From the Archives: Honda CB900F Super Sport

• Source/text-photo: Honda Motor Company LTD

"YOU MAY CALL IT THE STREET LEGAL RCB OR YOU MAY NOT" was the headline in the brochure when Honda launched its new sports model CB900F Super Sport. The bike was undeniably a head-turner, but has not achieved the classic status that many expected it to achieve, despite the fact that it was in many ways "state of the art" when it went on sale in 1979. Here's a little look back at the brochure from when the 900cc was new, and no superlatives were spared when conveying the model's features to potential customers.

With Honda CB900F Super Sport, Honda took a big step forward in model development. The 900cc engine defined a new generation of motorcycles from Honda , and although the model prefix "CB" was still used, the old CB series with single cam engines was now history.

With new technology, and not least a new design, Honda CB900F took the "leader's jersey" in the class of the fastest street motorcycles. It did the same in Edurance races, where it took a number of 1st places in the big racing arenas. That's how it gets good publicity.

In strong competition with Kawasaki Z1000 and Suzuki GS1000E, Honda stepped up to the plate. Tech such as oil cooler, 3 disc brakes, engine with double overhead camshafts, 4-valve technology and electronic ignition was in short advanced when it was found in one and the same model.

The CB900F delivered a whopping 95 hp, which placed it at the top of its class. The starting point for the development of the model was Honda's RCB Endurance Racers, and it was not without reason that the model eventually received the text Bol D or on the side covers. Associations with racing never go out of date among a certain customer segment that is attracted to the fastest motorcycles.