what v early CBR900RR Fireblade do you love the most?

what v early CBR900RR Fireblade do you love the most?

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Discussion

mattb46

Original Poster:

241 posts

141 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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Hi All
l recently rode a 95/96 fox eye 900rr fireblade and was extremely impressed with it. Ive decided to buy one as a second bike to supplement a RSV4. I personally like the original dual round headlights on the 92-93 model the most but then have seen v few in the flesh. I think that the fox-eye urban tiger model is particularly loved?

This youtube chap who seems v knowedgeable having owned 8 blades and explains that the fox eye blade is a better handling bike (5.37 mins) than the v early twin headlamp model with better forks, gear internals and discs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm-9GaL3qvc

So what are people's favourite early blade please and why?




Edited by mattb46 on Friday 9th September 10:04


Edited by mattb46 on Friday 9th September 10:06

NSR500

112 posts

56 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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Hmmm my favourite 'blade was the 1994 foxeye, white, red n blue, awesome bit of kit in its day, the fact is almost killed me didn't matter, i survived, the bike didn't! Still my fav bike to this day, also had the twin headlight model and a later foxeye, great bike, quick in its time, comfortable and looks good too, the Urban Tiger paint scheme is one of the best on a bike to this day, that's just my opinion though !

mattb46

Original Poster:

241 posts

141 months

Friday 9th September 2022
quotequote all
Thanks NSR500, definitely need to see a urban tiger in the flesh

rodericb

7,079 posts

132 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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Whichever makes the best buying proposition at the time and will do what you want it to do in the future. They're all good in their own way. The thing to consider is that they're pretty much thirty year old bikes and while they generally improve (usually in ways imperceptible to normal people), if you wanted "the best" bike you'd probably be looking at something a bit more 2022.... This type of purchase is a heart, not head decision!

slopes

39,929 posts

193 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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First year twin round headlights model

TwigtheWonderkid

44,420 posts

156 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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Here's mine (no longer own it). A late (95/N reg) 900RR-S Foxeye in Urban Tiger with the original 893cc engine. It was a fabulous bike, even though it was nearly 15 years old when I sold it. It had 125bhp which produced performance way beyond the limits of my exploration. When I see bikes today producing 200bhp, I know they would be completely wasted on me.

It was the best bike I ever owned.

mattb46

Original Poster:

241 posts

141 months

Friday 9th September 2022
quotequote all
Gorgeous bike, thanks for posting Twig. Like you say, it felt plenty fast to me.

Edited by mattb46 on Friday 9th September 14:36

graham22

3,297 posts

211 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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I had a 93 model (round headlights) which I replaced with a new 1998 RRW model - the unloved, bulbous one.

The later bike was faster, lighter, had better forks/riding position and was generally better around.

No one will recommend the RRW/RRX models now.

Given the way prices are going, it's going to be a case of spending more on one you prefer the looks of or get a better later model for less.

Personally, I'd go for a 96/97 model, in black (the non-black colours are very shell suit), you'll get the bigger motor, better forks but still fox-eye lights.

LuS1fer

41,549 posts

251 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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Loved the Urban Tiger Foxeye, closely followed by the sister ruby red and black paint finish.

Still have the ad somewhere with the strapline "He who is without the capability is destined to ride forever in the shadow of the victor"

I still use that....as my Facebook headline....

Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 9th September 20:30

robinh73

975 posts

206 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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I had a 1997 model very recently and it was superb in every way, but I sold it as I have torn the ligaments in my thumbs and it was causing grief. That aside, the engine was a gem, the handling superb, the build quality was from an era when Honda built bikes properly. Whilst the earlier models are more desirable, I felt that this model offered the development of the early models but still keeping the same looks pretty much.

KTMsm

27,444 posts

269 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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slopes said:
First year twin round headlights model
This - purely for the twin lights !

biggrin

But the prices seem a bit steep already

ThreadKiller

397 posts

101 months

Friday 9th September 2022
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First year res/white/blue and /or a blue 954 for me.

jjones

4,435 posts

199 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
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I always loved bikes and when a friend of a friend got a brand spanking urban tiger and offered me a go on the back (as ballast for wheelie practice) being young and stupid I jumped at the chance. So for me it has to be an original urban tiger. Have owned 3 blades of different flavours but this would be a keeper.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204082873559?hash=item2...

Edited by jjones on Saturday 10th September 09:28

bgunn

1,447 posts

137 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
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I bought the ‘fat, bloated’ (but as said earlier, lighter) ‘98 model a few years back. It was somewhat overshadowed by the R1 of the time, but the depth of quality and finish, as well as good ergonomics mean it’s definitely a keeper for me.

Fuelling (carbs) is crisp, it’s smooth through the range, and now on Maxton revalved forks and one of their dampers at the back, handles brilliantly. Of course, it’s probably only as quick as a 600 these days, but it’s plenty good enough for me, and is a pleasure to ride and own.


podman

8,920 posts

246 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
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I love the original 92 model best but wife didnt have the asking price for one of those, the 94-95 models seem to offer the best compromise on being as close to the original but more affordable.

That said the last of the line 98 -1999 models are great looking and riding bikes.

This is my other halfs 94 model.


mattb46

Original Poster:

241 posts

141 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
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Is that a full Akro system Podman? V nice bike indeed. What tyres have you put on it?

Waynester

6,418 posts

256 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
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Another vote for the original ‘92.. but I also like the fox eye models. I have a later ‘99 Blade that I’m doing a mini resto on. I managed to buy some mint RR mid panels as mine were cracked.. but prices for these sort of things are getting a bit pricey.

I did consider an original ‘92 a few years ago, but decided I wanted a ‘90 ZXR H2 more smile


podman

8,920 posts

246 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
quotequote all
mattb46 said:
Is that a full Akro system Podman? V nice bike indeed. What tyres have you put on it?
Im not sure what system it is TBH…defo not an Akro…the tyres are Bridgestones I believe.

Unfortunatley my wife didnt get on with it( physically much bigger /wider than her 600) so its not turned a wheel since she bought it.


Mr Squarekins

1,158 posts

68 months

Saturday 10th September 2022
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I started riding at around the Fireblade was lauched. I'd spend days daydreaming and reading about bikes.

Beyond my reach or ability at the time, but i've never forgotten the description in Whatbike:

'A compact and blindingly fast road laser' wink


954 for me please though.

Don Roque

18,062 posts

165 months

Sunday 11th September 2022
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Twin headlights, speed holes in the fairing, has to be the Fireblade for me.