New for 1998
· Power output increased to 123 bhp and 65.8 ft./lb. of torque.
· Dry weight reduced to 396.8 pounds.
· Combustion chambers, intake and exhaust ports reshaped to reduce airflow resistance for
sharper engine response.
· New RC45-inspired aluminum-composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure formed from
sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The composite sleeves are
21.3 ounces lighter than the steel sleeves they replace, and provide better wear resis
tance and superior heat dissipation.
· Redesigned pistons feature new LUB-Coat solid lubricant to minimize friction between
the piston and cylinder wall.
· Carburetor vacuum piston size increased to provide quicker response to throttle
transitions.
· 3-D ignition module re-programmed to optimize engine performance, throttle response,
and derivability.
· Stainless steel exhaust headers.
· Aluminum silencer redesigned to provide 18-ounce weight reduction.
· New, compact eight-plate clutch features improved friction plate material and is 9.1
ounces lighter than the 10-plate clutch it replaces, maintaining overall performance and
reliability.
· Transmission strengthened in key areas to provide enhanced durability under sustained
high-rpm operation.
· New six-speed gearbox has revised ratios to improve overall performance and provide a 3
percent higher top speed potential.
· Radiator core enlarged and cooling system redesigned to improve cooling efficiency 6
percent.
· Frame thickness increased and swingarm pivot plates strengthened to increase lateral
and torsional rigidity.
· Fork offset reduced 5mm, increasing trail by 5mm to enhance handling performance.
· Fork span increased 10mm to add torsional rigidity. New aluminum steering stem and
lower triple-clamp are stronger yet 15.3 ounces lighter than the steel pieces they
replace.
· 45mm front fork features RC45-inspired aluminum cartridge assemblies, now 5.4 ounces
lighter. Fork springs and damper settings are refined to improve feel and maintain superb
handling characteristics.
· All-new tapered box-section swingarm with increased lateral and torsional rigidity.
· Rear shock linkage ratios and internal damping settings are revised to improve handling
precision under acceleration.
· Special Bridgestone tires feature increased sidewall rigidity.
· Redesigned front brake calipers feature larger pistons with special nickel-plate
surface treatment to enhance brake lever feel under repeated hard braking.
· Front rotor diameters increase from 296mm to 310mm. Overall swept area increases 14
percent and brake components are upgraded for even better braking performance.
|
· Front and rear wheel rims redesigned to reduce unsprung
weight while maintaining overall strength.
· Redesigned fairing, windshield, mirrors, and rear cowl reduce aerodynamic drag 3
percent while maintaining distinctive SuperSport look.
· New dual-reflector headlight design features curved-surface lens and broader lighting
pattern.
· Rider comfort improved with revised han dlebar position, 5mm-taller footpegs, and
reshaped footpeg side plate.
· New high-tech instrument cluster is 14.4 ounces lighter and 1.6 inches thinner than
old-style unit Display includes electronic tachometer and speedometer and LCD readouts for
coolant temperature, odometer and two tripmeters
· 1998 colors are Black/Red, Red, and stunning Pearl Yellow.
Engine
· Ultra-compact 919cc DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine.
· One-piece upper crankcase/cylinder assembly, right-side cam-drive design and a narrow,
32-degree valve angle help make the CBR900RR engine the lightest most compact powerplant
in its class.
· Sixteen-valve cylinder head with a radical, compact combustion chamber design offers
11.1:1 compression, allows efficient combustion, and promotes high horsepower production.
· Direct shim-under-bucket valve actuation system is compact ensures high-rpm durability,
and allows 16,000-mile valve maintenance intervals.
· 38mm flat-slide CV carburetors combine with short straight intake ports and a huge,
7.2-liter airbox for maximum intake efficiency, superb throttle response and maximum
power.
· Spring-loaded scissors-type gear on the drive side of the crankshaft and a rubber
mounted floating clutch-cover help reduce noise.
· Liquid-cooled oil cooler and a lightweight curved aluminum radiator keep engine
temperatures in check for consistent performance and long engine life.
· Maintenance-free features include a digital map-type ignition system and a mechanical,
automatic cam chain tensioner.
· Weight-saving features include a compact and lightweight one-piece alternator, com pact
8-ampere/hour battery, and a magnesium head cover.
· Large-volume aluminum muffler helps increase power and torque.
Chassis/Suspension
· Lightweight tuned frame with triple-box cross section and light open-ribbed
die-cast swingarm-pivot plates offer excellent torsional and lateral rigidity for
excellent handling and feel.
· 45mm aluminum slider Honda Multi-Action Systemtm (HMAS) cartridge fork
features spring preload and rebound and compression damping adjustability, and offers
precise action as well as unparalleled rigidity and lightweight
· Pro-LinkŪ rear suspension features a high-quality HMAS remote-reservoir damper with
spring preload, rebound damping and compression damping adjustability for superior rear
wheel control.
· Braking system features huge, full-floating 310mm discs and four-piston calipers up
front along with a 220mm disc and single piston caliper in back for exceptional stopping
power.
· Aluminum-alloy super-light U-spoke wheels feature race-spec 3.5 inch front and 5.5-inch
rear widths, and carry Bridgestone BT56 radials that offer superb grip, linear steering
characteristics and exceptional compliance.
· HRC-designed fairing offers superb aerodynamics, excellent wind and weather protection,
light weight and quick-release panel fasteners.
· Durable, #525 0-ring-sealed drive chain. |