The Honda CBR900RR Fireblade was introduced by Honda in 1992, the bike was designed by legendary Japanese motorcycle designer Tadao Baba. Ever since its introduction, the bike has held a special status in the minds of many biking enthusiasts. Since its inception the bike has undergone many changes as technology advanced, however, it never lost its iconic status. Many CBR900RR owners say that their favourite thing about owning one is the grin that opening the throttle wide on this bike puts on your face. Let’s take a closer look at the development journey of the big Honda:
1992
Honda launches the first CBR900RR Fireblade, the bike established a whole new class of superbikes. By combining a large bore engine with a lightweight frame design Honda was able to produce the benchmark by which other bikes will be judged.
1993
Honda introduces a refined version of the CBR900RR weighing even less than the generation it superseded. The bike sets the tone for future CBR’s and establishes Honda’s tradition of reducing weight and increasing performance with every new generation.
1995
Honda continues their quest to reduce weight, the 1995 model CBR900RR weighs 20% less than its predecessor. Other modifications to the bike include the addition of a magnesium head cover to the engine and addition of fully adjustable front suspension.
1996
The 1996 model loses yet another 5 pounds and gains a host of electronic aids. New electronic mapping for the ignition system drastically improves throttle response. Honda also adds a more aerodynamic front fender to generate more downforce and keep the bike on terra firma at high speed.
1998 – 2008
These 10 years see a whole host of improvements to an already near perfect superbike. More weight is shaved off, the electronic systems are enhanced and the ride quality gains ground over competitors. Honda also increases engine displacement to 1000cc on their all aluminium four-cylinder engine giving the CBR900RR Fireblade vast reserves of torque. The Fireblade effectively becomes an extremely performance-oriented bike that leads the industry.
2013 – Present
The current generation of Honda’s superbike is still setting the benchmark in the superbike class. The bike gains LCD instrumentation, shift indicators and a refined suspension system capable of smoothing out the roughest roads. The latest incarnation also features aggressive aerodynamic styling which aids in road handling and response. Digital throttle mapping has made the Fireblade one of the most responsive bikes on the road.
The Honda Fireblade has been around for a few years now and in that time it has gained a huge following of dedicated fans who simply can’t get enough of it. There are collectors, enthusiasts and experts who all share a passion for their superbike of choice. Rare and difficult to find examples of early models have become sought after collector’s items and can fetch staggering prices. New models are considered to be at the pinnacle of the superbike world and is the model of choice for many competitive riders.
