2000 Honda Fireblade CBR900RR review
With an exciting family pedigree, the 2000 Fireblade CBR900RR had the unfortunate moniker of the 'sensible 'Blade', but don't let that put you off.
The 2000 Fireblade CBR900RR isn't as hairy as previous or later models - but it's still an exceedingly fast motorcycle. Problems are pretty rare and it's even comfy enough to tour or take a pillion a reasonable distance.
A ground-up redesign over the previous model, the 2000 RR-Y offered a new, bigger engine (up from 918 to 929cc), fuel injection, upside-down forks, (at last) a 17-inch front wheel and much reduced weight - just 170kg (dry, claimed, of course).
Development had focused, as ever, on making the bike user-friendly, which Honda certainly achieved. But alas, it was never a match for Yamaha's R1 of that year and so this wasn't a Blade on which to capture TT victories; David Jefferies on his R1 had the beating of Milky Quayle's RR-Y in 2000, while foot and mouth had everyone beaten in 2001.
Fuel injection lacks the smoothness of earlier carb'd models ('01 are better than '00 machines) especially low-down. And the handling could still be twitchy like previous Blades - fast riding track day types will favour a steering damper.
It's worth checking carefully for crash damage as this was the FireBlade where the swingarm mounts to the back of the engine cases rather than the frame ('semi-pivotless' they called it, as per the FireStorm). Consequently a rear-ending could damage the crankcases. Likelihood is such damage would result in a write-off, but it's worth checking for some sneakily welded-up cases.
Mechanically the engines are robust. If the engine isn't running 100 per cent it's worth checking the condition of the spark plugs first. These are expensive iridium units (c.£65 a set) and require the radiator to be moved for access, so they don't always get seen to as often as they should. Chain adjustment makes a big difference to gear change, as do the cush drive rubbers which can die as early as 20,000 miles.
Loads of 2000 machines are registered on '01 plates - the most obvious difference is colours, so make sure you know what you're looking at.
Still, a vast improvement on previous models, with a ride that feels up-to-date.
Key ID: USD forks distinguish it from earlier bikes. Later ones had a narrower headlight
Walk away: if it's got a dodgy old alarm fitted - there's plenty without
- Engine 929cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four
- Power 150bhp @ 11,000rpm
- Torque 76 ft/lbs @ 9,000rpm
- Dry weight 170kg
- Seat height 815mm
- Fuel capacity 18 litres
- Top speed 175mph
- Colours Blue/red/white, Blue/yellow/white, Black
