After seven years of producing the legendary CBR900RR, Honda rewrote history when it jumped to the CBR929RR in 2000. It was all-new from the ground up, including the over-square motor and the "pivotless" chassis.
The 929cc engine featured a first for the large capacity Honda sportbikes-fuel injection (FI)-along with an all-new high-flowing cylinder head and lightweight internals for a combo that made more high-RPM power than the old 900cc mills. Along with the cutting edge FI, the 929 also received an exhaust system with the HTEV power valve and a catalytic converter on the California models. Honda also added a flapper valve in the airbox to compliment the HTEV for more midrange power.
On the chassis side Honda ditched the old perimeter frame in favor of a "pivotless" chassis that used the engine as the central mounting point for both the backbone of the frame and the swingarm. Upgraded upside-down forks and killer brakes also entered the mix.
When the rubber met the road the 929 was as fast as it was agile. While midrange hit wasn't as strong as the R1, the top-end power was comparable. But where the 929 shined was in the chassis department where its light weight and ultra-quick handling made quick work of any road or track. On the right road the 929 simply couldn't be caught; but this ultra-fast handling package came at the expense of some nervous bar-wagging antics on full-throttle corner exits.
Styling was equally cutting-edge and the Honda fit-and-finish was second to none. In 2001 Honda updated the ECU for more midrange power and added new graphics, one of which was the limited number Erion Racing edition that mimicked that of the older CBR900RR race bikes.
While the 929 only graced showroom floors for two years before it was replaced by the CBR954RR, it's still garnered a devout following through the years-especially with the current bargain basement used prices.
Keith Barreras
Model Year: 2000
Miles: 22,000
Mods: LeoVince pipe, Power Commander III, Vortex sprockets (-1/+3), LED blinkers, mirrors, smoked windscreen, Pazzo levers
Favorite Aspect: "The bike is the smoothest riding and running bike I have ever been on."
Pete Endriss
Model Year: 2001
Mods: Akrapovic full system, Power Commander III, smoked windscreen, integrated rear signals and fender eliminator
Best Upgrade: "The Akra exhaust is great-I can't say enough about it. I really don't like loud aftermarket systems and have taken a few off other bikes and returned them to stock, but this system sounds really great. Not too loud, and has a nice tone."
Rolando Robles
Model Year: 2001
Miles Done: 28,000
Best Upgrade: "Track days, because on the track you are able to push the bike and yourself without the dangers of street riding."
Favorite Aspect: "The trunk! I can fit a freshly baked Apple Pie and bring it home after a nice Sunday morning canyon carving session."
Carlos Martinez
Model Year: 2001
Miles Done: 30,000
Favorite Aspect: "The power, feel and control of the 929 is amazing."
Fred Rehus
Model Year: 2001
Miles Done: 18,500
Mods: GPR stabilizer, Puig racing screen, Targa seat cowl, K&N air filter, Vortex rearsets, Renthal sprockets, RK gold 520 chain, Galfer stainless steel lines and pads, Ti Force titanium exhaust system, Pilot Powers
Best Upgrades: "The Vortex rearsets for knee dragging at Firebird Raceway and the Ti Force pipe, you can literally feel the power increase.
Favorite Aspect: "The 929 is very stable and is the lightest open-class bike."
Memorable CBR929RRs
The CBR929RR has a special place in SSB's heart since two of the editors have either owned or currently own 929s. Here's a quick peek at the two bikes:
Dave's wild powder-blue custom...
Dave's wild powder-blue custom featured a nice stretch aong with upgraded brakes and suspension-all wrapped in 954 plastic.
Justin's Erion Racing edition...
Justin's Erion Racing edition is a bit more understated as it takes a more conservative route with factory paint and a host of nice parts.
Coming Soon...
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