Posts tagged as “Fireblade”

Regulars – BaT 2002 Honda CBR954RR Fireblade with 2,300 mi

Published February 11, 2023 by Norman

2002 Honda CBR954RR Fireblade

When it rains it pours but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I did say we will be revisiting this chapter more and more often. While we would love to see all of the sub 1k Fireblades come up for sale more often, it seems that the 954s have been leading the charge recently. I’m not complaining. This is arguably my favorite of the Fireblade lineup and I’m very glad to see they are getting the love they deserve on the auction block.

Partly due to the rapid-release nature of sport bikes in the 90s and 00s, the Fireblade received many incremental improvements across it’s generations. Horsepower up and weight down in a nutshell. By the 954, they had pretty much got it perfect. You’ll be hard pressed to find any serious complaints about this bike. The headlight design is the most vulnerable point and admittedly I didn’t like it at first either but it has really grown on me. If you pull out a photo of yourself from this era I think we would be able to highlight some opportunities for improvement as well so no need to even get on your high horse. No offense.

Something you can easily change is the exhaust. Manufacturers haven’t gotten that right until recently in my opinion. Ditch the econo-exhaust and round out the look and riding experience with one of the following aftermarket options:

LeoVince Slip On

Akra Slip On

D&D Slip On

Micron

We recently surfaced a 954RR on BaT that sold last month for $9.9K. Very similar condition and low miles. See our post here and the auction here. This 954RR auction has already crested the prior by a whopping $6 but there’s still 6 days of bidding remaining. There’s proven color craziness for Hondas so let’s see how much more alluring the red is over the grey. These tires don’t hurt either. Good luck!

If you have ridden or owned any or multiple sub 1k Fireblades, I would love to hear how you thought Honda improved the bike over the various generations and how these stacked up against the competition.

Thanks for reading,

Norm

2 Responses.

Well On Its Way – 2003 Honda Fireblade 954RR on BaT

Published January 19, 2023 by Norman

2003 Honda Fireblade 954RR on BaT

If you rewind the clock on the motorcycle industry one of the more interesting things that you should notice is the breadth of engines that are floating around in the wake of today’s 200hp superbike motors. You’ve got your massive v-twins, V4s, boxers, and singles and the list goes on. In my opinion, the variety is what makes so many different bikes from different segments entertaining to ride. It’s also what makes the different companies stand out from each other. All the manufacturers have contributed to the engine-rich history of motorcycling but one of stands out above them all: Honda. This 1.2k mile 954RR and its sub liter motor is merely a section of a bygone chapter in Honda’s motorcycling biography but it soon may be one that we come to enjoy revisiting more and more often.

The 954 marked the end up the sub 1,000 cc track-focused suprbikes from Honda. The factory released 5 generations over a decade so when they got to the 954, there wasn’t much left to do. The 929RR engine was already seriously lightened but the engineers were able to shave yet another 2 pounds off for the 954. The displacement increase came from boring out the jugs by 1mm and this resulted in a oversquare setup in the 954RR. All the weight savings and power increase resulted in a 2.4 lb/hp power to weight ratio which is not too far off from some of the liter bikes today. I think what draws me to some of these early 00s sport bikes with motors between 600cc and 1,000cc is the torque. You get close to liter bike-levels of torque but with hp figures that are slightly more manageable. The lightweight chassis also get you closer to a 600 in weight. That combination of hp, torque, and weight seems spot on for delivering an experience that’s both exciting and accessible for the common man.

There’s not much else you can do the 954RR to make it perform better. Power upgrades tend to be intrusive and there aren’t many full exhaust systems on the market. I also think this low mile bike should be kept as stock as possible. An easy cosmetic change is an upgrade to the RC51 rims. The 3 spoke wheels on the 954RR are not my favorite and the 5 spoke RC design fits my tase much better.

From the listing

Features include a full fairing, a solo saddle, a passenger pillion, and a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system with a Two Brothers Racing slip-on muffler as well as black-finished 17″ wheels, triple disc brakes, and rearset foot controls. The bike is said to have spent approximately a decade in storage before it was acquired by the selling dealer in November 2022, and subsequent service reportedly included replacing the battery, the chain, and the rear sprocket in addition to flushing the fuel system and changing the oil. This CBR954RR has 1,200 miles and is now offered at no reserve with an owner’s manual, a tool kit, two keys, a Gorilla alarm fob, the removed slip-on muffler, and a clean California title.

If anything is true about the 9xxRRs it’s that they age well mechanically and cosmetically. Early model year Fireblades have seen the most appreciation but as time passes the later model years find themselves higher and higher on the value curve. I remember seeing nice 954s transact for $3-$4k about 3 years ago. Of course the market still sits higher than it once was but clean examples are getting harder and harder to find. This example is extremely low miles and seems to be in top cosmetic condition.

To me, this is a long-term collector buy. Fireblades haven’t hit the hockey stick part of the value curve but I think they slowly will. I usually like to post rideable bikes but considering the showroom condition I think this one should be to be put on display.

The bid currently sits at $6.5K at the time of writing. Good luck!

Thanks for reading,

Norm

5 Responses.

Buffed ‘Blade – 1994 Honda CBR900RR

Published January 8, 2023 by Donn

No new FireBlades are coming off the assembly line, so maybe a restoration of a classic sportbike could push someone’s particular button. This SoCal example looks reasonable all around – not too many miles, fairly clean, not overdone, and substantially original.

1994 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

Designer Tadao Baba slipped the Blade in between classes, shoe-horning the 893 cc’s into a middleweight’s chassis, and keeping it just a few pounds heavier than a contemporary 600. The right side up forks were styled to look usd, and while the 16-inch front wheel was a solution from the previous decade, it still worked to reduce mass and ease turn-in. The shift drum was redesigned for 1994, and sometimes fox-eye headlights are seen, but this one has the dual sealed-beam lights and beaucoup “speed holes” in the fairing.

Though there aren’t all that many close-up pictures, this CBR900RR looks very good for its 27,392 miles. Some bits have more patina than others, but the fairings look complete and correct. The rear mudguard has been truncated, but some original turn signals were found and mounted. Still waiting for the proper grips, a nice list of mechanical work is in the eBay auction –

27k miles

D&D exhaust

new petcock

NEW alternator case cover gasket

replaced alternator case cover

choke cable and bracket replaced

OE chain guard

carbs rebuilt and split replaced manifold o rings

carb synced

new plugs

oil & filter

air filter

coolant flush

brake fluid flush

seat re-upholstered

detail /degreasing

OE windscreen

new grips

new rear sprocket

fuel pump

fuel lines

OE blinker

Having stood the sportbike world on its ear, the FireBlade went on to five more generations, with three new engines. The ask is up there, but if a pre-buy indicates everything here is for real, it might save the new owner a lot of the detective work expected in a new 30 year-old sportbike.

– donn

5 Responses.

Seeing Things – 1995 Honda CBR900RR with 5,587 Miles !

Published October 6, 2022 by Donn

Thought I might’ve covered this 90’s gem back in 2020 – here – but beside the requisite purple and the same garage background, this Fireblade is quite a bit nicer, and pretty spendy to boot.

1995 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

Just the RSBFS contributors have written so much about the CBR900RR over the years that new observations are hard to come by. The model has entered legend territory, helped by supersport weight which made its almost open class power more usable. 1995 was a second generation Fireblade, with the 893cc engine but improved shift mechanism, some new alloy parts to save weight, and added suspension adjustments. Speed holes in the fairings remained, but the dual sealed beams gave way to fox-eye reflector headlights.

Clearly from a careful collector, this Fireblade is almost more notable for what it still has, like factory signals and rear fender, though its lack of the usual faux pas is surprising. Not sure how the clutch and alternator covers could get abraded with no other evident damage, but they are the widest part of this compact package. Notes from the eBay auction –

This is a rare bike regarding mileage and condition. It’s not perfect, but it’s one of the nicest I’ve ever had in my collection and fires right up.
Picking this bike apart, here’s what I see. A scuff on the crankcase and stator cover (replaceable / still in stock), a scratch on the right side of the tank under the clearcoat on the decal, you can’t feel it. Overall, she’s in amazing condition and in one of the most beautiful color schemes ever put on these bikes.

The only non-original part that I’m aware of is the 2 Brothers full exhaust, which sounds awesome and everyone has tried getting from me. It sounds amazing. Other than the exhaust, it checks all the boxes for collectors and most are going to want the 2 Brothers. I do have the original pipe (great shape) without the headers that I will send with the bike.

And hardly off idle, the Two Brothers muffler does have a nice sound in the cold start – video -.

Those more modern headlights won’t attract the attention or cubic bucks of a first year Fireblade, but this is a great year and almost perfect example in period technicolor. The ask wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow last year and still looks worth it.

-donn

2 Responses.

Blades of Glory – 1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

Published October 2, 2022 by Norman

1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

A purveyor in the classic motorcycle scene, Ken Kaplan is back again with a bike that has surged in popularity amongst collectors. When the Blade burst on the scene in 1992 it stunned the market as it had similar power to the higher displacement offerings but weighed much less. Coming in roughly 30-35 lbs below the competition, the Blade redefined how a sportbike should handle and people took note. Honda had put all the right ingredients together for this platform and they continued to refine it over the years to make the Fireblade what it is today. While the field is much more even now Honda and the 900RR absolutely dominated the scene throughout the 1990s.

As mentioned in the listing, this Blade isn’t perfect. It seems to have sat for a number of years and needs some work to bring it back to it’s former glory. It does run and seems cosmetically sound so there’s certainly a path to finish line on this one.

Using a stroked out 750cc, Honda was able to extract 124 hp and 65 lb/ft of torque which really seemed to strike a chord with both track and street riders. For track riders the lack of power compared to the liter + bikes was masked by the faster corner speeds. Street riders seemed to love the broad power band that allowed for stoplight antics. One of the least desirable (but no less fun) handling characteristics of the Blade was the twitchy front end but that trait likely was amplified since the riders were coming off 500 lbs bikes that had no problem holding a line.

Black and silver is certainly not the most desirable colors as clearly proven by auction results but the fairings seem to be original and in good shape. There were far too many 900RRs that got dressed in Chinese plastic and paraded through the highways late at night so we should be grateful we have an original here.

From the seller:

-1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

-First year of an Iconic Superbike that set a New Standard

-A Rare Classic

-Mostly Complete and Runs But Needs Work

-Has Exhaust Leak and Needs Carbs Cleaned

-Highly Desireable & Collectible Model

-160MPH Top Speed!

-Sold As-Is

The selling dealer does a walkthrough of the bike where they discuss all the issues and overall condition. One of the good things about buying from these guys is you’ll have a decent idea of what you are getting and more importantly some sort of recourse shall you need it.

Considering the miles, color, and condition this certainly won’t bring the values we generally associate with Fireblades today. This could be a good opportunity for the mechanics to have a collectible on the “cheap”. There have been 6 bids up to $630 at the time of writing. Good luck!

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Thanks for reading!

-Norm

6 Responses.

What Goes Up… – 1993 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

Published August 25, 2022 by Norman

1993 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade

It’s safe to say that the Fireblade prices over the past two years have set the 900RR on a new trajectory. What was once a bike known for being shoved in a back alley with purple fairings and a tucked license plate became an overnight sensation. While the values today are still a couple miles too high off the Earth’s surface for regular folk, the one thing they did do is cement how important this motorcycle is. Our find today is one of the down to earth, black Fireblades that should scratch any collectors itch.

I won’t spend time on the specifics of the blade since any halfway-sport bike enthusiast should know the ancestry and how much the 1993 model shook things up for the sport bike market. It made a lot of people rethink what a sport bike should be and how you shouldn’t have to compromise between speed and handling. It’s displacement left it a bit short of the liter+ bikes but the weight made up the difference by giving feel and corner speed.

The seller doesn’t list anything about prior owners but it’s fair to assume that a 30 year old bike with 10K miles has only switched hands a few times. It seems to be in incredible condition and looks good from 1 foot out. As much as I would love to see a good Yosh pipe on it, you have to appreciate the owner’s desire to leave it stock.

Now to the good part. How much do you pay? How much has everyone else paid? The 900RR market has been a bit perplexing recently. The craziness has been documented but no one really knows what to make of it and more importantly, no one knows where it will settle in a few years.

There is a BaT auction of a 1993 900RR red, white, and blue with 2 days left at $17.5K.

High bid on this same same bike on BaT was $8.5K. Can anyone make sense of this whole thing?

It’s hard to see this moving for $15K but the seller may be a little more realistic after seeing the BaT high bid. There might be an opportunity here for those who aren’t willing to fork over their life savings for a color scheme but want to be part of the 900RR conversation.

-Norm

8 Responses.

Stoney End – 2002 Honda CBR954RR

Published May 31, 2022 by Donn

Wrapping up Honda’s FireBlade legacy was left to the CBR954RR, with the engine closest to the full liter and the lowest weight of the series. Here’s a Colorado example that looks carefully tended, despite the gravelly background.

2002 Honda CBR954RR for sale on eBay

The 2002 ‘Blade might look a little chunky with its twin alloy chassis spars, massive-looking fabricated swingarm and 330mm brakes. But its 154 horses were given less resistance by trimming weight wherever possible – the crankshaft and engine cases are lighter, titanium was used for the exhaust plenum valve and muffler, the valve cover is magnesium, and even the starter motor magnets were made of a new material to lose almost a pound. PGM fuel injectors used laser-drilled holes to maximize dispersal of the go-go juice, and the curved aluminum radiator cools with less frontal area.

Though it has extra-sized frame sliders, this CBR hasn’t challenged that rocky driveway. Just 8K miles over twenty years, with just a magnetic tank pad, Micron muffler and trimmed rear fender to show for it. Very good pictures allay most fears. Enjoy the few comments in the eBay auction –

Exceptionally clean Honda CBR954RR FireBlade Sport Bike. Always garaged; always covered; always loved. Great, fun ride! I just don’t ride it anymore. Micron exhaust – Mag Knight tank cover – always used synthetic oil. Needs tires. One small chip in front fairing. Pit Bull Rear Wheel Stand and Battery Tender will go with the bike. Comfortable ride! Very smooth! Personalized fairing. We have the book and the tool kit.

A 1000RR took the took spot soon after, but made the upstart 900’s all the more special. Just up I-25 from Santa Fe, this RR might benefit from an owner with access to more paved back roads. Still several days to run, but consider your choice of new rubber and get going.

-donn

7 Responses.

Top of it’s Game: 1997 CBR900RR SC33 Fireblade

Published May 15, 2022 by Norman

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

8 Responses.