Please join me in welcoming Norman to the RSBFS team with his first post!
At one point or another, all of the Japanese manufacturers were at the top when it came to making the best bikes for the track or the street. Suzuki with the GSXR750, Yamaha with the R1, Kawasaki with the ZX11, and Honda with the CBR.
The result of all the manufacturers wanting to be on the top step of the podium or the stretched street race king was a very fast and successful development race by manufacturers all over the world and especially in Japan – the motorcycle mecca of the world. So many models, significant refreshes, and units were produced throughout the years that you can still easily get your hands on these bikes today. You don’t have to blow a 5 digit-wide hole in your savings account to do it either. This here 900RR Fireblade is an example of Honda’s turn at the top.
1997 CBR900RR for sale on Bring A Trailer
from the listing:
The bike was modified under prior ownership with a trimmed rear fender, a tinted windscreen, and a Yoshimura slip-on muffler, and it was acquired by the seller in March 2022, reportedly from its second owner. Service under current ownership is said to have included cleaning and synchronizing the carburetors, replacing the battery, changing the oil, and installing a battery charger lead. This SC33 CBR900RR shows 12k miles and is offered at no reserve with an owner’s manual, a tool kit, two keys, and a clean New Jersey title in the seller’s name
The auction is currently no-reserve on BAT at $3,100.
Fortunately, the seller does a pretty good job at explaining the history and specs. Doesn’t leave a lot to the imagination. There are instances in life when the imagination is great but it can be expensive when it comes to buying used bikes!
At first glance, the slip-on seems like a Yoshimura RS1. Not the worst thing you could do to this bike. It’ll probably sound pretty good but something I would confirm over video.
Not sure where it’ll go but this is a pretty nice example aside from a couple quirks. It’s not often these pop up on marketplace anymore and if they do they’re usually in rough shape or clapped out. I saw a clean yellow one go for $3,400 in 3/2020 and kicked myself for missing that.
The power and weight numbers are still relevant today plus these bikes are reliable so you can enjoy them out on the roads or just keep it tucked away. Parts availability is still good for these and eBay has lots of spares. How about some Keihin FCR39’s for a bit more power?!
This generation of Honda’s Fireblade isn’t the prettiest but it’s hard to say it looks flat out ugly and the front has aged better than people might have guessed. The rest of the body and cockpit look great. Simple. Classic. Analog. Pretty much every automotive experience Honda offered in the 1990s has aged well. Also, Fireblade is just too good of a name.
-Norman