I worked at a Honda dealership when the CBR900RR was on the market. Half of the ones we sold were crashed pulling out of the parking lot. I am not exaggerating.
If you get the chance to pick 1 up, do it. My 95 CBR is the most comfortable sport bike I have ever ridden. The only real issue these days is finding parts if you need them. The internet has made that a lot easier.
@@d.d.7287Yes exactly, Honda wanted to market the CBR as ‘fast as lightning’ but a mistranslation from Japanese ‘blade of fire’ got it the iconic nickname.
The sweet spot for me are the early -mid 2000s where you had bikes like the 1098 with modern power, brakes suspension and chassis but without all the nannies. Very much like cars too. Those 90s stretching into earlys 2000s are a much more enjoyable experience compared to hp war monsters. Imo anyways. If lap times actually matter for your purpose then of course the newer is generally gonna be quicker .
Although the video doesn't talk about the smaller, less powerful, and much cheaper motorcycles, I think the bikes such as the MT09, Z900, GSXS series, and such are also very enjoyable bikes. You get most of the great suspension (far superior than what was available in the early 1990's), all of the electronic aids (which you can choose to reduce or turn off), and fairly low insurance rates. I personally really like traction control; it's not something I generally need but about twice a year I'll run over white paint while leaned over, or maybe a loose reflector, and then it works amazingly well. Otherwise TC is not really noticeable.
i love my 04 636. its beautiful. definitely want a 05 zx10r in the future. i really note appealed to newer bikes, no history there. the 1098 also is chefs kiss
@@747simmer4 totally! I did mean to include most bikes of this vintage. Just used the 1098 as an example,since it's often brought up, even on this channel.
Nah mid 2000’s is peak super bike era. Right at that crossover when they start to look modern, producing modern-ish power, have modern design and features, but are still mostly or entirely analogue.
until the chinese invented tft screen for the panel. all the leading brands trashed their crappy outdated lcd screen then collab with chinese manufacturer to get ahead on the competetion.
I learned to ride on a 1980 GS1000S as my first motorcycle when I was 19. And survived so far... it had 90hp and cost 2000 euro at the time. In 2024 I bought a 1993 BMW R100GS with 60hp for 3000 euro. I'm very happy with it ❤
I have a lot of bikes but I tend to ride the older stuff more. The newer stuff feels so electronic, it's like riding a computer. Sure it's faster, but I can't ride that fast on the road anyway. My 1st gen R6 is all cables and carbs. It feels fast even when I'm going slow. I love that machine
I ordered a 95 cbr 900 rr and received it Nov 94... my 1st " new" vehicle. Could not be more pleased. Rode it from jersey to Florida multiple times. Even in one month. I now own a 2015 triumph 675 street triple R, and I would trade it straight up for a 96 cbr 900rr. (The larger front tire 1 yr later, ugh) would definitely be my "last" bike cuz I'm getting old and have not long in this riding game.... but the 900rr is def the one that fit me the best. So miss it....
i have a Suzuki GS 500F which has been built from 1976 till 2010 , it hasn't changed much the last few years, apart from an added oil cooler, and fairing's, apart from the GS5 00E ! While lesser known, it's still a timeless piece!
The formula that made 90s and early 2000's sport bikes so iconic was really not that complicated. Flashy, eye popping colorways with cool graphic designs. The glorious almost indy car like soundtrack of an inline 4. They were making race bikes into street bikes. Now they predominately design bikes around the needs of beginners rather than a race series. It may sell volume, and they may even be better on the street, but it will never evoke the emotion the products of that era did.
i have a ducati 748, i dont know if you got that in the us, its a 916 witch less cc and 98hp, and i love it. Powerwise nothing like the new ones but just lovely to ride it. Enough punch for the streets and the character of a old ducati. Only downside is every 10k km readjusting the desmovalves and thats pretty expensive
You’re entirely wrong about the gsxr valve timing being ‘outdated’. Most other modern superbikes don’t have any variable valves as electronically adjusting the valves in MotoGP is banned so road bikes must follow suit for homologation. Suzuki were one of the first to employ purely mechanical adjustment to get around this, it’s one of its major advantages over its competitors not a hindrance
The bikes from the 90s were the greatest because without the rider aids you felt completely connected to the bike at all times you were riding it i still own my 99 Kawasaki zx 1100 and i still love that bike
I came up in the 80s and 90s, owning several Kawasaki's during that era, mostly because they offered the highest H.P. for the times, on paper, at least. Modern bikes are far faster and overall superior, than then but for whatever reason, I miss those days? The bikes were beautiful and unique with a two stroke still available, the Yamaha RZ350. And even thinking about 200hp on a motorcycle, scares the crap out of me! lol Today, I own a Ducati Scrambler which I very much enjoy, as much as any I've owned in the past. It works well with my aged bones and fear of Death. Cheers!
Just going to state for the record I started riding in 1992 and I remember when the 900rr came out. Had two friends purchased them. My brother had a 1993 FZR 1000 and I can tell you hands down out of the hole and rolling the FZR1000 smashed the 900rr. Our friend Jay actually got beat like 4 times in a row, badly. Got off threw his helmet on the ground and was cussing up a storm. I remember the conversation verbatim. "All the magazines say this is the fastest bike I just don't get it!" To which my brother replied "Welcome to the real world where advertising dollars don't affect race results" LOL!
@@nonyabusiness4151compare bike accident statistics in the EU vs the US then try again💀 a teenager being given free reign to ride a 200hp crotch rocket with manual transmission after filling out some written test and going on a weekend of fucking around is a recipe for disaster, no wonder the US has such a high rate of bike accidents.
Im a young guy and i ride a 93 fireblade guys look at me like wtf?!? Idk if its because the bike is so old but usually the younger crowd usually laughs as they just see it as an old clapped out bike but i still love it its mine and i know what it is its a gem!!! and its taught me to be a good rider with no abs and no tc always in kill mode. I never get on it before i praying Because its always ready to rip. God bless everyone you all stay safe out there. 🤝🇺🇸
Fun history video. I do think the 90's-00's bikes are really more iconic then the newest ones with all the tech. Sure it may be safer but it also takes away some of the skill needed to ride them. I feel like the older ones are just more fun with way less restrictions. With computers etc helping out it comes down to being less intrusive and you rely on the tech still. Which with the numbers they make now is needed cause if there were none, only few could ride to the potential of the bikes.
As some one that doesnt give a shit about electronics, i will always go for the older bikes. Im also glad suzuki is still producing "bargain bin" bikes that arent all tech'd out.
I am on my first full season on my first bike (89 Virago 250cc) every time you mention a bike only having over 100hp I think of my bike having only in the neighbourhood of maybe 30. I can't imagine what over 100 would be like. That said, I am happy I started on such a small underpowered Yammerhammer.
Don't like it, I think it's overrated.. How is that the best looking motorcycle in the world to many people? The Rc45 and 92 fireblade looks alot more beautiful to me. Putting my bias aside.
Although the style of the 90s sportsbikes stands up well against modern designs, one thing we don't want to bring back from that era is the short-lived fad for 16 inch front wheels - horrible! 😱
This was a great topic I actually was hoping to see this considering I'm an old squid I truly appreciate and enjoyed watching this skit greetings from Lorain, Ohio , Frankie Roman
hi @Yammie, what do you think of St1300 vs FJR1300 battle? can't decide which one to buy. I am young but i like comfort but also to go fast sometimes. Thanks!
Great video. I have the 2023 Fireblade with full exhaust and tune along with a 2023 Ducati Streetfigher V4SP2. Both bikes are absolute god tier goats. The blade is fast on a whole other level, I can't really describe the way this bike feels other than it straight f*cks when you twist the throttle and the front end feel is truly god like.
I think modern bikes are much easier to drive for the less experienced drivers. It is way easier to be fast. But I feel the old bikes as an much more emotional experience to drive. younger guys will not understand, what I mean. I am in my 40´s. The rough feeling of an old gsxr 1100 with flatslides is unbeatable to me personel. It is like with modern cars. My golf 7r with 500hp runs flawlessly and perfect. But also boring after a short time. Its a driving computer. My older e36 euro m3 or my s4 b5 or rs4 b5 were from another planet, when it comes to driving pleasure. No matter the golf will outrun every mentioned car, performance wise. Just my two cents ;-)
I have a 1989 Yamaha FZR1000. I wanted one back in my 20's but couldn't afford the payment or the insurance so ended up with a FZ600. Fast forward to 2014 and found my FZR1000 with only 4000 miles on it and had just had a full service. A set of new tires and I was off. You mentioned the FZR was heavier than the Fireblade but the FZR had 24 more horsepower. The stock suspension is soft and the brakes could be better but it is dam fast even by todays standards.
I have owned a Ducati 996, a CBR954RR and I now have a Gixer K5 in the guise of a GSXS1000GT, I have no interest in paying double for all those tech bragging rights and about fxxk all usable performance increases. I keep looking for good 996 Monos in yellow - I should never have sold that bike, or the Blade tbh. Don’t cry for me though, I have a 2016 Speed Triple R and that is a thing of beauty. Under the skin. If you know, you know.
Didn't mention the Ninja ZX11 which was produced from 1989 to 2001 and was the fastest production bike until 1996 when the CBR1100XX was released. It was a bike I drooled over in the magazines when it first came out. Probably a good thing I was still in high school and couldn't afford it or I would probably not be writing this comment or any others.. LOL
Hey Yammie noob DUDE seen spy pictures of a 2025 Kawaski KZ 1300 cc In line 6 cyl , new style motorcycle, ie brakes, suspension , tires, etc, but classic round headlight (LED) now ,classic style gas tank, side covers etc!😀👌👍✌
I still have an old bike and a new bike. Newer bikes are faster, lighter, and more fuel efficient. Older bikes are nostalgic and savage. My 2015 750 is faster than my 1998 Ducati ST2 which has a 929cc motor. The older bike is v-twin with a dry, non slipper clutch. She's a wild bronco. My Gsx S750 is a rocket, and takes less work to control. Both are fun af. Neither has rider aids. I prefer the old analog bikes. I'm 45. You can feel and control the bike better. No traction control needed. If the tire slips, stop accelerating. Learn and trist you riders intuition.
Leaning my bike to the point you can start to feel the tyres slip but I am still left with an inch of chicken strips, how do I get rid of those? If I lean more when the bike feels like it's slipping is it going to take off under me or am I supposed to just go with the slip and lean more? @Yammie Noob
Old tech is appealing in a lot of ways. There is no other car like Ferrari F40, but truth to be told, modern tech is better. Its just the way it is. I am fresh to bikes but i am sure that modern bikes are way easier to ride both daily and on track and they are probably way more convinient. Progress works like that - the better replaces the outdated. I would love to ride F40 (or MacLaren F1, or 58 Mustang) but I not as an every day car, no way.
I mean he’s not wrong, the Gixxer is pretty much outclassed in tech and in racing. But for a trackday in the hands of a skilled rider, you can easily pass a worse rider on a more modern liter bike. Sometimes simplicity is good
@@pratmak how's it outclassed tech wise? It still has a six axis imu, anti wheelie, slide control, lean sensitivity abs, 10 levels of traction control, launch control, rider modes, it's ride by wire, and all of the systems work extremely well.
Hey , I would like to see a review on the Muhhalland 2 by livewire . It's a $16k bike but I think it may be the best electric motorcycle ever . & you make the best review videos ...maybe you could even give one away 😮 Thanks for the awesome vids !
In my opinion the modern superbikes have way to much power for the streets. They might be much safer and easyer to ride with the whole "electronic helpers". But everyone can bye one, and thats a problem!
Give me the basics Yammie... just like power windows vs crank windows... crank requires effort and a little bit of skill with simplicity... annnnnnd? Where's my R9 Yammie..?
Put a fast club/ pro am racer from the 1998-2007 time period on a 2024 whatever and they will be FAST. And bored. Put a fast club/ pro am racer that didn't start riding until these rider aids were available on 1998-2007 machinery and they will either be a lot slower, crash a lot, or both. I was a pretty fast pro am racer from 2000-2007. Lots of wins, seven championships and six outright 2 wheel lap records. I stopped riding all together in 2009. Didn't get back on a bike until 2023. Took a friend's Ducati V4 to a track day and was immediately up to speed. Within a 1sec of the lap record the first day. And it was boring it was so easy. Was it fun? Yes. Was it easy to be fast? Yes. Was it missing that special something? Absolutely. The nice thing is that was all I needed to know about any interest in getting back on the track full time. I wasn't. The magic wasn't there.
Only in the 1000cc class will you find a significant performance difference between modern vs old. I would not be surprised if a 20 year old CBR600 would smash a new RS660 in a drag race. Could buy like 3 of em for the same price too.
Imagine thinking old school sports bikes are still better than modern bikes. Just like people who complain about all these airbags and seatbelts in cars…
