The new era of Bimota is coming as the Kawasaki-backed Italian brand prepares for its return to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) in 2025. Run by Provec Racing, the team that has already proven itself with Kawasaki using the ZX-10RR, the new Bimota KB998 will show off its performance at the Jerez test. The collaboration marks a bold step for Bimota, who are returning to the prestigious championship in a completely redesigned form.
With Kawasaki owns 49,9% of Bimota, the racing machine will benefit from Japanese engine know-how, while Italian expertise will provide a chassis designed specifically for competition. By combining these strengths, Bimota et Kawasaki introduce a high-performance motorcycle that will not only be street legal, but above all a racing thoroughbred.
La Bimota KB998 differs from other Superbikes currently racing. Where models like the Yamaha R1M or Honda CBR1000RR-R SP must also attract regular users, Bimota does not have this burden. The KB998, designed with a purely racing-oriented objective, will be able to benefit from extreme settings that other manufacturers are reluctant to adopt for road-legal motorcycles. This gives Kawasaki et Bimota unparalleled design freedom.
In terms of production, current regulations require that at least 500 units of the motorcycle are manufactured In two years to obtain WSBK homologation. However, unlike current production models, the Bimota is intended for an elite audience, both passionate about competition and collecting. Motorcycles Bimota have always been synonymous with sophisticated technology and exclusivity, a reputation that the KB998 will continue to maintain.
Will this Bimota KB998 keep its promises?
This initiative marks a new strategic approach for Kawasaki. By creating a “joint venture” with Bimota, the Japanese manufacturer may take a more radical approach to development. Gregorio lavilla, responsible for the Superbike World Championship for Dorna, welcomed this initiative, stating that this partnership allows Kawasaki to explore innovations without compromising its current standards: “ they can focus on extreme performance for racing without worrying about mass market constraints ».
Fans will have to get used to a Bimota which will not wear the traditional green colours of Kawasaki, as confirmed by Guim Roda, team director. He promises that this machine will be a spectacular bike, both technically and visually, destined to excite the fans of the championship.
La KB998 will not only compete with the Ducati Panigale V4R and other elite motorcycles, but it could also shake up the hierarchy by adopting technical solutions that other brands are still hesitant to explore. While the return of Bimota en WSBK is being prepared, one thing is certain: this collaboration with Kawasaki will mark a new chapter for both manufacturers, and Superbike fans can expect to see a revolutionary new machine take to the track in 2025.
