| Designer | Enrico Borgesan | Premiere | Milan 2013 |
| Production period | 2014 – 2016 | Production numbers | 26 |
| Power | 141 KW (193 PS) | Displacement | 999 ccm |
| Topspeed | km/h | Weight | wet 192 kg dry 179 kg |
| Price | 43.500 Euro (2014) | Colours | red / white / carbon |
| Technical basis | BMW S1000 RR |
Experts in Bimota nomenclature might be surprised by the BB3-named supersport bike featuring BMW’s S1000RR engine, as it is only the second production model with a BMW engine after the BB1, which was introduced in 1995. The reason for this is that Bimota reserved the BB2 designation exclusively for the BB3 prototype, which was unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Show in November 2012.
In 2012, the BMW S1000RR was the most powerful production motorcycle in the world. At the time, Bimota was struggling with poor sales, as its lineup consisted exclusively of models powered by Ducati V2 engines. The BB3 was Bimota’s attempt to create an attractive new road model while simultaneously entering the Superbike World Championship with the most powerful and lightweight engine available, hoping to enhance the brand’s reputation.
The engineering team, led by Andrea Acquaviva, developed a hybrid frame based on Bimota’s proven concept. At the front, a steel trellis frame was connected to the engine as a stressed member, while a machined aluminum structure was bolted to the rear, serving as the rear engine mount, swingarm pivot, and shock absorber mount.
The BB3 also features:
- A two-arm aluminum swingarm with a lower brace
- Öhlins 43 mm upside-down fork with adjustable spring preload, rebound, and compression damping.
- Öhlins central shock absorber with a linkage system and the same adjustability
- Öhlins steering damper
- Brembo braking system with
D´dual 320 mm front discs with four-piston calipers
220 mm rear disc with a single-piston floating caliper - Carbon fiber fairings
- Self-supporting carbon fiber tail section.
- Forged OZ wheels
3.50 x 17″ front with 120/70 ZR 17 tire
6.00 x 17″ rear with 190/55 ZR 17 tire
The Öhlins shock absorber was mounted in an eccentric housing, allowing adjustment of the rear height and seat position.
In addition to supplying the engine, BMW also provided the airbox, engine management system, and electronics. As a result, the BB3 was the first Bimota to come equipped with ABS and traction control.
Bimota invited motorcycle journalists to a test ride at Circuito Tazio Nuvolari, a small racetrack about 70 km south of Milan. In the August 2014 issue of the German PS motorcycle magazine, the riding impressions were described as follows:
„The track did at least offer one flowing section: a left-right transition taken in third gear. The Bimota BB3 carved through it with pinpoint accuracy, smoothly transitioning from one lean angle to the other—an absolute pleasure and a relief for the rider. It was a perfect moment for the BB3 to showcase its potential, leaving us craving more. PS definitely wants a test bike, proper racing tires, a full-size track, and two full days with the new BB3. We wouldn’t just spend the time riding and fine-tuning. We’d also find ourselves occasionally admiring the meticulously painted carbon fiber panels or getting lost in the beautifully machined aluminum parts“
The FIM (International Motorcycling Federation) requires manufacturers to produce 1,000 units of their Superbike model within two years for final homologation in the World Championship. In the first year, Bimota received only 26 BMW engines, meaning only 26 BB3s were built. As a result, the manufacturer was excluded from the championship in August 2014.
The BB3 debuted in April 2014 in the EVO class of the FIM Superbike World Championship, but under FIM regulations, the team was not eligible for points due to the low production numbers. To earn full points eligibility, manufacturers had to produce at least 125 units, with 250 bikes built in the first year and a total of 1,000 units within two years—figures that were far beyond Bimota’s reach. As a result, Bimota withdrew from competition before the final race of the season. By that time, the team’s results would have been enough for second place in the EVO class.
After producing just 26 units, Bimota’s engine supply agreement with BMW ended. The remaining frames, swingarms, and other components were later offered as kits.
The BB3 Trofeo, shown in the photos, was a special edition introduced by Bimota in 2015. It differed only in its paint scheme. A British Bimota importer-supported team campaigned the BB3 in this livery at the Isle of Man TT and other events.