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HONDA CBR900RR FIREBLADE (1992-1999) Review

Published: 24 November 2006

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"The motorcycle that changed how sports motorcycles were built."

Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Riding

"The motorcycle that changed how sports motorcycles were built."

Overall Rating 5 out of 5

The motorcycle that changed how sports motorcycles were built. The Honda CBR900RR FireBlade wiped the floor with its competitor motorcycles not by being more powerful (it wasn’t) but by being lighter. Rivals were all well over 200kg, the first Honda CBR900RR FireBlade was just 185kg which made it perform superbly. It’s still a wild ride and a surprisingly practical motorcycle too.

 

Ride Quality & Brakes 4 out of 5

The Honda CBR900RR was labeled dangerously fast steering when it was launched – but times have moved on and modern motorcycles are much more flighty. The 16” front wheel gives an unusual feel and somewhat limits tyre choice – a 17" wheel from a Honda VFR750F-V goes straight in without needing new spacers. Brakes work well if in good condition.

Engine 4 out of 5

Proven technology made lightweight – very much the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade’s philosophy. It worked extremely well. The in-line four, 16 valve, liquid cooled engine in the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade grew from 893cc to 918cc by 1998 but it always set the motorcycle alight with plenty of power at any revs and a dab of character too.

Build Quality & Reliability 5 out of 5

Despite making a motorcycle with revolutionary light weight, Honda didn’t cut corners in terms of quality. Honda CBR900RR FireBlades can easily run to 100,000 miles with routine maintenance. Problems with used motorcycle will be caused by neglect, crash damage or thieves so check thoroughly for all those when looking at a Honda CBR900RR FireBlade.

Insurance, running costs & value 4 out of 5

The Honda CBR9000RR was the best motorcycle in its day and still a superb buy on the used market. Some rivals are cheaper but buy a clean, straight used Honda CBR900RR FireBlade and you can’t go wrong. Depreciation shouldn’t be massive and the early ‘round eye’ 1992 and 1993 Honda CBR900RR FireBlades look like becoming collectors items. Find a Honda CBR900RR FireBlade for sale.

Insurance group: 17 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Like any minimalist sports motorcycle there’s few luxuries on the Honda CBR900RR Fireblade. But the Honda CBR900RR FireBlade has a couple of surprises up its sleeve. First it’s not uncomfortable or cramped – even pillion accommodation is good if a grab rail is added. Also there’s an excellent ‘boot’ luggage space under the rear seat.

By MCN Staff

Owners' Reviews

44 owners have reviewed their HONDA CBR900RR FIREBLADE (1992-1999) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA CBR900RR FIREBLADE (1992-1999)
Summary of Owners' Reviews
Overall Rating 4.8 out of 5
Ride Quality & Brakes 4.7 out of 5
Engine 4.8 out of 5
Build Quality & Reliability 4.3 out of 5
Value & Running Costs 4.8 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5

900rr

25 April 2018 by labrecque yves

Year : 1999

In great shape - it's like new Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
-
5 out of 5

1993 still hacks it today especially on twisty bits

17 March 2018 by stukat24t

Version : rrp
Year : 1993
Annual servicing cost : £150

Bought in 1997 2.5K miles on clock toured 2 up for 34K off road 2004/2017 full service new paint runs like a dream used solo only now, great machine. Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Suspension set soft 2017 for solo riding. Brakes have less feel compared to new bikes.
Engine
5 out of 5
Brilliant engine 1500 rpm in 6th or use 9K in gears try to keep front end down
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
New fuel pump off a 848 Mini (£7 in 1998 Honda £105) still running same pump. Re-shimmed 2017, new regulator 2017, EBC pads/discs 2017. New chain/sprockets 2017. Raised handlebar clamps with cut down Renthals to reduce wrist ache (pensioners joints) New F/B reservoir (600 Hornet) to allow for higher clip on position.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Fully synthetic oil/filter/plugs
Equipment
4 out of 5
Mirrors are rubbish but 25mm plastic blocks longer bolts cures. Bridgestone Battleaxe until 34K use Pirelli Corsas now great in wet. Ventura rack/luggage, Oxford throw overs.
Buying experience

Bought from independent dealer used £7K got for £6.5K

5 out of 5

Best all rounder (apart from my VFR!)

06 January 2018 by PTP

Year : 1998
Annual servicing cost : £300

Never skipped a beat. Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Stable and planted, all the press about the strange feel from the 16” front wheel is something I’ve never noticed. It’s a sports bike that goes fast round corners and in a straight line.
Engine
5 out of 5
Needs to be above 3k, but when it is there’s more than enough power for real world riding.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
The usual trusted Honda quality. Change the oil at regular intervals, keep chain and sprockets clean and lubricated. Make sure tyres are in good nick and the bike will go on and on. Hit 53,000 miles and feels as good as 3 miles...
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
May seem high but that factors in 3 oil changes and a rear tyre!
Equipment
3 out of 5
Decent under seat storage, aside from that it’s a 20 year old super bike, chuck on a set of heated grips if you fancy.
5 out of 5

one brilliant allround sportsbike

16 February 2017 by Fix1985

Version : rrx/sc33
Year : 1998
Annual servicing cost : £300

perfect handeling & very versatile allrounder Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
bike is at his best in so many ways. take it to the track for a blast, take it to the backroads for cornering fun. what you think you want to do, its already doing it. thats how good the feel is when you ride it. it never surprises you by doing anything wrong. also the handlebars are high enough to ride comfortably for hours. for sure if you put on a slightly higher windscreen/visor
Engine
5 out of 5
power is from 3000rpm straight to the red zones one fine line with a little extra kick in the end.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
very low maintenance bike, it uses very little oil. most parts are high quality build. the regulator however is not that good. heats up to fast and gets little cooling. after i blew up the first u replaced it with an after market model with cooling ribs. that cured the problem. i bought mine with about 51000km on the clock. and with normal maintenance (or sometimes even a lack of) i set the clock on 108000 before any real problems started. as an example it did this without even changing a single spark plug once. but eventually the regulator broke down again, what also affected the dynamo.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
very low, just normal things as tires, oil, chain & sprockets. that with doing about 15000km a year
Equipment
4 out of 5
its well rather logically packed, everything it needs, it has it. of not, its not there. only thing to mention is a gear indicator. it hasn't got one. fitted one myself. after market exhaust cans for some extra sound and growl are probably a thing you would like. also, i can recommend a dyno-jet kit. first and most for getting out the little power dip between 5000-6000rpm, second, when fine-tuned it can be good for your fuel consumption. mine did 1:18 L/km went up to 1:21 L/Km making a run of 320km without refuelling possible. didn't matter if riding sporty or laid back touring.
Buying experience

bought it at a dealer for about 5500 euros that was in 2007. about now you'll find them on the net for half of that

4 out of 5

The Last Best Fireblade

18 October 2016 by ptelyash

Year : 1999

Amazing motorcycle and performs excellently. Great rider experience Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Bike is best almost all the time and it's a decent all round bike. Usually can be driven 150km without any breaks
Engine
4 out of 5
Very good
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Well built
Value & Running Costs
3 out of 5
-
Equipment
3 out of 5
There are a lot of aftermarket parts for this bike and do it justice.
5 out of 5

919 All rounder

17 October 2016 by Janine Thomas

Year : 1996
Annual servicing cost : £200

Easy to ride, extremely comfortable. If you want to go you just open her up - any gear any rev range, she will just start pulling Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Through the twists, 5-7 grand she really comes alive, Is a fantastic commuter. Pillion seating is awesome, is like riding an arm chair that certainly move.
Engine
5 out of 5
Strong, reliable, has so much torque, just keeps pulling and pulling. Clutch basket rattle until she warms up and will hold her rev's at 1100. is very embarrassing and the only let down I have ever had
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
Replaced Reg rec replaced around 70000km & stator rewound at 92000km. Original battery finally gave out after 7years. I am at 93000km this sat parked up for 5 years. Changed the fuel, oil & battery and has been running like a dream every since. I could not get a dollar value for what this bikes reliability is worth to me.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Very cheap & reliable able - 16" front tyres are getting hard to find now.
Equipment
5 out of 5
Love the huge boot that hinges, is a pain when you want to swap between rear cowl and pillion.
Buying experience

I brought privacy as the 3rd owner, I bought her for $8000 in 2001

5 out of 5

01 January 2016 by morten

Year : 1993

fast and easy to ride Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
-
Engine
4 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
5 out of 5

Quality at its BEST

01 December 2015 by Chris

Year : 1998

I have had this bike from new. Why change from the bench mark of all sports bike. You have to ride this bike in your life-time Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
-
Buying experience

The Best Ever Never To Be Repeated!!!!

4 out of 5

brilliant all rounder

06 September 2015 by 1400melb

Version : 1998 CBR 900RRW
Year : 1998

i've had mine 7 years now ,great all rounder, more comfortable than naked bikes (and i'm a big bloke 50+ ) quality stuff, you should try one. Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
Buying experience

paid £1700 private, great value as i wont loose ay money

5 out of 5

28 June 2015 by Domdom

Year : 1998

Read more

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
Read all 44 owners' reviews in full

Facts & Figures

Model info
Year introduced 1992
Year discontinued 1999
Original price -
Used price £1,800 to £5,000
Warranty term (when new) Two year unlimited mileage
Running costs
Insurance group 17 of 17
Annual road tax £88
Annual service cost £240
Performance
Max power 128 bhp
Max torque 68 ft-lb
Top speed 160 mph
1/4-mile acceleration 10.8 secs
Average fuel consumption 41 mpg
Tank range 160 miles
Specification
Engine size 918cc
Engine type 16v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium beam
Fuel capacity 18 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 180kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 130/70 x 16
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17

History & Versions

Model history

1992: Honda CBR900RR launched.
1994: Updated Honda CBR900RR FireBlade with fox eye faired in headlights, RR logo on the tail unit, electric speedo, minor gearbox mods and more.
1996: More updates including 918.5cc engine, dual slits on each side of tail unit, power up from 122bhp to 126, weight down from 185kg to 183.
1998: New plastics, power up to 128bhp, weight down to 180kg, more comfortable too.

Other versions

None.

Photo Gallery

  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Riding
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Top view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Riding
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Top view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Front view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Riding
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Riding
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Riding
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Engine
  • Honda CBR900RR Fireblade motorcycle review - Side view

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