Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1997 Honda CBR900RR. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
In the early 1990s, Honda turned the motorcycling world on its head when it released the CBR900RR Fireblade. The ‘Blade’s designer, Tadao Baba, primarily focused on keeping weight down above all else — a must considering his brief was to deliver a modern superbike with open-class power, weighing no more than your average 600 of the day. The “Fireblade” name is actually the result of a mistranslation of the word “lightning”, and it didn’t fit squarely into any of the existing major classes. Rather, Honda’s goal was to create the best possible road-going superbike, and the eventual result was the 900RR.
At the heart of the original Fireblade — which didn’t come to US shores until ’93 — was a 893cc in-line four which was essentially a stroked three-quarter liter mill with a 70mm bore. Though it wasn’t the most powerful engine of its day, the RR’s 124 hp, 65 ft-lbs of torque, and 160 mph top speed were nothing to scoff at, especially with its svelte weight. A number of measures were taken by Baba and his team to ensure the Fireblade would hit its target weight. This included using a highly-developed lightweight frame, 16” front wheel, conventional forks instead of heavier inverted units (though the 900RR’s front-end was designed to look like an upside down fork) and even the Swiss cheesed-nose.
In the end, Baba-san came through, delivering a 900 that tipped the scales at around 450lbs wet. It was less than 10 lbs heavier than the CBR600, and a whopping 100lbs lighter than most of the open-class competition of the day. In ’94, the groundbreaking model had its steel upper cowl stay replaced with an aluminum piece, while a magnesium cylinder head cover took the place of the outgoing model’s aluminum unit. 1994 also saw a slight bump in engine efficiency, amongst other changes.
Manufactured in November 1996, this example is VIN: JH2SC3301VM102380. The seller acquired it six months ago from a collector in New Jersey.
During his ownership, the seller covered 30 miles. The odometer shows 11,894 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues and that it is in “perfect condition.”
Modifications:
Yoshimura slip-on pipe.
Tinted windshield.
Trimmed rear fender.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no known cosmetic blemishes.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Sportec M3 tires from 2005.
Currently located in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, this Honda is offered on a clean Wisconsin title. Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
