The idea behind the SB6 is classic Bimota: take a dead-reliable, honking big Japanese engine and wrap it in a sexy, lightweight frame, drape with carbon bodywork, and fit top-shelf suspension at both ends. Unfortunately, by the mid-1990's, Japan had well caught up to the Europeans in terms of handling and, although their bikes sometimes had a bit of a "mass-produced" air about them, they certainly performed.
So Bimota started down the path of making their bikes "more exotic" rather than actually faster. Luckily, the SB6 was based around Suzuki's slightly lardy GSX-R1100 so the resulting machine was almost 90lbs lighter. Certainly it followed the Bimota template in every other area, with a gorgeous frame, sleek bodywork, fully adjustable Öhlins shock, huge Paioli forks, and a self-supporting carbon-fibre seat unit.
With 150 or so horsepower from the 1074cc engine and light weight, the bike was a scorching performer and a big seller for Bimota, with 1,700 made, including the 600 "R" models like the one shown here. This one is available in South Africa and includes the desirable Corse exhausts that look pretty sharp and should make the bike sound a bit more exotic to match the wild looks.
From the original eBay listing: 1997 Bimota SB6R for Sale
Italian design flair combined with Japanese reliability makes this one of the most desirable motorcycles in the world. Powered by the legendary Suzuki GSX-R 1100 engine and weighing in at almost 40 Kg lighter the Bimota ticks all the right boxes. This exotic bike a great investment as there were only 600 built with the "R" designation.
Although the seller references the "reliable exotic" trope, the reality isn't quite so simple. The SB6 is certainly easier to maintain than a Ducati or MV Agusta, but Bimotas of the period are notorious for those annoying little "Italian bike foibles:" bits vibrating loose, electrics failing, a fairing that can push back into the headlight unit and crack at speeds over 140mph. You know: little things.
Earlier SB6 bodywork used a pair of round lamps and I do like that look, but this later design with a VeeDue-style headlight and "speed holes" reminiscent of a CBR900RR is very distinctive. I appreciate Bimota's desire to use their bespoke dash, but they are far from reliable. I think I'd just rip it out anyway and fit some kind of cool race-style dash or Motogadget unit.
When new, these things were stupidly expensive. Now, like the MV Agusta F4, a nice SB6 can be had for basically peanuts. Of course you can buy a modern bike that will eat an SB6 for lunch, but you won't look nearly as good doing it, and there's something to be said for pride of ownership. These certainly aren't perfect bikes, but if you don't mind dealing with a few quirks, the SB6 represents a pretty serious bargain right now.
-tad
