The return of the Bimota bike: What we know so far / Superbike World Championship

There has been a close relationship between Bimota and Kawasaki since 2019, as the Japanese bought 49.9 percent of the Italian manufacturer. At that time, Bimota was in ruins and only existed on paper. Marco Chiancianesi has held the remaining shares since September 2013. The Italian made a name for himself by publicly admitting to Scientology in 2014. Kawasaki’s entry brought new capital and expertise to the company. Since then, the Kawasaki dealer network has been used for sales.

This also makes it clear that the Bimota will only be available with Kawasaki engines. Previously, the top smithy from Rimini also used racks of other manufacturers – from BMW to Yamaha.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Kawasaki factory team in the World Superbike Championship was surprised to announce that it will partner with Bimota from 2025. When asked by SPEEDWEEK.com it was confirmed: No additional team will be created, but the label will be changed. Alex Lowes’ Kawasaki contract expires after the 2024 World Superbike Championship, Axel Bassani’s until the end of 2025.

Bimota has made a name for itself by building unique and award-winning chassis. Due to the limited production of the series, they did not avoid exotic solutions, such as knuckle steering. What is currently known about the new motorcycle is that it will have a ZX-10RR engine.

For Kawasaki, the new project has an economic and sporting side. «Bimota has an impressive reputation for its design and manufacturing expertise. As part of our vision for the further development of this world-renowned brand, we see racing as a logical next step, in terms of product development and brand presentation on the global stage,” said Kawasaki manager Hiroshi Ito. “Our Commitment to Racing of the Superbike World is still as strong as ever. We hope this new project will please Bimota and Kawasaki fans alike. The hunger for racing success is still there.”

Bimota currently has only two models in its portfolio, Tesi H4 and KB4. It can be noted that a lot of work is already being done on the new bike chassis in the factory halls. By ‘moving’ to Italy, it is very likely that Kawasaki’s previous development speed will increase.

At Bimota, Pierluigi Marconi runs the business. “Racing has been part of Bimota’s DNA since the beginning, and participating in the World Superbike Championship alongside the development of our new product range and the expansion of the European and international dealer network makes perfect sense,” said the Italian. “With the expert experience of the Kawasaki Racing Team and the full support and cooperation of Kawasaki Motors in Japan, this fills us with pride and hope. Bimota and the Kawasaki Racing Team will surely form the basis for the next chapter in the Bimota story.