Large displacement “superbikes” of the 80s and 90s generally fell into two categories: big-bore sportbikes like the Honda’s CBR1000F or the Yamaha FZR1000 that were on the heavy side, with good wind-protection and somewhat more comfortable ergonomics than you’d likely find on a literbike of today. They were road-oriented grand touring machines, and generally got their speed from cubic inches. Handling was good, but the bikes were on the heavy side and not ideally suited to the race track. It was the smaller 750cc class that represented cutting-edge sportbike thinking at the time, with bikes in that class being homologated for World Superbike racing.
Into the gap between those two categories stepped today’s Featured Listing Honda CBR900RR (asking $7,000), a bike designed with the light weight and agility of a 600cc machine, but powered by a much larger engine unconstrained by displacement restrictions.
Developed by Tadao Baba and first introduced in 1992, the bike was intended to be the ultimate roadgoing sportbike, a machine outside racing rules or narrow performance concerns, a Goldilocks creation that wasn’t too big, or too small, it was just right, and left other manufacturers scrambling to come up with an adequate response. Baba-san’s secret was to build what was basically a 600cc class package and slot in a liquid-cooled, inline-four 750cc engine stroked to 893cc. That meant a physically smaller engine that would fit in the lightweight chassis, while the long-stroke configuration meant an engine that could still happily rev, but would punch out a much healthier midrange to go with the 111 peak horses.
All-in, the CBR900RR weighed 457lbs soaking wet, just 4lbs more than the CBR600F2 and nearly a hundred pounds less than its literbike competitors of the period. It’s a very lightweight superbike, even by today’s standards, and was capable of 160mph. Flies in the ointment? Early bikes used outdated right-way-up forks and a 16″ wheel that led to handling that was possibly a bit too sharp. Later bikes changed to a more conventional 17″ hoop, but apparently a VFR750 front wheel makes for a relatively easy swap, if originality isn’t very important to you. The bike was a complete, well-rounded package: build quality was high, it handled well, offered a shatteringly fast midrange, and was surprisingly comfortable. Truly, one of the all-time sportbike greats.
1994 CBR 900rr excellent condition fresh battery, chain and rear sprocket replaced in 2023, new Bridgestone battleax hypersports tires 43579 miles.Serious inquiries only, no trades.$7,000 firm. Email Bru.j12z@outlook.com.
Today’s example of this classic superbike appears to be in very good condition, with 43,579 miles on the odometer. Given the Honda CBR900RR’s reputation for reliability and build-quality, that kind of mileage shouldn’t be too much of a concern. The period Two Brothers exhaust looks appropriate and should add some inline-four snarl, while saving a bit of weight, compared to the bulky stock component.
These have always been desirable sportbikes, but are getting harder and harder to find in nice, original condition, and values seem to finally be on the rise, although the $7,000 asking price for this one still seems to offer a lot of bang for your buck. If you’ve been thinking about adding one to your collection, now might be the time.
-tad
