Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1999 CBR900 RR. 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. 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.
Manufactured in December of 1998, this example is VIN: JH2SC3307XM302084. The seller acquired the bike two months ago through an Iconic auction. At the time, he had a job booked in Los Angeles and needed a way to get around town.
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 1,600 miles. The odometer shows 25,660 miles.
Maintenance:
Before the original listing, we replaced the battery, the spark plugs, the fork seals, the coolant, and the brake fluid. We also changed the oil, cleaned and synced the carbs, and installed new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires with date codes of 2522 and 4322.
The seller reports that he replaced the seat, the left-side fairing, and the grips. He also installed factory chain and sprocket covers and purchased an OEM tool kit.
In preparation for this listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Angel did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 4322/1622
Tire % Front/ Rear:90+/90+
Tire Press Front/ Rear:34/36
Brake % Front/ Rear :80/70
Hydraulic:OK
Oil:OK
Coolant:OK
Low Beam:OK
High Beam:OK
Turn:OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light:OK
Plate Light:OK
Kill:OK
Horn:OK
Battery: 12.4 /13.7CHG
Modifications:
Two Brothers exhaust.
Aftermarket sprocket.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this CBR900RR is offered on a clean New Jersey title. Have any CBR900 RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
