Hi all,

I currently own a 95 f3 and am looking to buy a 98 900rr. It has been stunted but its going for a good price. My question is what are the known issues with these bikes? anything that I should be on the lookout for if/when I see it? I know on my f3 the r/r has been a chronic problem. Otherwise its been pretty reliable. Also is the 900rr noticeably more powerful than a f3? Thanks for any and all of your input guys.

 

My two cents is that it is a good idea to steer clear of any 900RR that has been stunted, more so than other models. That is because the 900RR is notorious for oil starvation when the front wheel is held up. On the stunting forums, there are lots of posts that advise the 900RR stunters to either overfill the oil pan by at least a quart, or physically relocate the oil-pickup, or no more go-go after a long wheelie. Other than that, the issue that seems to come up over and over with these bikes is charging issues. They really don't have that much power than a modern 600cc, but the broadness of the power band is HUUUUGGGGE compared to the 600's, i regularly walk away from them at lights as they shift as fast as they can. How many miles does the bike you are looking at have on it?

 

Hi and thanks for your thorough reply. Yes apparently the previous owner had a new engine put in w/~10k on it, but the total miles are unknown. The new engine is prob due to that oil starvation issue you mentioned. But the owner said they have a dealer coming down to buy it tonight, and I work all night so I wont be able to see it until tomorrow, if its not sold. I'll keep you posted. do you know if
the charging issues are due to the regulator/rectifier as on the f3's?

 

definatly check out the block area behind the front srpoket. i had a chain go out on mine and kinda cracked a seal , i jb welded it just a lil bit and it worked great actually

 

Yeah, the regulator rectifier that honda used on the 900RR was an off the shelf part that was also used on the f3, so same reliability issue with the r/r. Even if the motor was replaced and has low miles, if the bike was still being stunted I would be very leery. It only takes a very short period of oil starvation to do serious damage, and if the previous owner was stunting before the engine replacement, the were probably still stunting after it. Kind of sounds like they are trying to pressure you, I have never walked into a dealership and seen a stunt bike for sale, they would make thier inventory look beat up. They also rarely buy from private parties becuase they have access to dirt cheap used bikes at wholesale auctions, so I in general call BS. I think for it to be a good deal for you, needs to be dirt cheap, hard to say what dirt cheap for that bike would be without seeing it or knowing more about it.

 

Apart from the bike you are seeking right now is a stunter, the 900 is a reliable sportsbike that won't let the rider down in terms of power and handling. We are talking about ten years bike, its common to have some wear and tear. Tell me which bike that really has no problem.

 

I'd stay away from this bike, especially, especially since you do not know how many miles it has.

Stay away!

 

if you checking a 900 look for leaks coolant oil forks etc... make sure the suspension is ok and make sure it's smooth hearing it warm up from stone cold with no choke tells alot and take it out for a spin after she is warmed up rev the nuts of it and shift they are known to have gearbox problems if abused tho !!!