Hen's Tooth -- YB7

[dnovo]

Built only for Japan, and only 3 reputed to be sold outside Japan, two in the UK. The YB7 was built as a 3/4 scale version of the YB6, using the Yamaha 400cc inline four, I believe from the Fazer model. The bike is unique in that unlike the other Japanese versions of Bimotas, this one did not simply use a smaller engine in the existing chassis to meet the Japanese tax laws that placed a 400cc limit before putting a heavy import burden on the bike, the chassis and bodywork were reduced in size as well, resulting in a very neat and very 'flickable' model. (Honda did the same thing with the RC30 and RC45 race reps. They built a 400 cc version of each, using a V4 engine and smaller chassis for Japan. I have an RVF400R, a delightful gem ex-Japanese and a whole lot less $$$ and more fun to ride than its 750cc half-brother RC45.)

In any event, here are some shots of one of the two YB7s formerly in the UK and now at Casa Novo. Neat bike, great condition and, believe it or not, very reasonable to purchase and bring in. Dave

[corks67]

seen this one in Perth a couple of times

[dnovo]

I assume a Japanese import, like the Ducati F1/F3 behind it, another Italian-built bike intended for the Japanse market and the 400cc tax limitation. Another rara avis. Dave

[VoxxScorze]

oh so sexy though, uniqueness counts for everything

[RagazzaDGatta]

in Bimota's showroom, they have or had a beautiful japanese market 400 Tesi... man, those guys get all the cool little toys...

[Bruce_Allison]

Very cool Dave. Well chosen...and thanks for sharing.

Bruce

[Hebrew_Hammer]

I call dibbs on riding it.

[Catimann]

You mean like this one for sale in Japan? http://bikelife.nifty.com/cs/catalog...28010050_1.htm

If I had not just been on the web site I'd never have remembered it.

[RagazzaDGatta]

You know, Dave... I was just thinking.. that little YB would be perfect for... meeeee !!

[Hebrew_Hammer]

I saw it first