If you’re not really familiar with the significance of the first-generation Honda CBR900RR, it’s easy to dismiss it as being “just another 90s sportbike.” At the time, it wasn’t even all that high-tech, and could even be considered a bit of a step backwards: it used a controversial 16” front wheel and old-school right-way-up forks, and the motor was long-stroke and rich with torque, instead of a high-rpm screamer.
But there was a method to the madness. Project Leader Tadao Baba, often known by the honorific “Baba-san” wasn’t an engineer. He didn’t attend college or technical school. He was one of Honda’s test riders, with a background in racing and was the perfect choice to head up this new streetbike project that stressed subjective feel over any sort of racing aspirations, although it did occasionally compete, notably in the Formula Extreme series here in the US.
Racing homologation was covered by the V4 RC30 and RC45s, so the new CBR750RR was free to step outside 750cc class limitations and go big. To keep the package compact and light, stroke was increased and the resulting engine displaced 893cc. Of course, that was far less than other “open class” machines of the time and the bike naturally made less power. But the new “Fireblade” had an important trick up its sleeve: radically light weight.
Everything on the bike was designed to keep weight as low as possible. The “low-tech” conventional fork? Lighter than an equivalent upside-down fork, apparently. The result was a bike that weighed 453lbs wet, just a few pounds more than Honda’s own CBR600 and over 100lbs less than the ’93 GSX-R1100… It really was the very first bike to pack big bike power into a 600cc chassis and it set the tone of sportbike development, until the introduction of the Yamaha R1 that took the lessons taught by the CBR900RR but brought actual 1000cc displacement to the party and made the smaller-engined Honda obsolete.
The 16″ front wheel that was apparently chosen to speed up steering and save weight is a bit of an issue here: handling was always considered pretty twitchy on the early bikes and the odd size makes it hard to fit modern rubber to a bike that definitely has the power and handling to exploit it. Other than that, the CBR is a typical Honda product: it’s reliable, incredibly well-built, and now a modern classic.
Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to find nice once, since as is typical, Japanese reliability means they’ve been thrashed and crashed and generally neglected by now, unless enthusiast-owned and cherished. This one isn’t completely perfect, but is one of the nicest you’re likely to find.
From the original eBay listing: 1993 Honda CBR900RR for Sale
You are looking at a 1993 Honda CBR900RR – SC28 Fireblade. The 1993 CBR900RR is the first year of production of the CBR900. At the time this was one of the lightest weight bikes in the superbike class. This particular CBR900 has 18400 miles, and the bike is mostly all original with the exception of the Yoshimura exhaust. The bike is in great running condition. Please feel free to read more about the specifics of this bike and see the pictures for details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. U.S. and International bidders are welcome to bid on this motorcycle but must arrange shipping themselves…
BODY:::
The body work is in good condition overall, but the right fairing does have damage under the right turn signal as can be seen in one of the photos. The tank has a slight bulge on the right side which can also be seen in one of the up close photos. The frame has some dent damage on the upper right side. The motor is in good looking condition with no corrosion. The wheels are in good shape with no major scratches. Overall cosmetically this bike is in good condition with some blemishes on the body work and frame.
MECHANICAL:::
The bike runs and rides perfect, and it shifts smoothly through all 6 gears. The carburetor was recently ultrasonically cleaned and adjusted, and a full service tune-up was performed which included new, spark plugs, chain, air filter, brake pads, an oil change, and fluids flushed. All of the lighting, switches and electrical components work as they should.
CONCLUSION:::
This is a great opportunity to buy a very condition ride ready 1993 Honda CBR900RR. This bike is not museum quality but would make a great clean looking rider to enjoy out on the streets. If you need any additional pictures or have any additional questions please feel free to email us. Domestic & International buyers are welcome to bid but must arrange the shipping themselves. However we will be glad to assist with any loading of the motorcycle. We have helped with the shipping of motorcycles across the country and overseas for other customers in the past. Please feel free to bid as long as you make the shipping arrangements.
The seller mentions the “frame damage” but that doesn’t really look like anything to be concerned about, unless you’re searching for an absolutely perfect example. And purists might be disappointed, but I love the period-correct Yosh exhaust. Basically, the seller sums it up pretty well: the bike isn’t museum-quality, but a very nice bike to ride and enjoy. Bidding is up over $2,000 and there is a ton of time left on the auction, so it looks like there’s plenty of interest in the bike.
-tad
For sure these 93/94 CBR900RR’s are gaining popularity, particularly the 93 Red, White and Blue color scheme. On the surface this looks like a clean bike. But what seems minor is actually a bit more of a warning sign. At least it would be for me. The combo of the tank graphics/decal being wrong (should be a wing not a blurry HONDA script), the bubbling under the tank at that spot (bonded dent) and the frame damage says for sure this bike was crashed. Not always a big deal if repaired properly but most insurance adjusters write off/salvage a bike with any frame damage no matter how minor…it’s just not worth their liability. So my guess is this bike was crashed and repaired without going through the insurance claim process.
All that means really is the bike will always just be a clean driver, never truly “collectable.” We’ve seen a few of these pass into the five figures though never this more underloved black and silver version. This one will have a tough time being more than a $5000 bike in its lifetime. Just my 2 cents.
Would have to second that sentiment. If this were to require any sort of inspection it would definitely not pass and be stuck in non-repairable land in Canada. Not sure if such a thing exists in the US.
These feel incredibly close to a modern sport bike when compared with any of the other sport bikes of the time which still felt highly derivative of the 80’s bikes.
Good motorcycle although Honda has distilled much of the ‘fun’ out of the 900RR. Personally do not prefer such a refined sport bike.
3,4,5K? likely give the nice ones go for $8-12K.
Wow….it’s like the owner didn’t even try with those tank graphics.
Read the seller’s negative feedback. That says plenty.
Having bought from this seller before I would DEFINITELY view this bike in person before buying…..
Insurance companies TOTAL a bike out with even the slightest knick in the frame…this one has a pretty large dent in it, I wouldn’t touch it unless I needed parts.
Sorry this is not a good example of a classic piece. Parts bike at best. Mileage high, horrible attempt on tank restoration, dents in frame, really?? It’s about a 1500 dollar bike and that’s pushing it.
Ha! Now that you point it out, it’s pretty obvious. Wow, how did I miss that? Well, I look at a lot of bikes…
Actually, with six days left in the auction it is at least a $3248 bike. (Current high bid) However, I completely agree with motoman and other comments. You will never see it in my garage.
Agreed bike isn’t in the greatest shape, but what it does have going for it its pretty clean, body work, motor, swing arm, gauges and so on. Get a frame and have the tank painted by someone that knows what they are doing and you will have a nice bike. I just restored one, hardest thing to find is an original set of fairings. This bike has potential, and they are getting harder and harder to find. Dont give up on the survivors 🙂
New frame? Tell me where you can find that? Ok a used one, still after that who is going to want a bike with non matching VIN? Good luck with values when you do that.
Yes used. Value? We’re talking 5-6k all in and you have a nice bike to ride. They are not all meant to be kept in your living room and looked at.
Currently $3,248.00 reserve met.
dc
I have two in museum quality that I ride once a month at least. This bike isn’t worth putting 5-6 in sir. For machines that you can barely find parts for and some of those critical mechanical parts, I would find it hard to believe folks are buying these to ride daily my friend. Not too mention cosmetic pieces are all but unobtanium, that is unless you suffice for used beat up pieces, kind of like a used frame.
Sold at high bid of $3248. We can all decide if that’s too much or a deal.