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, Honda saved a bit more weight by replacing the steel upper cowl stay with an aluminum piece and replacing the aluminum cylinder head cover with a magnesium unit. In addition to solid red or yellow liveries, Honda offered a black/red paint job inspired by their Erion Racing-supported AMA Formula Extreme racebike.
“As you guys know, this is a very rare paint scheme. The miles are indicative of a bike that has been well loved and used. But it is clear that the prior owner took a lot of pride in keeping this bike in very nice condition. It was used in track days at Miller Motorsports Park from what I can tell. And the tires show where that looks like it was used very well on track day.”
Manufactured in January 1998, this example is VIN: JH2SC3307WM203490. The seller acquired it from a private party in Utah two years ago.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 10 miles. The odometer shows 32,899 miles.
Maintenance:
New battery about a year ago, carbs cleaned about the same time. Engine runs beautifully with no funny sounds.
Only thing I can find is the left blinker dash light doesn’t turn on. Signals all work. But dash light is out.
Modifications:
Vance and Hines exhaust.
Tinted screen.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S20 tires that have aged out. “The tires are aged out, but seemed to hold pretty well for street riding still.”
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The bike is used and has the normal minor chips in the paint. But it shows very well and the colors pop in the sun. I get a lot of compliments on this unique Erion Racing pattern. The left side engine cover looks to have some very minor scratches, but clearly wasn’t high speed.”
Currently located in Papillion, Nebraska, this Honda is offered on a clean Nebraska title. Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
