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.”
In addition to solid red or yellow liveries, Honda offered a black/red paint job inspired by their Erion Racing-supported AMA Formula Extreme race bike.
Manufactured in November of 1995, this example is VIN: JH2SC3305TM000514.
The odometer shows 31,201 miles.
“I was stationed in Japan in the mid ’90’s. After owning several motorcycles I worked my way up to as close to my dream bike as I could find, a ’92 900RR Fireblade Italian serial number bike. I wasn’t able to bring it back to the States with me as it was a non-US model. I found a ’95 900RR in purple and lime green on black livery when I got back to the States. After riding that bike in the States like I was used to riding motorcycles in Japan, I was one ticket away from losing my license. So I sold it as I was starting a family and bought a Gold Wing. That didn’t stop me from getting tickets, but I refrained from getting another sport bike until the beginning of last year when a friend of mine turned me onto Iconic Motorbikes when he sent me a NC30 (VFR400R) listing that was similar to the one I had in Japan before I bought my first 900RR. I ended up buying that NC30 from Iconic and as soon as it showed up, I was reminded of how it was too small for me at 6’2, especially 30 years later with bad knees. Long story short, my son is 5’7 and the NC30 is in his possession and the Erion’s Racing edition 900RR that I’ve always wanted from seeing them in the magazines when they came out is in mine, after finding this one on marketplace in New York State and sending him up to pick it up for me. After growing my collection of motorcycles, cars, and investment properties rapidly over the past few years and turning 50 this year, I’ve come to realization it’s time to simplify my life. If I don’t have the time to enjoy something and it becomes a burden to own it, what’s the point in having it. I sent three motorcycles to Iconic with the hopes that I can recoup most of my costs and give others the chance to enjoy them as well. This one might just come back home to me if someone else doesn’t appreciate it as much as I do. I surprisingly fairly quickly acquired almost all of the parts to return it to original except for an original upper fairing that has been elusive too me and a period correct exhaust for it. All of the OEM parts that I acquired will be included with the sale of this bike.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Overfilled
Engine Oil Quality: Dark
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Failed
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Failed
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Sprocket is badly worn
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Functioning on left hand side
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90 Wet w fork oil
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 50
Forks: Leaking from Right Fork
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 2620
Tire Date Code Rear: 0224
Tire % Remaining Front: 30%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 0%
Tire Press. Front: 39
Tire Press. Rear: 34
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Crank No Start
Test Ride Completed: Incomplete
Test Ride Distance: Incomplete
Notes:
-Many twisted together bare wires
-Right hand switch is intermittent/not functioning (NO START)
-Only left headlight works
-Fork Seal is leaking from right fork causing wet brake pads
-No seat bolts
Repair Recommendations:
-Make running with possible carb issues and definite right hand switch issues
-steering head bearings need to be replaced
-Oil and filter change
-Front and Rear brake flush
-headlight diagnostic
-fork rebuild
-Front brake pads
Modifications:
Ignition relocation.
Aftermarket exhaust.
Cut windshield, cut front fairing, ProTaper handlebar, aftermarket levers.
The top triple has been drilled to mount the handlebar.
Steel braided brake lines.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler/Dunlop tires with date codes of 2620 and 0224.
The sale includes three keys and several stock parts: windscreen, mirrors, licnese plate mount, lever, turn signal, fairing stay, triple tree, reflectors, chain guard, and more.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean West Virginia title with registration current through February 2026.
Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
