Honda brings old and new to Willow Springs Raceway. Old model: CBR 900RR from 1995. New model: 1996 CBR 900RR. Generally, motorcycles increase in weight with age, but CBR does not. It is lighter and stronger than ever. When CBR 9 was first launched four years ago, Honda did a lot of "optimization for large-scale centralization." Translated, the jargon means that if the weight is in the center of the bike, its handling is better. So the lighter all the limbs, the easier it is to change direction. While we are reducing weight, why not also reduce big things? The design creed introduced a 900cc sports bike with a weight of 600 class machine. Four years later, OMC is still the term, and the new RR is by far the lightest and most powerful.
From the very beginning, CBR 900RR (more commonly known as Fireblade in some other parts of the world) has earned the reputation of being a grumpy super athlete. Honda's goal this year is to maintain the bark and reduce bites. Due to the minimum 0.10 point compression ratio increase and the significant 1.0 mm loading, the power increases (depending on who you believe, the numbers at the crank range from 123 hp to 128 hp). CBR now replaces 918cc (if they call it that, they would add two to Ducati), for a total increase of 25cc. Previous cast cylinder liners lost flanges and rough surface finish.
A new casting technology allows the use of a flangeless, smooth finished lining, and allows Honda to overrun each cylinder without increasing the overall width of the motor. In fact, the width has been reduced by 9.5 mm, a new and more compact generator using the new unobtanium ferrite magnet compound. Larger, only slightly heavier pistons are matched with larger connecting rods and have larger crankshaft big end journals to match. Those boastful holes disappeared from the sides of the fairing-although the front of the fairing still resembled Swiss cheese, so did the rider's pedals. Honda claims that the new aerodynamic front fender with built-in air intakes has done more to improve steering capabilities than holes. It is said that the mudguard can even circulate air under the fairing to help support the rider (low-pressure air behind the fairing bubbles usually pulls the rider's neck and head down, causing shoulder and back strain).
"In order to reduce weight, the size of the drive chain was reduced from 530 to 525."
A whole set of parts have been lightened, including tires (the new Bridgestone BT56, designed to warm up to operating temperature faster), cylinder head covers (now magnesium alloy) and even the frame. The new design of the frame and swing arm means that the various parts of the frame are now open rather than closed. The frame is a three-box section instead of the previous four-box section, but it is said to be more rigid in key areas, although the frame designer has actually reduced the rigidity in some places. After extensive research, it was found-pants frame manufacturer It has always been known-a slight twisting of the frame bending is good for handling.
Honda engineers took pains to point out that the lateral (left and right) strength was not affected. The new curved radiator maintains the same cooling area, but reduces the width.
There are also smaller and lighter global turn signals. The new front and rear tires BT56F and BT56R Bridgestone Battlaxes have new tread patterns that claim to optimize cornering grip. The traditional front suspension has been redesigned to reduce weight, and now in addition to rebound and preload adjustment, it also has a compression damping adjustment function. The rear suspension has also changed. The smaller diameter piston claims to provide a greater range of adjustment, and the redesigned connecting rod provides more progressive damping over a longer stroke.
Even the gearbox has been redesigned to reduce the gap between first and third gears and provide a higher overall sixth gear. Probably the only changes that ordinary CBR900RR owners will notice are the redesigned handlebars, 10mm high seats and a narrower, slimmer fuel tank. The combination of these improvements makes the CBR lighter and easier to handle. In the past, the fuel tank interfered with the knees and elbows during sharp turns: now the fuel tank is no longer an obstacle, and the bicycle feels smaller as a result. As before, the power is very sufficient. Step on the throttle to the 11,000 rpm red line and you'd better be pointed in the right direction.
The performance of this bike is frustrating on the track. This is a product that returns sitting time with a higher level of performance. Or maybe I just got rusty. In any case, after going around Willow many times, I found that I only began to believe in the modified Honda at the end of the day, and then I was even more surprised that it would go where I pointed it. Well, Honda, you convinced me that lighter and stronger means faster and better.
Specifications Manufacturer: Honda Model: CBR900RR Price: US$9,799 Engine: dohc, 16 valves, in-line four cylinder bore x stroke: 71.0 x 58.0 mm Displacement: 918cc Carburetor: (4) 38 mm Keihin gearbox: 6 speed Wheelbase: 55.1 inches. Height: 31.9 inches. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gallons. Declared dry weight: 403 pounds.