Description
Please note: While this is a 1999 model, it was titled as a 2001 during the importation process.
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.
This example is VIN: JH2SC33A7XM304426. It was sent to us from a collection in Japan, the history is not known.
The odometer shows 27,443 kilometers (17,052 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery and the chain. We also cleaned and lubed the turn signal switch and hi-beam flasher and connected a vacuum line to the petcock.
Steve did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: 2012
Tire Life – Front: 40%; Rear: 50%
Tire Pressure – Front: 36PSI; Rear:
40PSI
Brake Life – Front/ Rear: 40%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front/Rear: Ok
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Coolant – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V, New Battery
Additionally, Steve found:
– Tires aged, dated 2012.
– Rear caliper piston has rust spots, may damage seals if brake pads replaced (replacement available #43107-KT7-761)
Please note: This bike does not currently have a petcock knob.
Modifications:
JTC tank pad.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Sportmax tires which have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Small dent in the tank.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note: While this is a 1999 model, it is titled as a 2001. As an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any CBR900RR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
