns like a laser-guided missile. Paired with fully adjustable 41mm Paioli USD forks and a Paioli monoshock (preload, rebound, and compression adjustable), the setup offers telepathic feedback. Even on frost-heaved backroads, the suspension absorbs impacts without unsettling the chassis, while the 180/55ZR17 rear tire (wider than the carbureted model’s 160/55) provides tenacious grip.

Brembo’s dual 320mm front discs and 4-piston calipers deliver stopping power worthy of a liter bike. With minimal lever effort, the system hauls the 175 kg (385 lbs) machine down from speed with surgical precision—though the track-focused rear ride height can lead to playful rear-wheel lift under hard braking.

Competition

In the mid-1990s, the YB9 SRI faced rivals that prioritized mass appeal over exclusivity: - Ducati 748: The Desmo twin offered soul-stirring sound and low-end grunt but couldn’t match the Bimota’s top-end rush or flickable handling.
- Honda CBR600F3: A benchmark for reliability and usability, yet its steel frame and conventional suspension felt agricultural next to Bimota’s exotica.
- Triumph TT600 (2000): Finally challenged the YB9’s EFI supremacy but lacked its hand-built pedigree and chassis sophistication.

The Bellaria’s closest spiritual rival was the Aprilia RSV Mille, but that V-twin powerhouse lived in a different displacement class. For buyers wanting a 600cc bike that felt like a factory race kit, the YB9 stood alone.

Maintenance & Ownership

Owning a YB9 Bellaria today is a labor of love. While the Yamaha engine shares parts with the Thundercat, Bimota-specific components (like the EFI system and wheels) require specialist attention. Key considerations: - Fuel Injection: The TDD/Bimota EFI uses a Bosch pump and proprietary ECU. Keep injectors clean with regular fuel system treatments available at MOTOPARTS.store.
- Suspension: Paioli components need frequent seals/bushing checks. Upgrade to modern fork internals or source OEM parts from our curated inventory.
- Brakes: Brembo pads and stainless lines improve feel. We recommend MOTOPARTS.store’s sintered pad kits for aggressive riding.
- Cooling: Flush the system annually with high-quality waterless coolant to prevent corrosion in the tight aluminum channels.

Chain adjustment is critical—the track-oriented swingarm offers limited clearance, so a quality DID chain and regular lubrication are non-negotiable.

Verdict

The YB9 Bellaria SRI isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a time capsule from an era when "homologation special" meant actual race technology for the road. Its combination of jewel-like construction, cutting-edge EFI, and chassis poise remains unmatched in the 600cc class. For riders who value mechanical theater over convenience, this Bimota is a revelation—a bike that makes even mundane commutes feel like qualifying laps.

At MOTOPARTS.store, we celebrate machines that prioritize passion over pragmatism. Whether you’re restoring a YB9 or upgrading its brakes/suspension, our catalog has the OEM and performance parts to keep this Italian icon thrilling its next owner.

Specifications sheet