Since the announcement of the start date of sale of the Bimota KB998, the interest in the handmade motorcycle on which the BBKRT Worldsbk racemachine is based according to Kawasaki Motors Europe, distributor of Bimota in Europe, has reached a new level.
The KB998 is currently being sent to dealers and a number of happy owners have already had a “one-on-one” with the KB998 Rimini, including a primary personal sponsor of BBKRT Rijder, Alex Lowes.
After supporting Lowes for a number of years, businessman Simon Thorpe asked for an early machine with a “low number” to add to an already impressive private collection with another machine from the Bimota stable with an image on the racing circuit, a rare 500cc two-stroke V-Due.
Simon was assigned machinery number 22, a reflection of the racing number that Lowes used. He was present at the recent Portimao Worldsbk Race and at a presentation of the Bimota brand, organized by Kawasaki Portugal, to view a KB998 Rimini and to meet the chairman of the Board of Directors of Bimota, Mr. Shigemi Tanaka.
In addition to a number of machines in his collection that are aimed at pure circuit use, Simon emphasized the importance of the machine when it comes to the evolution of the Bimota brand and the important relationship that stimulates the company established in Rimini between racing and product innovation.
“I was just as enthusiastic as everyone when I heard about the BBKRT project in Worldsbk; it is a new and interesting journey for Alex and myself plus an important step for the Bimota brand. Collecting iconic motorcycles is my hobby, so I was keen to get one of the first production KB998 Rimini machines.
What a great piece of craftsmanship is this motorcycle, beautiful shape and racing functionality in one unique package. He already looked good on photos, but in real life he is incredible. I am now looking forward to Alex ‘first podium place on his racing version of the same machine! ”
With the first deliveries to customers in April, the momentum for the Bimota brand continues to increase while BBKRT Worldsbk is striving for success. According to Kawasaki Motors Europe in the press release. And that is quite remarkable, given that the engine does not meet Euro 5+ and is therefore not approved in Europe for the public road. The Euro 5+ version is planned for 2026.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.