Difference between revisions of "Honda CBR900RR"

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==1994==
==1994==
[[Image:1994_honda_Cbr900rr.jpg|left|thumb|1994 Honda CBR900RR]]
[[Image:1994_honda_Cbr900rr.jpg|left|thumb|1994 Honda CBR900RR]][[Image:1994-Honda-CBR900RR-BlackPurpleYellow-0.jpg|left|thumb|1994 Honda CBR900RR in Black/Purple/Yellow]]
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Revision as of 23:49, 18 September 2006

CBR 900 RR

The Honda CBR 900RR, known in most markets as the 'Fireblade', is a large displacement sports motorcycle range released in the 1990s. The CBR 900 RR was reputedly introduced with the hope of reigniting bikers' enthusiasm for large capacity sports machines at a time when big bikes were losing ground to smaller displacement counterparts because of lackluster handling and power delivery problems.

The CBR 900 was fitted with an 893cc 4 cylinder inline engine. Its handling capabilities were considered superior for a liter bike at the time, and stemmed from its relatively low weight of 185 kg, good braking and good steering design.

The Fireblade eventually evolved beyond its original engine capacity. Tadeo Baba, the CBR's designer, worked relentlessly to improve his brainchild. In 1995 he released a new engine design bearing in at 918 cc, and also updated the bike's suspension. This model had a reputation of civility toward the driver. It would remain largely unchanged for 5 years, bearing only minor refinements until 2000. Yamaha's introduction of the radical R1 sporting machine caused serious competition for the CBR in the couple of years leading up to 2000.

In 2000 the 'Blade was released with a 929 cc engine, all new USD (upside-down) shock absorbers, fuel injection, and weight trimmed down to 170 kg. This proved to be insufficient to counter the popular R1, and 2 years later an even more refined 954 Fireblade was released. The bodywork and fairings were reworked for a sleeker, more aerodynamic feel, and the 954 cc powerplant with its EFI injectors produced much improved torque and power. Frame strengthening improved the CBR's handling, with a more rigid swingarm holding up the rear. Another weight reduction brought its dry mass down to 168 kg.

The 2003 model was basically identical to the 2002, distinguished only by being the last year Honda produced a 9xx cc Fireblade. In 2004 Honda produced its first CBR1000RR 998 cc Fireblade, bringing the engine capacity of its sportsbike flagship model up to match that of its major competitors.

1993

1993 Honda CBR900RR



The CBR900RR'93 was sold in 1993 and was available in one of two color schemes: Ross White with Real Blue and NR Red or Black with Seed Silver Metallic and NR Red. Within the fairing were twin round headlights. The fairing featured "perforation technology." The bike weighed 408 lb (105 kg.) (dry). The engine was a 893cc DOHC liquid-cooled inline 4 cylinder linked to a 6-speed transmission and chain drive. The serial number began JH2SC280*PM100002.

1994

1994 Honda CBR900RR
1994 Honda CBR900RR in Black/Purple/Yellow


The CBR900RR'94 was sold in 1994 and was available in one of two color schemes: Ross White with Black and Red or Black with Uranus Violet and Yellow. The front tire had a new profile. The serial number began JH2SC280*RM200001.

1995

1995 Honda CBR900RR


The CBR900RR'95 was sold in 1995 and was available in one of two color schemes: Black with Uranus Violet and Yellow or Ross White with Uranus Violet and Yellow. The upper fairing was redesigned. There was also new graphics in black, purple, and white. The serial number began JH2SC280*SM300001.

1996

1996 Honda CBR900RR


The CBR900RR'96 was sold in 1996 and was available in one color: Gloss Black with Pure Red and Atomic Red. The engine and body were improved. The graphics were updated. The serial number began JH2SC330*TM000001.

1997

1997 Honda CBR900RR


The CBR900RR'97 was sold in 1997 and was available in one of three color schemes: Black with Atomic Red and Mat Axis Gray Metallic, Pure Red, or Black with Pearl Shinning Yellow and Ross White. The serial number began JH2SC330*VM100001.

1998

1998 Honda CBR900RR


The CBR900RR'98 was sold in 1998 and was available in one of three colors: Black, Pearl Shinning Yellow, or Pure Red. The engine output was increased to 123 HP. The dry weight was reduced to 396.8 lb. (180 kg). The serial number began JH2SC330*WM000001.