First generation Honda CB900F

1 first generation

1.1 background
1.2 design
1.3 performance
1.4 reception

first generation

background

in 1969 honda introduced flagship cb750 superbike, success led honda s domination of motorcycle market. 1978 sohc cb750f2 struggled compete against more advanced dohc fours kawasaki, yamaha , suzuki. honda needed reclaim former dominance, , company set developing successor. honda had been successful in european endurance racing rcb-series rs1000, , had made advances in suspension technology experience in motocross, , company chose base new dohc roadster on endurance racer.

the cb900f s design aimed @ european markets, rather usual focus on united states, not available until 1981. in europe, named super sport 750 (fz , fa) later named after bol d or endurance race. in market, cb900f competed larger capacity bikes kawasaki kz1000, suzuki gs1000, , yamaha xs1100.

design

the cb900f s engine has 901 cc (55.0 cu in) four-cylinder dohc engine bore , stroke of 64.5 69.0 mm (2.54 2.72 in). engine drew on other designs, such cb1000c, cb1100f/cb1100r, , inline-6 cbx1000. cb900f has five-speed gearbox , chain final drive, , produces 71 kw (95 bhp) @ 9000 rpm cb900f has 2 front disc brakes , 1 rear disk brake, fitted dual-piston calipers after 1983. air-assisted fork fitted honda trac (torque reactive anti-dive control) anti-dive system in 1982 or 1983. bike shares same bodywork (tank, side covers, tailpiece) earlier cb750f super sport. there similarities between cb900f bodywork , of cb1100f , cbx.

performance

in magazine tests, cb900f typically clocked low mid 12 seconds in quarter mile (and low 11.84 seconds in motorcyclist magazine test). engine tuned produce mid range power rather maximizing peak horsepower, giving acceleration 4,000 rpm 9,500 rpm redline. @ 140 km/h (90 mph) there vibration, relaxed riding position comfortable @ speeds, @ 210 km/h (130 mph) maximum speed wind pressure cause rider discomfort. cb900f succeeded in 1983 cb1100f, , in 1987 honda introduced cbr1000f water-cooled inline fours.

reception

honda s advertising proclaimed bike thundering super-sports bike devastating performance , unwavering stamina . bike s conventional twin down-tube steel frame strong. this, along improved suspension made cb900f arguably best honda had built street, , capable of challenging european motorcycles in performance , roadholding. time, cb900f called, ultimate statement of old air-cooled technology honda had done create . in anticipation of 2002 model, 1 reporter reminisced original powerful machine, if bit heavy. gas tank , engine, stable on highway, middle-of-the-road looks , hound-dog reliable. rod ker, however, writes had 2 bad habits, dropped out of gear, , — direct result — broke con-rods. great pity, because bike until broke, blessed frame , suspension showed japanese catching europeans in chassis technology.