The Honda CBR900RR, known as the Fireblade in some countries, is a 900 cc sport bike introduced by Honda in 1992. It was the first in a series of large-displacement Honda models to carry the RR suffix, and its development was led by Tadao Baba.
Honda CBR900RR at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1992 |
| Also called | Fireblade |
| First engine | 893 cc inline four |
| Model code | SC28 |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
| Wet weight | 205 kg |
| Wheelbase | 1,405 mm |
| Development lead | Tadao Baba |
| Compared with | 1.8 kg heavier than the CBR600F2 when wet |
| Second generation | 1995 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the CBR900RR.
History of the Honda CBR900RR
Lightness as the goal
The first-generation CBR900RR was introduced in 1992 with an 893 cc inline four. It set a precedent for lightweight design in the superbike class, being much lighter than other large-displacement bikes of the time. It was based on an advanced research model known inside Honda as the CBR750RR; to match the acceleration of rival flagship sport bikes Honda lengthened the stroke of its 750 cc four, raising displacement to 893 cc.
Weight and size
The bike had a dry weight of just 185 kg, a wheelbase of 1,405 mm and a body almost identical to the research model. At 205 kg wet it was only 1.8 kg heavier than the CBR600F2, while the next-lightest machine over 750 cc, the Yamaha FZR1000, was 34 kg heavier.
The second generation
Changes for 1994 included a new shift drum for smoother gearchanges. The second-generation CBR900RR of 1995 brought revised damping and spring rates, a front fork with a compression adjuster, an aluminium upper cowl stay and a magnesium cylinder head cover. Styling became more aggressive, with irregular multi-reflector fox eye lights set further back, fewer fairing speed holes and firmer, slimmer footpegs; speed was now measured from the countershaft sprocket.
Design and features
- 185 kg dry: superbike performance at middleweight weight.
- 893 cc inline four: a stroked 750 engine.
- Research-model body: almost identical to the CBR750RR study.
- Fox eye lights: the distinctive 1995 front end.
Honda CBR900RR versions
- CBR900RR (SC28, 1992): the original 893 cc bike.
- 1994 model: new shift drum.
- CBR900RR (1995): revised suspension and fox eye styling.
- Later Fireblade generations: the line that led to the CBR1000RR.
The CBR900RR began the Fireblade line continued by the CBR1000RR, with the smaller CBR600RR as its middleweight stablemate. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda CBR900RR, English Wikipedia: engine, weight, generations, 1995 changes
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