Is the new Bimota KB399 more than a resprayed Kawasaki ZX-4RR?

The Bimota KB399 has been launched by Bimota, the second pure sports bike to be launched by the brand under the ‘KB’ line.

This, of course, comes after the KB998 which was developed specifically for WorldSBK competition, where it effectively replaced the Kawasaki ZX-10RR with which it shares an engine. 

Whether the new KB399 will race in the world championship remains to be seen (an entry in the World Sportbike Championship would theoretically be possible), but what is undoubtedly similar between it and its larger sibling is the origin of its engine, which can be found already in the Kawasaki ZX-4RR. This, of course, is made possible thanks to Kawasaki’s ownership of 49 per cent of Bimota since 2019, and means the KB399 benefits from 79bhp of maximum power.

In fact, the KB399 shares more than just the engine with the ZX-4RR, as the frame is also identical between the two, bar Bimota’s red paint on the KB399.

Bimota also brings aerodynamic winglets to the fairing, as it did with the KB998, although these are mounted further back than on the bigger bike and are much more subtle and discreet.

The Bimota also gets a 41mm Showa front fork and rear shock, as well as an Akrapovic silencer made specifically for the KB399. To get things slowed down, Brembo provide Stylema callipers.

There is also an Edizione Speciale version, which comes with billet aluminium gear and brake levers, and footpeg assemblies and stays – the latter being adjustable. Plus, the ES variant gets a carbon fairing, and it swaps the Showa rear suspension for an Ohlins STX46.  

“Every Bimota is made with passion and this very exciting new Bimota expresses the very essence of our brand,” said Pierluigi Marconi, Bimota COO.

“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 craftmanship focused motorcycles.”

The 2026 Bimota KB399 will be available in a slightly strange order structure. There will be specific periods of time in which orders can be placed, which Bimota refers to as “order windows”. The first window closes on 3 April; first arrivals are due in October or November 2026. Pricing starts at £9.749 for the standard bike, while the Edizione Speciale comes in at £14,699.

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