If there’s one thing better than a high-revving Japanese sportbike, it’s one wrapped in a hand-crafted Italian suit. Bimota has just pulled the covers off its latest masterpiece, the Bimota KB399, and it is every bit the premium middleweight we’ve been waiting for.
Revealed as a high-end sibling to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, the KB399 marks the latest chapter in the partnership between the boutique Italian firm and the “Green Team.” This isn’t just a rebadged Kawasaki; it’s a total reimagining of what a 400cc four-cylinder sportbike can be.
The Heart of a Ninja: 16,000 RPM of Pure Joy
Underneath that carbon-heavy bodywork lies the mechanical marvel that made the ZX-4RR a global sensation. The Bimota KB399 is powered by the same 399cc liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine.
The Performance Stats:
- Peak Power: A staggering 77 PS (which can jump to 80 with Ram-Air induction at high speeds).
- Torque: 39 Nm at 13,000 rpm.
- Redline: A spine-tingling 16,000 rpm—making it one of the most melodic engines on the market today.
Italian Design: Carbon Fibre and Craftsmanship
While the engine is pure Kawasaki, the “Bimota touch” is visible everywhere else. The KB399 ditches the mass-produced look for something much more exclusive:
- The Fairings: The bike features an all-new, aerodynamically sculpted body kit that looks significantly more “exotic” than the Ninja. Styling Inspired by the KB998 Rimini.
- Chassis Tweaks: Bimota has used its signature hybrid frame design—combining a steel trellis section with machined aluminium plates—to offer even more precision and “feel” than the standard ZX-4RR frame.
- Premium Kit: Fully adjustable 41 mm inverted Showa SFF-BP front fork is paired with a Showa BFRC lite shock unit on the standard model, and an Öhlins STX46 unit on the ES model. The Brembo brake package includes radial-mount Stylema monobloc calipers. Also included is a lightweight titanium Akrapovic silencer.
Tech and Electronics
The KB399 doesn’t skimp on the “smart” stuff either. It carries over and refines the electronic suite from the Ninja, including:
- Traction Control (KTRC)
- Power Modes (Full and Low)
- Bidirectional Quickshifter for lightning-fast gear changes.
- TFT Display: A full-colour screen with integrated track timers and connectivity.
Pricing and Availability: For the “Gourmet” Rider
As with all Bimota motorcycles, the KB399 is going to be a limited-production machine. While the standard Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR retails for around £8,699 / ₹9.42 lakh, the Bimota version is expected to carry a significant premium.
The price tag could be easily double that of the Ninja, reflecting the hand-built nature and the high-end components used. It’s a bike for the “racing technology gourmet” who wants the performance of a 400cc screamer but with the soul and exclusivity of an Italian boutique brand.
Would you pay the premium for a hand-built Bimota over the standard Ninja ZX-4RR, or is the “Green Team” version enough for your track days?
