Formerly the property of Malcolm Forbes Sr 1985 Bimota SB4 Frame no. SB4 00159 Engine no. GS110X-148606
Sold for US$5,850 inc. premium
Lot 231•
Formerly the property of Malcolm Forbes Sr,1985 Bimota SB4
Frame no. SB4 00159 Engine no. GS110X-148606
Formerly the property of Malcolm Forbes Sr
1985 Bimota SB4
Frame no. SB4 00159
Engine no. GS110X-148606
1985 Bimota SB4
Frame no. SB4 00159
Engine no. GS110X-148606
In the 1970s and 1980s, the fact that Japan’s motorcycle frame design lagged behind that of its engines meant that anyone wishing to exploit a motor’s full potential had little option but to opt for a bespoke chassis. A number of specialist firms sprang up to satisfy this demand, among them Moto Martin and Segale in France, Nico Bakker in Holland and Fritz Egli in Switzerland, while in the UK, Harris and Spondon joined the already established Rickman. But at the very pinnacle of this exalted group was – and still is – the Italian firm of Bimota. Founded in the mid-1960s, Bimota manufactured heating and ventilation ducting before the enthusiasm of two of its motorcyclist founders - Guiseppe Morri and Massimo Tamburrini - saw it turn to motorcycle production in the early 1970s. The intervening 30-plus years has seen Bimota established as one of the world’s foremost producers of exclusive, limited edition, high performance motorcycles with a reputation for quality second to none. Technical innovation too has long been a Bimota hallmark, as exemplified by the hub center-steered Tesi models, while on the world’s racetracks Bimota-framed machines have won hundreds of races and numerous championships, including the 350cc World title in 1980. Equipped with nothing less than the very best suspension and brakes, Bimotas were necessarily expensive but then, like George Brough, it was never the firm’s intention to build anything compromised by budgetary restrictions.
The Suzuki GSX1100-engined Bimota SB4 was priced at FF95,000 in 1985 (approximately $11,000 at that time) making it one of the world’s most expensive motorcycles. This particular example was originally owned by the late Malcolm Forbes Sr, publisher of the world famous Forbes Magazine, and first registered to Forbes Inc, Fifth Avenue, New York City on August 22nd 1985. ‘159’ was sold to its second owner, Sidney Craig of Del Mar, California in October 1994 having covered 5,680 miles and has traveled very little since then. The machine is offered with Bimota/Forbes correspondence, original manuals and brochures.
Without reserve
The Suzuki GSX1100-engined Bimota SB4 was priced at FF95,000 in 1985 (approximately $11,000 at that time) making it one of the world’s most expensive motorcycles. This particular example was originally owned by the late Malcolm Forbes Sr, publisher of the world famous Forbes Magazine, and first registered to Forbes Inc, Fifth Avenue, New York City on August 22nd 1985. ‘159’ was sold to its second owner, Sidney Craig of Del Mar, California in October 1994 having covered 5,680 miles and has traveled very little since then. The machine is offered with Bimota/Forbes correspondence, original manuals and brochures.
Without reserve
Saleroom notices
Please note, this motorcycle does not have a Federal Emissions Label on it and will therefore be sold on a Bill of Sale with its accompanying old New York State title.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |