25th Nov 2010, 15:20

A couple months ago, I way underbid on a '97 RF9 at $650 on e-bay, never expecting to win.

I bid on the bike because I've read good things about the RF 900. At 447 lbs dry/135 hp, the specs work for me. I’ve also read about its stock 1/6/12/24hrs records (and still need to figure out how they got 146 RW hp from a stock RF 900).

In my mind the RF 900 is in the same class of sport tourer (I call them muscle sport-tourers) as Hurricane 1000s, ZX 11s, Blackbirds, Busas, and ZX14s, but weighs less than a VFR (I sold mine when I discovered I won the bid on the RF).

The bike was in Baltimore (I live in New Mexico), but I figured at that price I could afford to fly out and ride back. I’ve done that sort of thing before, but only for bikes that were around 600 miles or one day away. The price difference was more than worth it for the adventure!

So I flew out, picked up a bike that had the worst rattle-can job in the universe, wouldn't idle and had a broken rear brake pedal. The tires were OK, but not up to the 2,500 miles I expected to put on them before getting her home.

I rode it a couple of hundred miles to my brother's house that night (front right directional fell off after 50 miles), tightened a few bolts, fixed the idle problem, replaced both tires and rode it another 2,500 miles home in three days.

I've since replaced the chain and sprockets. The bike is still uglier than sin, but it's a great all-rounder! I mean, it's already proven its tour-readiness, it’s great around town and on weekends I go playing in the nearby canyons where I can hang with all the repli-racer gang.

Unlike street-legal race bikes (I’ve owned an R6 and have ridden others), it U-turns with no difficulty on residential streets and has pull-me-outa-trouble torque at any engine speed. In fact it's better around town and in the canyon than the VFR it replaced, and it accelerates almost as strongly as my XX did. You know how it is, the RF is usually the quickest and fastest thing on the road you happen to be on unless there happens to be another muscle sport-tourer, a post 2000 liter repli-racer, any liter bike with a turbo, or an exotic car costing more than $250K on the road with you.

I still have take care of a few minor, mostly cosmetic issues before the bike is perfect, but at less than 9K mi on the odo today, I think I got quite a bike for $650!

10th Dec 2010, 14:22

Yeah well, bought this RF900 a year ago. I don't get the whining about the weight of this beauty: when you ride it, it feels like a 600 or less. The weight is a benefit: it uses its weight to 'dive' into the corner, but with a precise and 'being in touch' emotion. She's actually pretty slim when you're on her, rather a compact and confident feeling. A very satisfying feeling that is.

It has torque everywhere, anytime. Great all rounder, like mentioned before. Unlike the settings of the springs, the engine flexibility is extremely nice. Under like 5K or 6K rpm, it's a thrustgiving bike. Above that, well... you'll need a 700bhp+ car to get near her.

Guys, ride safe but fast. 'Cause thats what she wants. And when you hold the love for this lady, she'll pay you back! ;)

29th Dec 2010, 08:10

I just got a 94 RF900 (red 23k miles). It was crashed on its left side, & will need a tank, instrument cluster & main fairing (the one around the headlight.

I paid $500 US for it, & am looking forward getting her on the road.

I am used to 70's-80's liter bikes ie GSX1100E, GS1000 & FJ1100. When I went to move this thing the other day, I first had to move my 82 GSX1100e, which takes a pretty might effort to roll. I then went to move the RF, & nearly pushed it in the garage door & fell on my face.

Felt pretty light to me.

My GSX1100 has big bore kit, hot cams, & flatslides. With 160/60 16 tire on the back, it will spin in 3rd & lift the front end up with no clutch action, BUT the damn thing sucks up gas like it is free, & the intake & exhaust noise are deafening, and yes I wear earplugs.

I am looking forward to a fast, smooth, quiet & fuel efficient summer of riding.

I found someone on Craigslist with RF parts including a spare engine for $450 dropped to $300 & now at best offer. I will be going to see him next week, wish me luck.

RF owner club http://rfownersclub.co.uk/

RF 900 manual http://users.telenet.be/botjes_place/bike/Suzuki%20RF900R%20Service%20Manual.pdf

BTW, I had my 1100 out a few months ago & with my girlfriend on back, raced a 600 Kaw & 600 GSXR from 80mph roll, & completely destroyed them.

These clowns had color coordinated leathers that cost more than either of my bikes. I am 50 & my bike is 29, so needless to say many old guys on old bikes laughed like hell at these posers getting shellacked.

I go to a monthly motorcycle breakfast in Epherata, PA, & in all of 2010, I have the only 80's GSX1100 (GS in USA).

I have never seen a RF there either, so this will be a nice ride to show off also.

Have a great day all!

These rallies have literally thousands of bikes. Last one I was at, a guy had a Yamaha TZR 250. A grey market 250 2 stroke v-twin. You will see something you've never heard of at each event.

10th Jan 2011, 22:31

Hi gents,

I have just purchased a 1997 RF 900. It replaces a Honda 919 Fireblade, of similar vintage. This is a great bike, big backend not withstanding, visually not such a bad looking bike when you look at some of the Triumph Sport tourers, VFR's & even the Blackbird at first glance. Where she shines is the handling, I actually like it more than the Fireblade I had.

I am thinking of turning her into a custom street fighter, as you do not see many of those.

Does anyone know where I can pick up a turbo for an RF 900?

CHEERS.