SBK | Bimota returns to WorldSBK in 2025

SBK Kawasaki-Bimota – Bimota will make its return to the world stage in 2025, joining the Motul FIM WorldSBK Championship.

Bimota's racing history is legendary, with memorable victories dating back to the 80s. In 1980, Jon Ekerold led the Italian company to victory in the 350cc World Championship on a two-cylinder, two-stroke Bimota YB3. Even more epic was the Formula 1 TT victory in 1987, with legend Virginio Ferrari driving a YB4R to take the championship. In 1988, Bimota established itself in the newly created World Superbike Championship, winning seven races thanks to Davide Tardozzi and Stephane Mertens. And we can't forget the triumph in 2000, when Anthony Gobert took an SB8R to the top of the podium in a wet race at Phillip Island.

Now, for the 2025 season, Bimota is preparing the ground for a return, thanks to a collaboration with Kawasaki. This joint venture will create a Bimota chassis equipped with the Kawasaki engine, combining cutting-edge technology and a reputation as champions. The Ninja ZX-10RR powertrain will be at the heart of operations, offering familiarity and high-level performance. But it's not just the engine that will make this partnership special; numerous Kawasaki team staff members will join the Bimota program, marking a pivotal moment for the Kawasaki Racing Team after nearly four decades in the world's premier series-machine racing championship.

This synergy is not only a tribute to Kawasaki's legacy in Superbike racing, but also a tribute to the close collaboration between Kawasaki, Bimota's majority shareholder, and the renowned Italian manufacturer based in Rimini. The new team, operating under the name Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, will represent the best of both worlds.

With a machine jointly developed by Bimota and Kawasaki, the team will be a pillar in the global recognition of the Bimota brand, highlighting the craftsmanship and commitment that characterizes every Bimota product. This new focus on Bimota's racing heritage is expected to not only increase demand and sales of Bimota street motorcycles, but also help further establish the brand on the international stage.