Bimota HB1 (Tribute)

Country of Manufacture: Italy
Year: 1974 (tribute completed 2016)
Vin #: CB750E2342734
Frame: Perimeter-type chromoly tube frame with engine as stressed member/57” (1448mm)
Suspension:
Front: Replica Ceriani tunable telescopic forks
Rear: Dual Marzocchi shocks with adjustable preload
Wheels: Excel alloy rims with stainless steel spokes (as on prototype-the 10 “production” kit bikes had cast alloy wheels)   
Brakes:
Front: Dual 11.6” (295mm) discs with Brembo P108 calipers
Rear:  Single 11.6” (295mm) disc with Brembo P108 caliper
Weight (dry): 200 kg. (440lb)
Tank Capacity: 15 Liters (3.96 US gal/3.3 Imperial gal))
Horsepower: 58 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Gearbox: 5 speed
Engine:
Type: Honda 4 stroke. Air cooled, single overhead camshaft
Cylinders: 4  
Carburetors: 4 Keihin 28 mm
Displacement: 763 cc
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Ignition: Dynatek electronic
Clutch: Oil lubricated multi plate
Primary Drive: Chain and sprocket             
Top Speed: Unknown-no period tests ever published

History/Production:Bimota was a bespoke motorcycle manufacturer created using the initials of the 3 founding partners: Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri and the brilliant frame and suspension designer, Massimo Tamburini.  Bimota’s reason for being was to optimize technically advanced engines, initially from Japanese manufacturers and mount them in an equally advanced custom Bimota frames, far superior to the flex prone and underwhelming frames produced by Japanese manufacturers at that time.

The very first Bimota model was designated HB1 (Honda Bimota 1st series).  A total of 10 bikes were built and all except one were sold in kit form.

Given the absence of original bikes, this “tribute” was expertly built by Rob Phillips, a well-known Husqvarna restorer. Starting from scratch, using digital images, he commissioned an exact replica frame, as well as carbon fiber tank, front fender and seat fairing structures. Phillips built custom upper and lower trees from billet on his CNC machine. “Magni style” mufflers were commissioned from Japan.
In recognition of the effort, time and detail that went in building this unique tribute motorcycle, Phillips was honored with a front cover and a 6-page color article in the May/June 2017 issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine.

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