| Designer | Pier Luigi Marconi | Premiere | Milan 1989 |
| Production period | 1990 – 1992 | Production numbers | 252 thereof 10 kits |
| Power | 109 KW (149 PS) | Displacement | 1002 ccm |
| Topspeed | 288 km/h | Weight | wet 217 kg dry 199 kg |
| Price | 37.750 DM (1990) | Colours | white / red / green |
| Technical basis | Yamaha FZR 1000 |
In 1990, Bimota introduced the YB8, which, according to its nomenclature, appeared to be a new model. However, apart from its new paint scheme in the colors of the Italian flag, it was identical to the simultaneously released YB6 Exup.
Bimota claimed the YB8 produced 149 hp and 113 Nm, attributing this to modifications in the 38 mm Mikuni carburetors and the Exup system, which had been adapted to the new 4-into-1 exhaust system. Although these performance figures were not fully achieved in tests by the motorcycle press, the YB8 still received a great deal of praise.
In the September 1990 issue of the German motorcycle magazine PS, the review stated:
„Even more impressive than its immense top speed are the astonishing acceleration capabilities of the world’s lightest 1000cc bike, weighing just 218 kilograms. You stand at a traffic light, engage the clutch, barely twist the throttle, and suddenly, the speedometer shows over 100 km/h as you shift into second gear. With the YB8, riding maneuvers become possible that previously belonged only to the realm of fantasy or alcohol-fueled barroom discussions. It takes just a blink of an eye over 11 seconds to cover 400 meters, and after only 429 meters, the bike exceeds the 200 km/h mark—before even 12 seconds have passed.“
