Bimota add a dash of exotica to the Kawasaki ZX-4RR with new KB399 and ES range

Bimota have lifted the covers on their smallest-capacity modern machine yet, with the all-new KB399 and higher-specced KB399 ES set to join the range for 2026. 

Built around the proven four-cylinder Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR platform, the KB399 uses a 399cc motor producing a claimed 79bhp at peak, wrapped up in the usual blend of exotic materials and high-end goodies you’d expect from a Bimota. 

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There’s bespoke Bimota bodywork complete with winglets, billet upper and lower triple clamps, and a machined steering stem top cap. Signature black, red and white paint is paired with a red frame, and for those wanting a little more premium, there’s also the ES model. 

The KB399 ES (Edizione Speciale) ups the ante with carbon fibre fairings, joined by clip-on handlebars, billet brake and gear pedals, plus adjustable billet footpegs and dedicated mounting stays. 

Underneath, both versions feature 41mm Showa SFF-BP forks and a Showa BFRC-lite shock, while the ES swaps the rear unit for an Öhlins STX46.

Braking comes courtesy of twin Brembo Stylema radial calipers, while a bespoke Akrapovič silencer delivers what is bound to be a bike selling-point for many – that screaming inline-four soundtrack. 

Electronics include three-mode traction control, selectable power modes, integrated riding modes and a quickshifter fitted as standard – with all systems lifted straight from the four-pot Kwak. 

On the design front, Bimota have utilised the same designer who penned the KB998 Rimini, and it’s hard not to see a likeness between the little and large models. 

Pierluigi Marconi, Bimota COO, said: “Every Bimota is made with passion and this very exciting new Bimota expresses the very essence of our brand. Our goal with the KB399 is to offer an exclusive, distinctly Bimota riding experience to existing fans as well as a new and enthusiastic audience who are now becoming more aware of our craftsmanship-focused motorcycles”. 

Price-wise, the standard KB399 comes in at £9749 while the ES model will land in dealerships at £14,699. There will be limited order windows linked to each month’s production. The first of these will close on Friday, April 3 with first arrivals due in late October/early November 2026. 

Looking ahead, Bimota could well to take the KB399 racing in the incoming World Sportbike Championship, although this is yet to be confirmed, which debuts later this month with an opening round in Portimão – although the Bimota will have to hang fire until the 2027 season, naturally. 

The series is set to run as a replacement for the long-standing FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, which had formed the entry rung to the World Superbike championship ladder since 2017. 

The MCN take

No doubt, the best part of 15 grand is a fair chunk of cash to splurge on a small capacity sportsbike, especially when just a few years ago you could comfortably walk into a dealership and leave with a full fat 1000cc superbike for the money – with change to boot. But the KB399 (and ES) is seriously trick, and for those that want them, they’re bound to be worth every penny.