Bimota, known for its ultra-premium motorcycles, has launched the KB399—a 399cc sport bike designed for riders with an A2 license. Priced from €11,149 in Spain, it marks a strategic shift for the iconic Italian brand.
Bimota has taken an unexpected turn with the launch of the KB399, a 399cc sport bike that opens the doors of the legendary Italian marque to a new generation of riders. Traditionally associated with high-displacement, limited-edition machines, Bimota now offers a model that can be ridden with an A2 license, signaling a significant evolution in its approach.
The KB399 stands out as the smallest-displacement motorcycle in Bimota’s modern lineup. Developed in close partnership with Kawasaki—who acquired a majority stake in Bimota in 2019—the KB399 is built on the technical foundation of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR. However, Bimota has crafted a unique identity for the bike, designing a new bodywork, fine-tuning the chassis, and selecting premium components to ensure it lives up to the brand’s reputation for exclusivity and craftsmanship.
At the heart of the KB399 is a liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine with a precise displacement of 399cc. The engine features a double overhead camshaft, a compression ratio of 12.3:1, and electronic fuel injection with four 34mm throttle bodies. It delivers an impressive 79 hp at 14,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. A titanium Akrapovič exhaust, developed specifically for this model, comes standard to enhance high-rev performance and deliver a distinctive sound.
Despite its performance credentials, the KB399 can be electronically limited to 35 kW to comply with A2 license regulations, making it one of the most exclusive options available to riders who have not yet obtained a full, unrestricted motorcycle license. This move positions Bimota in a segment where exclusivity is rare, offering a premium alternative to mainstream mid-size sport bikes.
The chassis is a double-beam aluminum frame, matched with a fully adjustable 41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork and a Showa BFRC Lite rear shock. Braking is handled by Brembo Stylema radial calipers, underscoring the bike’s high-end specification. Electronics include four riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain, Rider), two power maps, three-level KTRC traction control with the option to disable, a bidirectional quickshifter, full LED lighting, and an optional USB port.
For those seeking even greater exclusivity, Bimota offers the KB399 ES (Edizione Speciale). This version swaps the rear Showa shock for an Öhlins STX46, adds dry carbon fiber fairings, aerodynamic winglets, and a range of machined components. The ES is clearly aimed at collectors and track enthusiasts, with production numbers expected to be extremely limited.
Pricing in Spain reflects Bimota’s premium positioning: the standard KB399 starts at €11,149, while the KB399 ES is listed at €18,499. These figures are notably higher than the Kawasaki ZX-4RR on which the bike is based, but Bimota’s focus has never been on competing for price. Instead, the KB399 is a strategic move to broaden the brand’s appeal without sacrificing its DNA of exclusivity and technical innovation.
This approach mirrors a broader trend in the motorcycle industry, where established brands are rethinking their lineups to attract new riders. For example, the push for more accessible, feature-rich vehicles is also evident in the electric SUV market, as seen with the BYD Atto 2’s entry into Spain.
Until now, Bimota has been synonymous with large-displacement superbikes and ultra-limited runs. The KB399 marks a calculated expansion, offering a rare blend of Italian design, technical sophistication, and exclusivity to a wider audience—especially those who are just starting their journey into the world of high-end motorcycles.
For context, Bimota’s move comes at a time when the European motorcycle market is seeing increased demand for mid-size, license-friendly sport bikes. The KB399’s arrival could set a new benchmark for what riders can expect in this segment, combining the allure of a boutique brand with practical accessibility.
