Bimota KB998 Rimini WorldSBK
The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Workforce (BbKRT) formally launched its 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship marketing campaign this week, internet hosting a hanging, cinema-themed occasion on the group’s headquarters close to Barcelona.
Official riders Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani have been joined by VIP friends, companions and senior figures from throughout the BbKRT venture for a night that blended model storytelling with sporting intent, as bimota continues to construct momentum in simply its second season again on the prime stage of WorldSBK competitors.
Alex Lowes
“Usually the winter may be very brief and busy for us. We use the time to interact as a full group with our sponsors and companions and reveal our new colors for 2026. Now we have a years’ value of knowledge now with this new bimota venture, this together with some enhancements over the offseason imply we are able to’t wait to get to Phillip Island and begin racing. We all know as all the time the problem forward of us however we’re prepared. It’s time to have enjoyable and see what we are able to obtain.”
Axel Bassani
“There isn’t a actual relaxation interval in WorldSBK and to be sincere that’s what I choose as I gas my ambition to podium on the KB998 Rimini. As an Italian I see it as my obligation to provide my greatest to the bimota racing venture. BbKRT are making a brilliant robust effort constructing as much as our first race. It’s going to be an epic season so please be a part of us for the trip.”
Greater than 300 invited friends have been welcomed right into a headquarters remodeled right into a ‘pop-up’ cinema, full with branded tickets and popcorn machines, setting the tone for a launch that leaned closely into narrative, heritage and ambition.
BbKRT unveiled its new 2026 color scheme, up to date graphics bundle and rider leathers, all constructed across the distinctive id of the WorldSBK-spec bimota KB998 Rimini.
The temper across the launch was quietly assured. In its debut WorldSBK season in 2025, the KB998 Rimini delivered 4 podium finishes for Lowes, with each riders ending inside the general prime ten, a powerful basis for a venture nonetheless in its infancy. With a full season of knowledge now within the financial institution and additional winter growth accomplished, expectations have risen heading into 12 months two.
Kawasaki Racing Workforce Supervisor – Guim Roda
“The primary goal in 2026 is to maximise the sources bimota and Kawasaki gave us. This implies we should first be certain that everyone is giving 100%. This must be executed with motivation and a standard goal for all of the employees, companions and sponsors concerned. Goal quantity two is to proceed with the great suggestions we bought in 2025 concerning the market and potential prospects eager about bimota machines and the model itself. It’s fascinating to assist create this new branding and introduce new bike to the market that may accomplish the desires and desires of many followers around the globe.”
Operationally, BbKRT enters 2026 with a refined construction. Uri Pallares steps into the function of crew chief for Bassani, whereas Pere Riba continues his long-standing partnership with Lowes on the opposite facet of the storage.
Pierluigi Marconi, Chief Working Officer of bimota
“2025 was the primary 12 months of bimota’s return to SBK competitors after a few years of absence, and it was an thrilling one when it comes to efficiency and the truth that the group by no means had a mechanical breakdown. This was solely potential as a result of the three entities of bimota, Kawasaki, and Provec actually managed to work properly collectively. After the championship was accomplished, we organised a observe take a look at with some journalists, and the take a look at riders have been in a position to respect the using traits of the KB998 Rimini in its absolutely road-going model – and within the race-ready model created by Provec, which relies on the expertise gained within the 2025 WorldSBK championship. We labored exhausting throughout the winter, and I’m satisfied that there shall be enhancements in a number of areas, together with aerodynamics, engine, and chassis. So, we hope for wonderful sporting outcomes, even higher than 2025! From a manufacturing and gross sales perspective, I hope that the great picture we’re creating within the SBK world will proceed to assist gross sales development and market penetration.”
Chairman of the board bimota S.p.A and Managing Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, Shigemi Tanaka
“The creation of BbKRT was a posh course of involving many individuals each in Europe and Japan. It’s the results of their ardour and dedication that we are able to all now witness. Tonight is a second in time the place we are able to replicate on what has already been achieved. We are able to additionally look ahead with optimism to the long run. If the progress made to this point is any indication, then we’re in for an thrilling 2026 and past.”
Bimota KB998 Rimini WorldSBK Specs
- Engine – 998 cc in-line four-cylinder
- Bore x Stroke – 76 x 55 mm
- Energy – >220 hp
- Valvetrain – DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
- Engine Administration – Digital Ignition-injection ECU Magneti Marelli ML
- Induction – 47 mm throttle our bodies and twin injectors per cylinder
- Exhaust – Akrapovic titanium 4-1
- Body – Entrance trellis made by Excessive-resistance metal with Aluminum alloy plates
- Entrance Suspension – Showa 48 mm inverted forks
- Rear Suspension – Showa shock absorber
- Transmission – Six-speed cassette
- Clutch – Moist mulit-plate
- Entrance Brakes – Brembo twin radial-mount, opposed four-piston, 336 mm discs
- Rear Brake – Brembo twin-piston
- Brake Hoses – J.Juan
- Tyres – 125/70-R17 (F) – 200/65-R17 (R)
- Gas Tank Capability – 21 litres
- Dry Weight – 168 kg with water and oil*
* Bike weight managed by the FIM regulation
2026 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship calendar
 |
|||||
|
……Date……. |
Nation |
Circuit |
WorldSBK |
WorldSSP |
WorldSPB |
|
20-22 Feb |
AUS |
Phillip Island GP |
X |
X |
|
|
27-29 Mar |
POR |
Algarve Int’l |
X |
X |
X |
|
17-19 Apr |
NED |
TT Assen |
X |
X |
X |
|
1-3 Could |
HUN |
Balaton Park |
X |
X |
|
|
15-17 Could |
CZE |
Most |
X |
X |
X |
|
29-31 Could |
ESP |
MotorLand Aragon |
X |
X |
X |
|
12-14 Jun |
ITA |
Misano – Marco Simoncelli |
X |
X |
X |
|
10-12 Jul |
UK |
Donington Park |
X |
X |
|
|
4-6 Sep |
FRA |
Nevers Magny-Cours |
X |
X |
X |
|
25-27 Sep |
ITA |
Cremona |
X |
X |
X |
|
11th of September Oct |
POR |
Estoril |
X |
X |
|
|
16-18 Oct |
ESP |
Jerez – Angel Nieto* |
X |
X |
X |
2026 World Superbike Championship Entry Record
|
||
|
Rider |
Bike |
Workforce |
|
I.Lecuona |
Duc |
Aruba.It Ducati |
|
N.Bulega |
Duc |
Aruba.It Ducati |
|
D.Petrucci |
BMW |
ROKiT BMW Motorrad |
|
M.Oliveira |
BMW |
ROKiT BMW Motorrad |
|
A.Locatelli |
Yam |
Pata Maxus Yamaha |
|
X.Vierge |
Yam |
Pata Maxus Yamaha |
|
Y.Montella |
Duc |
Barni Spark |
|
A.Bautista |
Duc |
Barni Spark |
|
A.Lowes |
Bim |
bimota by Kawasaki |
|
A.Bassani |
Bim |
bimota by Kawasaki |
|
S.Chantra |
Hon |
Honda HRC |
|
J.Dixon |
Hon |
Honda HRC |
|
S.Manzi |
Yam |
GYTR GRT Yamaha |
|
R.Gardner |
Yam |
GYTR GRT Yamaha |
|
S.Lowes |
Duc |
ELF Marc VDS |
|
L.Baldassarri |
Duc |
Goeleven |
|
T.Mackenzie |
Duc |
MGM Racing |
|
G.Gerloff |
Kaw |
Kawasaki WorldSBK |
|
A.Surra |
Duc |
Motocorsa |
|
M.Rato |
Yam |
Motoxracing |
|
B.Sofuoglu |
Yam |
Motoxracing |
|
A.Iannone |
Duc |
Cainam Racing |
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