Description
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.
This example is VIN: SC282256356; SC28E2256676. The seller purchased the bike six years ago in Japan and states, “Was looking for a bike when I returned to Japan and I love Hondas. Due to the 25 year rule of bringing imports back to the USA, the 90s CBR stood out as a classic. I shopped the auctions in Japan and lucked out on an Urban Tiger through SBS Bike shop Iwakuni. CBRs are rare in Japan and Urban Tigers are legends. I am the second owner and the bike had 3,600 miles (listed as Km on the title) when I purchased it in 2018. The original owner, from Yokohama, was a weekend rider and the bike has low city cruising miles. This was my daily driver in Iwakuni and Okinawa, but I only worked a mile and a half from my home and I rarely rode during COVID-19 because we couldn’t leave base. My intention was to restore the bike upon returning to the US. Parts in Japan are impossible to find, and I wanted to get away from the ocean before I restored the bike. My wife wants a bike we both can enjoy and we are getting older, so I want someone to buy this bike who will truly appreciate and restore it. I am torn about selling this bike, so I wouldn’t be heartbroken to keep it. I just believe that it will not be ridden as much as it needs and someone can give it the attention that it needs.”
True mileage is unknown. During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 1,246 miles. The odometer shows 4,846 miles. Per the seller, “I was told the original owner requested a MPH/mileage speedometer on the bike. It is considered trendy in Japan for some reason. Almost got me in trouble in Japan. I presented the Japanese title with KM certifications in the lower middle box. Those are actually miles because the Japanese DMV computer doesn’t input in that manner. I asked upon deregistration. Japanese are strict on tracking this.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Sent to the shop for routine maintenance and had oil changes every six months since I’ve owned it. 2019, Shop rebuilt carbs and synchronized them (warranty). 2020, had custom fork tubes built in Germany and had them installed along with new fork seals (Bike shop installed). July 2022, brakes, and comprehensive maintenance conducted before leaving Japan. 2023, new battery (receipt available). Flushed fuel system, installed aftermarket choke cable, and installed NGK spark plugs September 2024 (receipt available). Mechanic can verify mechanical status of bike.”
Modifications:
Fork tubes.
Choke cable.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires with date codes of 2318 and 2618.
The sale includes two keys (one pictured), a new set of rubber tank stabilizers, as well as the bike’s Japanese importation documentation.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Olathe, Kansas, this Honda is offered on a clean Kansas title. Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
