Honda Steps-Up the Cbr900rr

HONDA STEPS-UP THE CBR900RR

HOPING TO KEEP AHESD OF the new Yamaha YZF1000 and the next-generation 750s from Suzuki and Kawasaki, Honda has rearmed its CBR900RR for 1996.

Picked by CW's editors as Best Superbike three out of the past four years, the CBR charges into the new selling season with significant refinements, including:

A bump in engine displacement from 893 to 918cc, accomplished by a 1 mm bore job. Stroke is unchanged at 58mm.

A Huropean press release pegs crankshaft horsepower at 126, up 5 from last year. Torque also jumps, from 65 footpounds to 67 at 8500 rpm.

■ More rigid crankshaft, with larger-diameter big-end bearings (up from 36 to 36.5mm).

■ Redesigned gear-shift mechanism and altered gear ratios.

■ Revised frame and beefedup swingarm.

■ Recalibrated fork internals, new rear-suspension linkage and remote-reservoir shock.

■ Altered ergonomics, with slightly higher handlebars and reshaped 4.8-gallon fuel tank.

■ Lighter, curved aluminum radiator.

■ Minor bodywork revisions and a new-style front fender.

As of presstime, Honda had not set a price for the 900RR, which should reach dealerships in January. Three color schemes will be available: black/redAvhite (shown), purple/yellow/whitc and a solid red.