Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1996 Honda CBR900RR. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Thanks to the introduction of machines like the Ducati 916 and the Yamaha R1, the 90s were a glorious decade for sportbikes. But the start of what we consider modern sportbikes came out of Honda when they introduced the CBR900RR in 1993, and it’s primarily due to Tadao Baba. Baba started at Honda in 1962 out of high school, and he steadily worked his way up through R&D.
The CBR900RR was his first solo project with Big Red, and the goal was to create a sportbike that was easy to ride. In an interview with Cycle World, Tadao noted, “I told people at the time this new bike would change the thinking for sportbike design, that it would be fun both in corners and a straight line. Originally we started with a CBR750RR but we already had the VFR, so perhaps make it a 1000? No. We also had CBR1000F. Instead we saw that if we took the dimensions of a 750, use the base motor but keep same bore and increase stroke it came to 893cc, so a new class was born, the 900 class.”
His outlook on current sportbikes was quite negative:
“How can these be called sports bikes when they are so very big and heavy? They didn’t deserve the name.”
You can probably guess what Baba focused on, and the results were staggering. The CBR900RR was just 4 pounds heavier more than the CBR600F2, and it was a whopping 76 pounds lighter than its lightest literbike competition! Simply put, it was a revelation.
This example (VIN: JH2SC3305TM001615) is a 49-state model, and it’s been with the seller (the third owner) for approximately 2.5 years. During that time, he put on about 2,000 miles – the odometer now shows 28,416.
Note how original this is – there’s none of the usual period modifications like a polished frame, tail tidy, and flush mount turn signals.
On top of that, it still has all the original reflectors and labels (unleaded fuel, helmet holder, trunk stickers, etc).
The factory rear fender also has the dealer stock/VIN sticker still on it.
The bodywork has no cracks, broken tabs, or any other damage. The gas tank and triple clamp are also in impressive cosmetic condition.
The only modifications are CoreMoto brake lines, Renthal 520 chain/sprockets, and PitBull swingarm spools, all of which were recently added. Also recently taken care of/replaced was an oil/filter change, air cleaner, sub-air cleaner, brake fluid reservoirs, brake fluid flush, caliper seals, and OEM brake pads.
The sale includes the OEM tool kit as well as the Owner’s Manual in the OEM bag.
The seller is letting this go as he’s consolidating his collection. Now it’s time for this CBR to join a new collection.
