Bimota Returns to U.S. Market
Bimota’s motorcycles have long been lusted after as those sexy, exotic Italian machines so rare that it was nearly impossible to spot one in the wild. (Even if you did, you probably couldn’t afford one.) They simply weren’t readily available in the United States. Fans rejoiced when Kawasaki came to the rescue of the storied but openly struggling brand by acquiring a 49.9 per cent stake in 2019.
Founded in Rimini, Italy, in 1973, the boutique manufacturer became synonymous with groundbreaking engineering and innovative designs, including the omega-shaped frames and hub-center steering of its later models. The new partnership with Kawasaki was seen as a welcome lifeline—a serendipitous marriage of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering expertise.
Over the last seven years, Bimota has achieved several podium finishes in the Superbike World Championship. Yet there was still no U.S. dealer to be found. Now, Bimota Spirit has officially been named to that role, and it will bring select models to our shores this year. The bikes include the limited-production KB998 Rimini and Tesi H2, which are available now, as well as the Tesi H2 TERA, KB4 and KB4RC, which will arrive later in the year.
KB998 Rimini
Leading the vanguard for the North American market is the KB998 Rimini, a purpose-built superbike that Bimota campaigns in the Superbike World Championship. The Rimini showcases Bimota’s signature Italian craftsmanship and wraps it around Kawasaki’s 998 cc inline-four-cylinder superbike engine and a one-of-a-kind steel trellis frame. Premium Showa suspension, Brembo brakes and a comprehensive suite of IMU-enabled rider aids round out the package.
Bimota has a limited number of models earmarked for the U.S., with each retailing for a whopping $65,399.
Tesi H2
Bimota’s flagship Tesi H2 packs the same 998 cc supercharged engine found in Kawasaki’s H2, which produces a claimed 245 hp. The Tesi H2 also features a highly innovative hub-center steering system and an ultra rigid chassis design.
Machined-aluminum swingarms mount directly to the engine through alloy pivot plates, while advanced electronic rider aids further enhance the exotic Tesi’s eye-watering feature set. It is also available now, for a stratospheric $76,349.
Tesi H2 Tera
The Tesi H2 Tera builds on the Tesi’s hub-center steering and 998 cc supercharged engine but rearranges the surrounding components to create what is billed as a “high-performance crossover.” Credit the innovative Tera chassis, which uses a unique swingarm pivot to deliver a natural anti-dive effect. Carbon fiber bodywork, premium Öhlins suspension, adjustable handlebars and Brembo radial-mount brakes further enhance the sophisticated design.
Exclusive Anlas tires mounted on OZ Racing forged 17 in wheels reinforce the Tera’s sporty nature, though it could also be viewed as a luxury adventure-style motorcycle. MSRP is $56,399.
KB4 and KB4RC
The street-focused KB4 features cafe racer styling atop a steel front trellis frame and a machined-aluminum pivot plate that mounts the three-piece swingarm directly to the engine. That engine is a powerful 1,043 cc inline-four-cylinder unit paired with an innovative rear radiator and an exceptionally short wheelbase. Fully adjustable Öhlins suspension is fitted front and rear.
The red-painted chassis is reminiscent of the original, iconic 1978 KB1, the first Bimota to use a Kawasaki engine. The KB4 is priced at $53,199 and will be available in late 2026.
Using the same foundation as the KB4, the KB4RC leans into a naked motif that focuses more on minimalist styling and character. It features the same compact chassis, high-performance inline-four-cylinder engine and advanced electronics as the KB4, but its aerodynamics and ergonomics create a more aggressive stance.
The chassis is painted in signature “liquid red,” inspired by the original KB models. MSRP is $50,999, with availability scheduled for late 2026.
What the Future Brings
The announcement means the heretofore almost unobtainable Tesi H2 and Tera will be just a bit more accessible to American riders. It also means the models slated for sale Stateside will all be 50-state compliant. In short, it is very good news for Italian sportbike fans who may have a better chance of spotting a Bimota in the wild.
Marketplace Inventory
Andrew Cherney
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