Lot 007: BIMOTA SB1 RACING MOTORCYCLE

According to Giorgio Sarti the SB1 came about following a direct request from Suzuki Italy for a road racing machine that could be marketed through the Italian Suzuki sales network to privateers. Produced between 1976 and 1980 the model utilised the twin cylinder TR500 engine in its final, liquid cooled form, which reputedly developed a little over 80 bhp and was equipped with a dry clutch and six speed gearbox. The power unit was housed in a frame manufactured to BimotaÆs typically high standard and described as being of an ôopen cradleö type. Ceriani 35mm forks and monoshock rear suspension system were employed and twin 280mm Brembo discs at the front and single Brembo 230mm disc at the rear retarded the machine. Speedline wheels manufactured to Bimota's design were employed on the machine which weighed 121kg dry. When La Moto tested an example at the end of the 1977 season they concluded that ôthe frame is stable and easy to handleö making it ôeasy to understand where all those record times set over the course of the season û so impossible to imagine before û might have come fromö whilst Phil Read is reputed to have described the bike as ôexceptionalö following a test at Misano. Their opinion was supported by a run of victories following its introduction in 1976 that saw the new model dominate the Italian junior national championships, taking the title in 1976 with Riccardo Romero, 1977 with Leonadro Becheroni, 1978 with Mandro, 1979 with Gori and 1980 with Paci. It is believed that approximately 50 framesets were constructed during the models four year period of availability. This example formed part of an extensive private collection until the disposal of the collection during the spring of 2007. At the time of its purchase by the vendor it was in need of renovation which has subsequently been carried out to a high standard. Returned to its former glory, it is attractively presented in the blue and white livery associated with Suzuki racing machines of the period and according to the vendor is fitted with an ex works XR05 engine.