A Naked Masterpiece: The Bimota KB4 RC Review
In the realm of exotic motorcycles, Bimota has always been a name synonymous with engineering brilliance and radical design. While the fully-faired KB4 captured attention with its retro-futuristic style and innovative cooling system, the Italian manufacturer has unveiled its more aggressive sibling: the KB4 RC. The "RC" stands for "RaceCafe," a name that perfectly encapsulates its philosophy. This is not just a stripped-down version of the KB4; it's a meticulously re-engineered machine that amplifies the riding experience by shedding its fairings and embracing a more visceral, unadulterated form. The KB4 RC is a pure, uncompromised expression of a naked sportbike, marrying Italian artistry with Japanese reliability.
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| A Naked Masterpiece: The Bimota KB4 RC Review |
Design: The Art of Exposure
The most immediate and striking difference of the KB4 RC is its exposed design. By removing the full fairing of the standard KB4, Bimota reveals the intricate beauty of its chassis and engineering. The steel trellis frame, with its elegant welds and complex geometry, is now on full display, a work of mechanical art in itself. The billet-machined aluminum plates that bolt directly to the engine and the unique placement of the radiator under the seat are no longer hidden—they are now central to the bike's aesthetic. This design choice lends the KB4 RC a raw, industrial beauty that is both functional and captivating.
The front end is dominated by a smaller, minimalist fairing that houses a single round headlight, a direct nod to the cafe racer tradition. The clip-on handlebars are replaced by a more upright, conventional handlebar, which alters the riding position for a more comfortable, street-oriented stance. The beautifully sculpted carbon fiber bodywork is kept to a minimum, primarily on the fuel tank and tail section, drawing the eye to the bike’s mechanical heart. The KB4 RC’s design is a testament to Bimota’s confidence in its engineering; they have nothing to hide.
The Engine: A Refined and Responsive Heart
At its core, the KB4 RC shares the same powerplant as its faired sibling: the 1,043cc inline-four engine from the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. While it may not boast the same horsepower figures as a dedicated superbike, this engine is perfectly suited for the KB4 RC's character. Its power delivery is incredibly linear and smooth, with a strong, usable spread of torque available across the rev range. This makes the bike a joy to ride in various conditions, from leisurely city commutes to spirited blasts on twisty roads.
The engine's reliability and user-friendliness, a direct benefit of the collaboration with Kawasaki, mean that the KB4 RC is not a fragile garage queen. It’s a bike meant to be ridden. The electronic package, including traction control, cornering ABS, and riding modes, has been finely tuned for the lighter, more agile chassis, giving the rider a confident and secure feeling regardless of the road conditions.
Riding Dynamics: Pure and Unfiltered
The removal of the fairing and the change in ergonomics fundamentally alter the riding experience. With a dry weight of just 190 kg, the KB4 RC is even lighter and more nimble than the standard model. The upright handlebar provides more leverage, making the bike incredibly responsive and easy to flick from side to side. The short wheelbase and compact dimensions give it an agility that feels more like a middleweight supersport than a litre-class naked bike.
The high-end Öhlins suspension, fully adjustable on both the front and rear, provides an impeccable ride. The chassis provides precise feedback, allowing the rider to feel every nuance of the road surface, which builds immense confidence in its handling. On a twisty road, the KB4 RC is an absolute revelation. It carves through corners with surgical precision and is always eager for the next turn. The Brembo Stylema brakes offer phenomenal stopping power and a delicate feel, perfectly complementing the bike's high-performance nature. The overall experience is one of pure, unadulterated fun, with the rider feeling more connected to the machine and the road than ever before.
Conclusion: The Essence of Bimota
The Bimota KB4 RC is more than just a variant; it is a distillation of the KB4's philosophy. It strips away everything but the essentials to reveal a motorcycle of stunning beauty and exhilarating performance. While the KB4 was a modern classic, the KB4 RC is a raw, modern masterpiece. It represents a different kind of ambition—one focused not on hiding its mechanics, but on celebrating them.
For a rider who appreciates the artistry of engineering, the uncompromised joy of a naked bike, and the prestige of a hand-built Italian machine, the KB4 RC is a perfect choice. It’s a bike that provides a visceral and engaging riding experience while still offering the reliability and modern technology of its Japanese donor. The Bimota KB4 RC is a beautiful paradox: a motorcycle that is both timeless in its design and utterly contemporary in its execution.