Beschreibung:

1992 Bimota 1,002cc YB8EI Furano Registration no. not UK registered Frame no. YB8 00833 Engine no. 3LH-901046 • One of only 158 made • Only 4,420 kilometres from new • Offered from a private collection "The Furano, meanwhile, is Bimota's ultimate expression of the conventional hard-core take-no-prisoners sportbike, complete with low-mount clip-ons, adjustable suspension, carbon-fibre everything, modular wheels and an electronic engine management system." – Cycle World, July 1992. In the 1970s and 1980s, Japan's motorcycle frame design lagged behind that of its engines, meaning that anyone wishing to exploit a motor's full potential had little option but to opt for a bespoke chassis. A number of specialist firms sprang up to satisfy this demand, at the very pinnacle of which was – and still is – the Italian firm of Bimota. Founded in the mid-1960s, Bimota manufactured heating and ventilation ducting before the enthusiasm of two of its motorcyclist founders - Giuseppe Morri and Massimo Tamburini - saw it turn to motorcycle production in the early 1970s. The intervening 40-plus years has seen Bimota established as one of the world's foremost producers of exclusive, limited edition, high performance motorcycles with a reputation for quality second to none. For the YB8, the Italian company turned to Yamaha power, fitting the 149bhp, 20-valve 'four' from the FZR1000 EXUP. One of the most powerful of contemporary engines, the latter was housed in an exquisitely crafted, twin-spar aluminium frame pioneered on the FZ750-powered YB4. Seeking to extract more power from the Yamaha motor, for 1992 Bimota fitted fuel injection to the YB8EI model and found an additional 15 horses, which in a package that weighed only 397lb dry made for an exciting ride. "Its combination of lightness, power and excellent suspension makes the bike feel more like a Superbike that has been tamed for street use than a purpose-built luxury-performance item," declared Cycle World. "In reality, the Furano is a little of both those things." With stunningly good looks and maximum speed in the region of 180mph, the rare YB8EI Furano remains one of the most desirable of all Italian sports motorcycles. It is estimated that as few as 158 were made. This beautiful example has covered only 4,420 kilometres from new having spent many years in a private collection. We are advised that the machine will have been inspected and run immediately prior to the sale. Fußnoten Please note, this lot is subject to VAT at 20% on the hammer price (denoted by NMT in the catalogue) in accordance with HMRC's NOVA Scheme: Motor vehicle lots marked "NMT" in the catalogue originate from or are registered in another EU member state and have travelled less than 6,000km from new. Accordingly HMRC and the DVLA classify such machines as 'New Means of Transport' under the Nova Scheme and are subject to VAT at 20% on the hammer price As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.