Kawasaki KB998 Rimini…6,930,000 yen (including 10% consumption tax)
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Directly descended from a WSBK machine! The overwhelming presence of the Bimota KB998 Rimini
The prestigious Italian motorcycle brand Bimota has announced the KB998 Rimini, a street model based on the machine that will compete in the World Superbike Championship (WSB) in 2025. The name of the car, “Rimini,” comes from the name of the Italian city where Bimota’s workshop is located.
To comply with FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) homologation regulations, the KB998 Rimini will be produced in stages: 125 units will be produced by February 24, 2025, an additional 125 by December 31 of the same year, and a further 500 in 2026, making this a truly special motorcycle available only to the very select few.
Completely handmade by Italian artisans
Each bike is hand-assembled by Bimota’s skilled craftsmen, who also meticulously hand-finish the beautifully painted carbon fiber fairings, achieving a quality and beauty that cannot be achieved on mass-produced bikes.
Innovative chassis design! A dedicated frame that combines chromoly and aluminum
The KB998 Rimini frame, the culmination of Bimota’s long-standing chassis design philosophy, is a unique design that combines a chrome-molybdenum trellis main frame with a billet aluminum alloy plate. The combination of these two different materials achieves the optimal balance of rigidity and light weight.
The adjustable engine mount allows the rider to change the vehicle characteristics to suit their preferences and riding conditions. The rear swingarm is made from machined aluminum, achieving both high rigidity and a beautiful finish.
High-performance Showa suspension
The front is equipped with a Showa ø43mm BFF (Balance Free Fork). The rear has a vertically positioned BFRC lite shock absorber, which provides ideal road-holding performance. The rear shock can be adjusted up and down by 15mm using the upper eccentric shaft, allowing for precise settings to suit your riding style and road conditions.
Equipped with a Ninja ZX-10RR engine! Also equipped with the latest electronic controls
The engine is the same liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder 998cc engine as the Ninja ZX-10RR, the latest unit in the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which has won the Superbike World Championship seven times. While retaining the high-revving, high-power characteristics directly inherited from racing, it has also been designed to be easy to handle on the street.
The electronic control system is also well-equipped, with KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function), S-KTRC (Sport Kawasaki Traction Control System), and KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) as standard equipment.It also has functionality for street use, such as power mode selection and electric cruise control.
Akrapovic silencer as standard
The exhaust system uses an Akrapovič silencer, synonymous with high-performance mufflers, which contributes to weight reduction and improved performance while also producing a sensual exhaust sound.
A world first! Variable winglets optimize aerodynamic performance
One of the biggest features of the KB998 Rimini is the use of variable winglets, a recent racing trend that is used to generate downforce.The winglets are equipped with an innovative system that automatically adjusts their angle according to the driving conditions.
A dedicated ECU monitors vehicle speed and braking operation, automatically controlling the winglets via cables and servo motors. They provide downforce up to 160km/h, and adjust to a horizontal position to minimize drag between 160km/h and 200km/h. They generate maximum downforce during braking, helping to suppress wheel lift and improve stability when entering corners.
Brembo premium brake system
The brake system is made with the finest components from Brembo. The front features a ø330mm semi-floating disc, M50 monoblock caliper and radial pump master cylinder, delivering impressive braking power and excellent control, while the rear is equipped with a ø220mm disc.
Marchesini forged wheels and Pirelli high-grip tires
The suspension is fitted with Marchesini 7-spoke forged aluminum wheels. They are lightweight yet highly rigid, maximizing the movement of the suspension. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires are fitted as standard, providing excellent grip in a wide range of conditions, from the circuit to the street.
Tested in real-world competition by WSBK riders
World-class Superbike riders were involved in the development of the KB998 Rimini, and after repeated testing in real-world racing conditions, it was fine-tuned to the ideal machine, allowing buyers to experience the same performance as a WSBK machine on public roads.
Price: 6.93 million yen! Comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the KB998 Rimini is 6,930,000 yen (including 10% consumption tax). Although it is expensive, it is a reasonable price considering the performance is directly derived from WSBK machines and the fact that it is completely handmade by Italian craftsmen.
It will be available in only one color, “Rosso Rimini/Nero Pepe (RS1).” The combination of passionate red and bold black highlights the beauty of this Italian sports bike. The scheduled release date is Saturday, November 8, 2025, and it will be available at authorized Kawasaki dealers nationwide. The manufacturer’s warranty is for two years.
The Bimota official website is currently undergoing renewal.
The official Bimota website is currently being redesigned and will be released soon. Detailed information on the KB998 Rimini and videos of the actual car are expected to be released on the new website one after another.
