Bimota Hb3
The Bimota Hb3 has a top speed of ~185 km/h (estimated), produces ~60 hp and weighs ~175 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.
The Bimota HB3 was introduced in 1983 as a collaboration between Italian frame specialist Bimota and Honda, utilizing Honda's CBX550F four-cylinder engine housed in a lightweight, high-quality Bimota tubular steel chassis. It represented Bimota's philosophy of combining superior Italian frame engineering with proven Japanese powerplants to create a more focused and capable sportbike than the donor machine. The HB3 is notably rare, with only a limited number produced, making it a prized collector's item among Bimota enthusiasts.
~60 hp
Power
~52 Nm
Torque
~175 kg
Weight
~185 km/h (estimated)
Top Speed
~5.5 L/100km or ~18 km/L (estimated real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Honda Engine Reliability
The HB3 uses a Honda CB900F engine, meaning mechanical reliability is strong and parts are relatively easy to source compared to fully proprietary Bimota powerplants.
Strong Collector Value
As a rare 1980s Italian exotic with limited production numbers, the HB3 holds strong resale value among collectors — condition and originality are critical to commanding premium prices.
Aging Bodywork Fragility
Original fiberglass bodywork is extremely difficult and expensive to replace, so inspect carefully for cracks, repairs, or fading before purchasing, as damage significantly impacts value.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original production model using Honda CB1100R engine in Bimota tubular steel frame with full fairing.
"Italian soul wrapped around Honda reliability — nearly perfect."
The HB3 is what happens when Tamburini's team stops apologizing for using Japanese hardware and just builds the best motorcycle they can. That CB1100R-derived inline-four pulls cleanly from 4,000 rpm, and by 8,500 it's genuinely ferocious for 1983 — 77 horses in a 198 kg package was exotic territory then. The tubular steel chassis is the real revelation: it communicates everything through the bars with a directness that feels almost confrontational compared to the Honda donor bike. Where it stings is ownership cost — Bimota's bespoke bodywork and fasteners will humble your wallet every single service, and finding someone competent to work on one outside of a specialist shop is an exercise in quiet desperation.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"An exotic masterpiece that rewards obsessive owners and punishes casual ones."
$12,000-$22,000 usedThe HB3 is one of those bikes that makes you feel like you've stolen something. Built around Honda's CBR900RR engine in a hand-laid carbon and kevlar Bimota chassis, it's genuinely special in ways modern bikes simply aren't. The steering is telepathic, the chassis communicates everything, and it sounds absolutely savage. Finding one in decent shape is the real challenge — these are rare, obsessively collected, and often poorly maintained by enthusiastic but under-resourced owners. Before buying, budget seriously for a full mechanical inspection. Electrics are the notorious weak point; Italian wiring from this era has a personality all its own. Parts availability is genuinely terrifying — Bimota support is minimal, and some components are unobtainium without specialist importers. The CBR donor engine is thankfully bulletproof and parts are plentiful, but anything Bimota-specific will cost you sleep. If you find a well-documented, professionally serviced example, buy it without hesitation. This is a museum piece that actually rides better than it looks, which is saying something extraordinary.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Bimota Hb3 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hesitation, fuel smell under tank
Inspect welds closely, especially around swingarm pivot
Check all lights, instruments, and grounds function
Inspect cam cover and base gaskets for seepage
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Honda engine solid, bimota bodywork and parts nightmare
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Bimota Hb3
Kawasaki H2
Bmw M 1000 Rr
Ducati Desmosedici Rr
Kawasaki Ninja H2r
Bimota Tesi H2
Compare Bimota Hb3 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Bimota Hb3 vs Kawasaki H2
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bimota Hb3 vs Bmw M 1000 Rr
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bimota Hb3 vs Ducati Desmosedici Rr
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bimota Hb3 vs Kawasaki Ninja H2r
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Bimota Hb3 vs Bimota Tesi H2
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Bimota Hb3 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Bimota Hb3? +
Carb diaphragms cracked or perished: Rough idle, hesitation, fuel smell under tank (moderate) | Frame corrosion at weld joints: Inspect welds closely, especially around swingarm pivot (serious) | Electrical gremlins from aged wiring: Check all lights, instruments, and grounds function (moderate)
Is the Bimota Hb3 a good motorcycle? +
An exotic masterpiece that rewards obsessive owners and punishes casual ones. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: Experienced collectors who actually ride weekend warriors. Avoid if: You need reliable daily transport or hate sourcing parts.
What is the horsepower of the Bimota Hb3? +
The Bimota Hb3 produces ~60 hp @ 9,500 rpm (Honda CBX550F engine, slightly tuned), with ~52 Nm @ 7,500 rpm (estimated) of torque. Top speed: ~185 km/h (estimated).
Is the Bimota Hb3 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Bimota Hb3 is better for experienced riders. Experienced collectors who actually ride weekend warriors Avoid if: You need reliable daily transport or hate sourcing parts
Is the Bimota Hb3 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Bimota Hb3, notably: Frame corrosion at weld joints (Inspect welds closely, especially around swingarm pivot). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Bimota Hb3 good for daily use? +
Experienced collectors who actually ride weekend warriors Fuel: ~5.5 L/100km or ~18 km/L (estimated real-world average).
How fast is the Bimota Hb3? +
The Bimota Hb3 reaches a top speed of ~185 km/h (estimated), producing 60 hp at 175 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Bimota Hb3? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bimota Hb3, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bimota/hb3/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
