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.” 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.
Manufactured in September 1992, this example is VIN: JH2SC2809PM104884.The seller acquired it twelve years ago from a private party in Reno, Nevada.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 2,000 miles. The odometer shows 16,765 miles.
“I love it. Ripped it in the hills of Marin for years. Lots of looks and smiles. I moved to Utah, figured I’d ride Marin style, but I just didn’t. Winters suck too. I don’t want to sell them, but it is doing them a disservice.”
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: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Aged
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: Ok
Coolant Quality: Age unknown
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Fail, >3% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dry and tight/ Has split link
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
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: 0%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 05/17
Tire Date Code Rear: 20/16
Tire % Remaining Front: 60%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 60%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.55V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.5V
Running Condition: Runs on bench, poorly
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed
-Front: 130/70-16
-Rear: 180/55-17
Notes:
-RH front rotor is badly contaminated with grunge
-Fork seals seem ok
-Bike needs new front brake pads
-Rotor wash needed
-Runs on 3 cylinders
-No bar ends installed
-Two brothers exhaust installed
-Aftermarket turn signals installed
-Carbon wrapped mirrors
-Numerous cosmetic imperfections:
-Small rear turn signals installed
-Seat has been recovered
-Clear coat flaking off fuel tank
-Cracked bodywork, RH mid fairing
-Fuel tank has chips and dents, RH
-No seat pad bolts
-Stained engine cover with slight gravel rash, LH side
-Repainted inner panels, LH and RH
-Body panel missing for tail section, top
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED:
-Carbs
-Coolant
-Engine oil + filter
-Hydro 2
-Front brake pads
-Caliper and rotor wash
-Tires
-Chain service/rivet link
Modifications:
Two Brothers exhaust.
Triple tree cover.
Aftermarket tinted windscreen.
Aftermarket front turn signals.
Aftermarket tank protector.
Pro-Tek master cylinder reservoir cover.
Cut rear fender.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Sportec M3 tires with date codes of 2016 and 0517.
The sale includes one key and a rear seat cowl.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“It is missing the lock piece for the tail. I have the Honda part #, just have not ordered.”
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Nevada title. Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
