Description
Click here for a VINData report on this 1997 Honda CBR900RR. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
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 racebike.
Manufactured in December of 1996, this example is VIN: JH2SC3305VM102768. The seller acquired the bike from the estate of the original owner.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 60 miles. The odometer shows 13,485 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states that the battery was replaced in 2023. He notes that it has always been kept on a tender.
Modifications:
Per the seller, “the original owner rode the bike for approximately 200 miles, after which he called Erion Racing and had Kevin source and build him a big bore race engine. It received 72mm oversized pistons, upgraded cams, and a port and polish on the heads. He spent $8-9k on the project… around $18k in today’s money.”
He’s included the original invoices along with the below cam profiles and a Dyno sheet.
Erion Racing exhaust.
GP shift.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on tires that have aged out.
The sale includes two keys, the stock exhaust, the factory tool kit, the original engine, a factory service manual, an Erion Racing catalog, a carbon fiber fender, and a set of custom Bates leathers that have been signed by several Erion Racing riders. Per the seller, they are sized to fit a rider approximately 6’2″ and 220lbs.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
Currently located in Columbus, Ohio, this Honda is offered on a clean Ohio title. Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
