Bimota KB998 Rimini ‘Elite’ sells out

Soon after announcing an ultra-exclusive and premium-priced variant of their KB998 Rimini road-legal superbike, bimota revealed the entire allocation had been sold. Created by Provec Racing, the technicians behind the bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team (BbKRT) in the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), the track-only KB998 Rimini ‘Elite’ is limited to five units. Despite a hefty price for the limited-edition, all five had found buyers within days of bimota’s announcement.

Combining a frame developed and built by bimota with the 998cc inline four engine and six-speed transmission from a Kawasaki ZX-10RR, each KB998 Rimini Elite is also loaded with parts from premium brands like Akrapovic, Showa, Brembo, OZ Racing, J.Juan, Puig, Taleo and GB Racing, as well as bespoke parts produced by Provec Racing.

An electronics package developed by Mectronik includes track-optimised software with multiple mapping options and advanced traction control, ignition and engine braking.

The special parts and abundant use of lightweight materials like carbon fibre reduce the Rimini Elite’s dry weight to 176kg (16.7kg less than the standard KB998 Rimini), with peak power increased from 147.1kW to 160.3kW. Completing the package are colours and graphics that closely replicate the livery of the BbKRT race bikes.

Testing was conducted by BbKRT’s Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani ahead of the 2026 WorldSBK season, as well as the team’s test rider, Xavi Fores. This trio, along with Tito Rabat, will be on hand to coach purchasers of the KB998 Rimini Elite as part of an exclusive track experience with the factory team.

KB998 Rimini Elite owners will also benefit from set-up and on-track performance support, provided by Provec Racing, plus VIP guest hospitality at WorldSBK rounds.

Essentially a WorldSBK machine for the public, the bimota KB998 Rimini Elite was unveiled at the Dutch WorldSBK round on 17 April, with pricing of €99,800 (AU$164,670 approx.), plus taxes. Ten days later, all five units had been sold, with buyers located across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The five KB998 Rimini Elite bikes are now being assembled by BbKRT technical staff at the team’s headquarters in Granollers, near Barcelona in Spain.