Topic: Any thoughts on a CBR900RR Fireblade??

[JAG]

I've been looking everywhere for a 78-85 Yamaha XS650 to bob and I can't find one with a decent price stamped to it, so now it seems the times have changed and my direction is going elsewhere...

I've Been thinking about getting a bike that both me and my girlfriend can ride together, that also has some "newness" to it. I love the old bikes however I want something a bit more reliable.

Has anyone owned one of these or been around them to give me some ideas about them? Is there any other bikes around this time that has those sexy dual round headlights- which I absolutely love. The only other bike I know of is an older Bimoto (spelling) I've seen with the same headlights.

What about functionality? Is it really that tough to ride comfortably on one of these doubled up? I'm 6'4" 200lbs and she's 5'2", maybe 110lbs

It seems that these bikes have become popular with the stunt and show off world, which to me is a complete waste, however to each his own..

Just throwing it out there.

One more thing I was thinking about picking up a Honda 500, I believe a 1972, That has been negleted. A guy started rebuilding it but now it just collect dust.. Is it feasable to ride doubled up on something that small comfortably??

I know this is two totally different worlds we are talking about. I'm just trying to get a look at my options.

[mgbgt89]

I've ridden a 954 fireblade... It was insanely fast.  I was very uncomfortable riding it, but i've been told you get used to that riding position. Fireblades have HORRIBLE seats. You would be better off just sitting on a block of wood. GSXR's seem like they have a more ergonomic seat. Not sure how close the 954's are to the 900's, but it seemed like all replacement parts are very expensive, a battery for it was over 150 bucks.

[mlinder]

Some older big gixxers have the dual headlight.Can't remember what year, though. 85? 86?

With that being said, a 919 might be more the order of the day, however.
Fireblade engine tuned for more low end and midrange, more confortable seating postion, and better layout for 2 up riding.

It goes from 10 to 120 faster than you might like.

Or a bandit 1200.

[bucky katt]

i didnt think the fireblade was a model that could be sold in the states. what honda model is it i'm thinking of?

[mlinder]

i didnt think the fireblade was a model that could be sold in the states. what honda model is it i'm thinking of?

It was the cbr900rrrrrrrrr or something.


Maybe fewer 'r' s

[Laminar]

FZR 600

[TommyRocket]

The CBR900RR wasn't marketed as the Fireblade in the US (or at least not for all years). Same bike just different stickers. Model number was the same in all markets.

The '93 looks the best, imho. The 954RR is comfortable compared to later models and was probably the best street oriented crotch rocket in it's time. Earlier 900RR's had 16" wheels. This will limit your tire choices if you want sticky tires (track or aggressive street).

A battery for a DRZ400 is also over $150.

You should have no problem 2-up. If your short or light, then the extra weight high on the rear can become hazardous. A passenger checking out the scenery at a stop light can really throw your balance off. I'm 5'8"/135lbs and won't ride with anyone heavier than me on the rear of a crotch rocket or most other types of bikes for that matter.

[mgbgt89]

Some older big gixxers have the dual headlight.Can't remember what year, though. 85? 86?

With that being said, a 919 might be more the order of the day, however.
Fireblade engine tuned for more low end and midrange, more confortable seating postion, and better layout for 2 up riding.

It goes from 10 to 120 faster than you might like.

Or a bandit 1200.

If I ever decide to get a newish bike, It's going to be a 919. I'm absolutely in love with them. I would love to test ride one sometime.

[JAG]

I guess Im just going to buy the little 'ol 1972 500 instead, and fix it up and ride around 2 up on it for the summer, and try and sell it to make some money off of it.. Then maybe buy one in the fall or something.. Maybe more of the sport touring style- maybe it will be more comfortable than a crotch rocket..  I just looooove those dual headlights!!

There is a big price difference in this $500 500 to the $3000 CBR900RR..

[lordmoonpie]

I had a 1997 Fireblade CBR900RR-W and it was great! I'm 6'3" and 220 lbs and my wife is 5'5" and a lot of pounds less (she won't let me tell you!! and we did hundreds of miles on the fireblade loaded up with tent and camping gear too. It's not uncomfortable for a sports bike at all. The only criticism I had with it was that it was characterless. It was fast, stopped great, cornered fast and like it was on rails but when you set off you just clik cup through the 6 gears so fast with so little drama you're doing 110 before you've thought about it and it will sit there all day without blinking an eyelid. I prefer a bit more involvement in my ride which is why I guess I favour Ducatis on the road but I accept they are far less comfortable and much trickier to ride.

I also had a Bimota SB6 fairly recently. Went like stink but is single seater and the build quality is way off the fireblade. It has a suicide side stand as well - lots of fairing repair bills!

Another option for the lights would be an OWO1 FXR750RR Yamaha? Hard to find and brilliant to ride but also single seat I think? Maybe the best real alternative would be a Kawasaki ZXR750RR for a two seat two headlight solution?

You won't go wrong with the fireblade though, best all rounder I ever had... 

[JAG]

I had a 1997 Fireblade CBR900RR-W and it was great! I'm 6'3" and 220 lbs and my wife is 5'5" and a lot of pounds less (she won't let me tell you!! and we did hundreds of miles on the fireblade loaded up with tent and camping gear too. It's not uncomfortable for a sports bike at all. The only criticism I had with it was that it was characterless. It was fast, stopped great, cornered fast and like it was on rails but when you set off you just clik cup through the 6 gears so fast with so little drama you're doing 110 before you've thought about it and it will sit there all day without blinking an eyelid. I prefer a bit more involvement in my ride which is why I guess I favour Ducatis on the road but I accept they are far less comfortable and much trickier to ride.

I also had a Bimota SB6 fairly recently. Went like stink but is single seater and the build quality is way off the fireblade. It has a suicide side stand as well - lots of fairing repair bills!

Another option for the lights would be an OWO1 FXR750RR Yamaha? Hard to find and brilliant to ride but also single seat I think? Maybe the best real alternative would be a Kawasaki ZXR750RR for a two seat two headlight solution?

You won't go wrong with the fireblade though, best all rounder I ever had... 

Thanks for the heads up bud. I find that the CBR has a lot of character. I would love to have a Ducati, but not knowing the maintenance or tools required, and the overall price tag shys me away. I've heard you can get a Duc on the curves and it'll keep up if not pass anything out there.

Ill check out those other bikes you mentioned as well..

Thanks guys!!!

[lordmoonpie]

Half the fun is in doing the shopping around though isn't it? Lucky man 

[JAG]

Half the fun is in doing the shopping around though isn't it? Lucky man 

Yes sir..

And having my tax return landing in my lap as of today, shopping is a blast!! I just hope I find something good.