Bimota Returns to US Dealers: KB998 Rimini, Tesi H2, 48 Photos

Italian boutique motorcycle maker Bimota is back in the US market with two fully street-legal models, both now available through its exclusive American dealer, Bimota Spirit in Raleigh, North Carolina. The lineup includes the KB998 Rimini at $65,399 MSRP and the hub-steered Tesi H2 at $76,349. Three additional models—the Tesi H2 TERA, KB4, and KB4RC—are slated for later this year. All current bikes are EPA-certified for all 50 states, ending years of gray-market frustration for US enthusiasts.

The KB998 Rimini is a homologation special built to secure Bimota’s World Superbike racing entry. Only 500 units will be produced over three years, with the first batch already in stock. Powered by Kawasaki’s ZX-10RR inline-four engine, the US-spec Rimini delivers 197 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque, with a curb weight of 427 pounds. European figures top out at 200 horsepower at 13,600 rpm. The bike features a bespoke chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame, billet aluminum swingarm, Showa WorldSBK suspension (43mm Balance Free Fork and BFRC lite shock), Marchesini forged wheels, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. Every frame and panel is hand-painted in Rimini. The headline trick is its variable winglets: electronically controlled pivoting front wings that flatten at high speed to reduce drag and angle up on twisty roads for added downforce. A dedicated Athena GET control unit manages the system in real time.

The Tesi H2 remains Bimota’s flagship, distinguished by its hub-center steering system. Instead of a conventional fork, steering is handled by a front swingarm bolted directly to the engine via machined alloy pivot plates, with a bonded carbon-fiber bridge ensuring stiffness. This design minimizes fork dive under braking, keeping rake, trail, and ride height consistent for sharper turn-in and apex control. The US-spec Tesi H2 runs Kawasaki’s supercharged 998cc inline-four from the Ninja H2, with Bimota Spirit quoting 245 horsepower thanks to a custom exhaust and tune. Track riders can remove the muffler baffle for 259 horsepower or opt for a $5,000 supercharger upgrade pushing output to 295 horsepower. Suspension is fully adjustable Öhlins, with eccentric adjusters for ride height and footpeg position changes. Brembo Stylema radial monobloc calipers clamp 330mm front discs, while Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tires and a full-color TFT display round out the package. Each US-bound Tesi H2 ships with a bespoke rear stand, work stand, and three special tools.

Bimota Spirit, run by Bob Steinbugler (a lifelong Bimota collector) and his son Sean, serves as the brand’s exclusive US dealer. The operation spans a showroom in Raleigh’s ArtMoto complex, a restoration and service arm (including bespoke Vyrus builds), and a museum housing the Steinbuglers’ private collection of Bimota and racing memorabilia. The foundation behind the museum is digitizing its archive for remote access while the physical space remains open to the public in Raleigh.

Kawasaki’s 49.9% stake in Bimota since 2019 has helped fuel this US return, with Italian ownership retaining majority control. Bimota Spirit ships to all 48 contiguous states, marking the end of an era where enthusiasts had to rely on gray-market imports or 49-state bikes to get their hands on a Bimota.