Buying a CBR 900RR as my first bike.. Thoughts?
Congratulations, man, and welcome to the forum! Real sharp 900! I like it.
I'm not gonna get into the "too much bike" thing. It's all about being responsible enough to really learn how to ride and not get greedy or too comfortable. It seems like as soon as people get too comfortable, they get reminded... in a bad way.... how they aren't that good. lol.
Kick it harder, make sure the clutch is adjusted correctly (not too far out).
Have you checked front tire pressure? I'd put it up to the max psi that the tire suggests. Also, the profile of the tires and their wear will make a big difference between bikes (as will wheelbase, geometry, and bike weight)
The recommended freeplay will be in the manual. About 20-30mm.
It shouldn't be getting loose on you unless you've ridden 1000 miles and your chain is shagged..... or your axle bolt and adjusters are loose. (good god, I hope not)
Need a softer windscreen? LOL..
Welcome to the wonderful world of bikes. 
If you don't already have a service manual and/or owners manual, you REALLY need to get one.
You should be able to download one for free from HERE.
I'm not gonna get into the "too much bike" thing. It's all about being responsible enough to really learn how to ride and not get greedy or too comfortable. It seems like as soon as people get too comfortable, they get reminded... in a bad way.... how they aren't that good. lol.
- Doesn't always go into second .. sometimes it'll just go into Neutral
- Steering still seems stiff .. like you need to fit it to stay straight/counter steer in turns
- Chain seems to have gone loose
It shouldn't be getting loose on you unless you've ridden 1000 miles and your chain is shagged..... or your axle bolt and adjusters are loose. (good god, I hope not)
- Speedometer cluster was pushing up against the windscreen and cracked it
- Few weird noises while riding. Looking into it this weekend
If you don't already have a service manual and/or owners manual, you REALLY need to get one.
You should be able to download one for free from HERE.
Thread Starter
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October 2010 ROTM
Joined: Jul 2010
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Yep I have the huge service manual book. Guy gave it to me when I bought the bike. A friend of mine who is in his 30's grew up across the street from me and has owned quite a few 900RR's and runs his own bike shop. I'm gonna bring the bike by him today and have him check it out.
He said he's done quite a few VFR single swingarm conversions and has loads of 900RR parts lying around so he's gonna check into the few things I've been concerned about. (The chain being one of them).
Never thought the tire pressure could play a roll in the steering, should've known that. I'll be checking that today.
He said he's done quite a few VFR single swingarm conversions and has loads of 900RR parts lying around so he's gonna check into the few things I've been concerned about. (The chain being one of them).
Never thought the tire pressure could play a roll in the steering, should've known that. I'll be checking that today.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 110
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From: Riverside, CA
Yep I have the huge service manual book. Guy gave it to me when I bought the bike. A friend of mine who is in his 30's grew up across the street from me and has owned quite a few 900RR's and runs his own bike shop. I'm gonna bring the bike by him today and have him check it out.
He said he's done quite a few VFR single swingarm conversions and has loads of 900RR parts lying around so he's gonna check into the few things I've been concerned about. (The chain being one of them).
Never thought the tire pressure could play a roll in the steering, should've known that. I'll be checking that today.
He said he's done quite a few VFR single swingarm conversions and has loads of 900RR parts lying around so he's gonna check into the few things I've been concerned about. (The chain being one of them).
Never thought the tire pressure could play a roll in the steering, should've known that. I'll be checking that today.
I started on a 600 after doing my MSF on a 250 dirtbike (with road tires) so my 600 felt like it turned like ****.
The reason (as far as I know) that people suggest you shy away from a liter bike is because of the power in an accidental twist of the wrist. Accidently applying too much throttle in a turn could put you into a highside quick!
If you don't know about highsides yet I suggest going to youtube and looking up a bunch of videos.
Good luck with the bike and enjoy her till the snow falls on the ground
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 182
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From: jacksonville, florida
Thassa purty bike!
Nice looking ride, General. Just keep a cool head on you and remember that any and every car, truck, bus and furry critter are out to kill you!
Has anyone suggested that you take the MSF course? IMO should be mandatory for new riders. At the very least go to their website and read their tips for riding, but you really should consider taking the course. It may seem expensive for something that isn't absolutely mandatory but you will gain so much knowledge that could very easily save your bacon out there on the mean streets.
Good luck with the new ride and have fun with it!
Has anyone suggested that you take the MSF course? IMO should be mandatory for new riders. At the very least go to their website and read their tips for riding, but you really should consider taking the course. It may seem expensive for something that isn't absolutely mandatory but you will gain so much knowledge that could very easily save your bacon out there on the mean streets.
Good luck with the new ride and have fun with it!
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Joined: Jul 2010
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In response to the bars turning in mid turn on their own, and having to fight them. Check tyre condition, has a flat spot worn into the rear tyre? If so, this will pull the bars in, as the bike falls off the edge of the flat spot mid turn while leaning.
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: DFW, Texas
I'm new here, but I have to say I also wouldn't ever recommending a youngblood getting on a near liter.
That being said, and since you're already on it, CONGRADULATIONS! That thing is purty. I noticed that you said the PO did all of the customizing himself. THAT is a caution flag my friend. Not in a OMG you're gonna be stranded sort of way. More like, is a mechanic going to be scared to work on it kind of way.
Take her to a shop right away for an old change and have them inspect it for ya. Ask questions, questions, and more questions. They should be able to see if anything is way out of the ordinary.
As far as riding goes, I just picked up a 600 after riding a 250 for years. HUGE difference a few cc's make. So be careful. Take some time out there riding in light traffic. Take her for spins around your stomping grounds so you can get a feel for how she leans, downshifts, upshifts. You need to movie your ankle around on the shifter until it's locked into muscle memory. You don't want to get caught in a situation where you fumbling around down there; that could be deadly.
Get out there and ride and have fun. I'd stay off of the freeways if you can. Those are just straight lines, but you have to be ready for quick changes and hafta have a feel for what's happening. It's better to learn at lower speeds.
.02
ps
take the MSF course. You will learn TONS. Plus it should save you some $$$ on your insurance.
That being said, and since you're already on it, CONGRADULATIONS! That thing is purty. I noticed that you said the PO did all of the customizing himself. THAT is a caution flag my friend. Not in a OMG you're gonna be stranded sort of way. More like, is a mechanic going to be scared to work on it kind of way.
Take her to a shop right away for an old change and have them inspect it for ya. Ask questions, questions, and more questions. They should be able to see if anything is way out of the ordinary.
As far as riding goes, I just picked up a 600 after riding a 250 for years. HUGE difference a few cc's make. So be careful. Take some time out there riding in light traffic. Take her for spins around your stomping grounds so you can get a feel for how she leans, downshifts, upshifts. You need to movie your ankle around on the shifter until it's locked into muscle memory. You don't want to get caught in a situation where you fumbling around down there; that could be deadly.
Get out there and ride and have fun. I'd stay off of the freeways if you can. Those are just straight lines, but you have to be ready for quick changes and hafta have a feel for what's happening. It's better to learn at lower speeds.
.02
ps
take the MSF course. You will learn TONS. Plus it should save you some $$$ on your insurance.
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 92
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From: columbia SC
man i really hate to be the guy that says too much bike but my 600RR is so friggin insanely fast to me i cant imagine the weight/speed of a 900. :/
just be careful as hell... i mean you already have it and have riden it... im sure you absolutely love it and i dont blame you... just for me (6'2 175 lbs) i'd be utterly frightened on a 900... i just started on a 600 and its lightning quick.. i mean you might be a big guy and the 600 might just not fit.. dunno.. i really have no grounds for advise since i have like 5 miles under my belt with mine lol.
just be careful as hell... i mean you already have it and have riden it... im sure you absolutely love it and i dont blame you... just for me (6'2 175 lbs) i'd be utterly frightened on a 900... i just started on a 600 and its lightning quick.. i mean you might be a big guy and the 600 might just not fit.. dunno.. i really have no grounds for advise since i have like 5 miles under my belt with mine lol.
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October 2010 ROTM
Joined: Jul 2010
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I'm 6' .. 225lbs. I now have close to 1,000 miles riding on my 900RR and feel it was a perfect fit for me. I am constantly learning new methods to help better my driving ability.
I have been on the Highway numerous times, which is something I originally didn't think I'd be doing much .. however, long rides are out of the question till I get my new chain & sprockets on.
Come to find out it was the tire that caused such difficulty steering; it was ~20psi.
A friend of mine who has owned a 900RR in the past and builds bikes said mine is in beautiful condition, but he is going to be doing some things to it; new shock, new sprockets & chain, and change out the fluid in the front forks to something heavier.
He's giving me a black seat, and over winter I decided I am going to get the wheels powdercoated Lime Green.
Ive been doing both day and night riding now. Been on the busy streets as well, and even have had people take pictures of my bike.
Still plan on taking the MSF course next Spring to learn even more than I already know .. but for now, my motorcycle books I bought have helped me ride!
I have been on the Highway numerous times, which is something I originally didn't think I'd be doing much .. however, long rides are out of the question till I get my new chain & sprockets on.
Come to find out it was the tire that caused such difficulty steering; it was ~20psi.
A friend of mine who has owned a 900RR in the past and builds bikes said mine is in beautiful condition, but he is going to be doing some things to it; new shock, new sprockets & chain, and change out the fluid in the front forks to something heavier.
He's giving me a black seat, and over winter I decided I am going to get the wheels powdercoated Lime Green.
Ive been doing both day and night riding now. Been on the busy streets as well, and even have had people take pictures of my bike.
Still plan on taking the MSF course next Spring to learn even more than I already know .. but for now, my motorcycle books I bought have helped me ride!
