Update 4.23.2023: Sold on Iconic for $10,700. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc
Ducati faithful hang on the works of designer Massimo Tamburini and the engineering of Fabio Taglioni and his protege Massimo Bordi. But fans of Honda have another hero from another continent – but with the same ideology. That legend is Tadao Baba, and his story is forever etched into the fascinating history that is the Honda CBR900RR. Single-handedly creating a new class of sport bike, the Honda CBR900RR is revered because it merged near liter bike power into a 600cc sized package and profile. Like the original Suzuki GSX-R750 or even the original Kawasaki 900cc Ninja, the Honda CBR900RR raised the bar and reset expectations about how good a sport bike could be. Today the first generation models are coveted, and today’s example available on the Iconic Motorbike Auction site is definitely worth a look.
1993 Honda CBR900RR for sale at Iconic!
The design language behind the RR model was “total control.” Designer and project lead Tadao Baba developed the direction after riding 1000cc models from the competition, wondering why they even called them sport bikes; they were too heavy! Starting with a 750cc concept initially, but then lengthening the stroke to arrive at 893cc, the first gen RR models were only a few pounds heavier than the existing CBR600, but a whopping 75-100+ pounds lighter than any of the competitors in the models above 750cc. To say Honda approached this with a maniacal focus on weight loss was an understatement. The frame is all aluminum, as is the heavily braced swingarm. The liquid cooled, carbureted inline four developed a stout 122 HP, and with the release Honda achieved their “total control” aim and instantly redefined the large sport bike class. The bike carried an internal model code SC28, and was know both by nomenclature (CBR900RR) as well as The Fireblade.
From the seller:
This 1993 CBR900RR started out as a very original 3 owner from new motorcycle, which then went through a full strip down, detail and rebuild using OE parts throughout. The work included removal and refinishing of the swingarm and suspension components, re-greasing of all bearings and bushes, brake system flush and replacement of all fluids, new chain and sprockets, engine service, oil change and new exhaust gaskets all-round.
More from the seller:
The bike was then treated to a full cosmetic restoration with the goal of retaining as much of the original paint and component finishes as possible. The result is a very original first year CBR900RR in showroom like condition, that rides as good as it looks. All of the work was fully documented in a series of YouTube video’s by Modern Classics Sportsbike Restorations (MCSR) in California. The is a beautiful example of one of Honda’s most iconic motorcycles, which would be equally at home in a collection or as weekend canyon carver.
So involved was Tadao Baba in the development of this bike, that stories circulate about his showing up on the factory floor during initial production – just to ensure the bikes were being assembled correctly. In some cases, he actually signed the inside of some fairing panels. He was consumed by the concept of the bike, and the focus and drive of his 30+ years in Honda R&D came through with stunning clarity. The Fireblade is a legend, and this very well presented example is now available.
The folks at MCSR (check out his YouTube channel!) have given this bike a mechanical run through and refresh in comprehensive detail. See seller’s notes above, and then peruse the dozens of high-res, high quality photographs provided. Decide for yourself if this isn’t the cleanest first gen in black/red livery that you have ever seen. And then jump over to the Iconic Auction Site to get in on the action. Given the market for these early Fireblade models, this one will be generating a lot of interest. If you want a motorcycle to show AND go, this is something that will keep company with pretty much anything out there, while appreciating in value the whole time. Check it out here, and Good Luck!!