Suzuki RF900R 1994-1999 - Riding Impressions, History, Specs

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 114

  • @Bud977
    @Bud977 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I own the most original RF900R in the world (big statement). Brand new condition with on 2km on the clock. '97 maroon coloured bike. What a machine. What a time warp.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on!

    • @russ3080
      @russ3080 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is awesome! Good for you, enjoy the fire out of it.

    • @Jamie0707
      @Jamie0707 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wow, that sounds really great! 👍

    • @fernardwicks1473
      @fernardwicks1473 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have a 97 900RF , 27000 miles on it. Basically destroyed 1100 motor with a 750 head on it

  • @nanorodri2894
    @nanorodri2894 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The RF Line is absolutely beautiful 💎

  • @russ3080
    @russ3080 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I like the looks of this bike. I am also older and do not push nearly as hard as I used to! I think I am going to keep my eye out for one. Thanks for the upload!👍

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on Russ, you're welcome.

    • @Errol.C-nz
      @Errol.C-nz ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Have caught my eye too as an exceptional priced I thought, collectable.. will have to seek one out for a test ride.. rf1100w.. engine swap maybe.. or just get the gsxr1100w.. seriously under valued here atm

    • @russ3080
      @russ3080 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Errol.C-nz I agree with every point you said!👍👍

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Errol.C-nz You would really have a sleeper if you did a Busa motor swap into the RF!

    • @Errol.C-nz
      @Errol.C-nz ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 looking into it further.. the rf engine is quite different to the gsxr1100w & wp engines.. its even quite different to the 750srad engine so.. i think its simply a budget model all round.. carbs/port angle are different on all 3 engines as is is the cylinder block castings.. back to plan A, a gsxr1100wp.. there are still near mint low miles ones for 1/3rd of the price of the last of the oil cooled 1100r .. its that lacking track racing heritage of the wp & rf that kills the collectables prices.. just nice to have a heritage, era bike without that cost.. that'll change with time Im expecting.. have 5 minis, same happened std vs gt's & coopers.. theure all silly prices now not the $200 i picked them up for.. mini gt was free!!

  • @steveneichele4662
    @steveneichele4662 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Jon, Thanks for posting! I believe this bike was promoted more and was more popular in Europe. Keep up the Great work.

  • @ChatBot1337
    @ChatBot1337 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Owned a 96 since new until I got out of riding. It was my first new bike and is still likely my favorite. Everyone I knew back then was riding cbr600's and it was great to eat their lunch.

  • @Jamie0707
    @Jamie0707 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I just really love the looks of this bike so much since back then in 90ies!
    That is the main reason why I finally bought one last year, in my favorite style (purple/yellow/grey living in Germany) with only 5000 miles (8000 km) on the clock.
    The RF was only built from 1994 until 1997. All bikes sold in later years were produced in 1997 and were sold off here in Germany even until the year 2000.
    The spec sheet here in Germany reads: 135 hp (at the crank) at 10000 and 100 Nm (73,6 ft/lbs) at 9000 with a top speed of 260 kmh (162 mph).
    One owner, I once read online, measured 129 hp at the crank on the dyno...so the 125 hp you state seems closer to the truth :)
    I really appeciated your analysis of the RF900R although I have to admit being a bit biased :)
    Your core critic point is in my view absolutely correct - the RF900R is to sporty (seat position, too hard suspension) to really back it up with the "too weak" motor - they should have made it more comfortable.
    I really like the turbine sound of the motor, but just as you said, it's really not very torquey in the lower revs, only starts really pulling strongly over 7000, and in addition only has a 5 speed gear box to make things even worse.
    I must admit, that I tend to overlook these clear weeknesses due to the looks of it that I just love so much, combined with the great condition my 1996 RF is still in.
    Just like you, I would sum it up as follows: It has a too sporty and uncomfortable ride for a not that hot of a motor.
    Never the less I love it and wouldn't swap it for any new bike, crazy but I just can't help it :)
    PS: I reached a top speed (on the speedometer) of 275 kmh (171 mph) on the vastly "no speeed limit" German Autobahn - the true GPS speed is probably 10 mph less I would reckon.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very cool! I also like the purple/yellow/gray color scheme the best. It sounds like you got a really nice RF. Enjoy!

  • @PatrickMichael2002
    @PatrickMichael2002 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a 1997 RF900R-V. One of the coolest bikes ever made. Love it.

  • @garyfowles648
    @garyfowles648 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loved my RF, bought a 96 Fireblade after 6 years off bikes. After 2 years sold it and bought a 94 RF9 and far preferred it infact one of the best all round bikes I ever owned.

  • @stevelehel3625
    @stevelehel3625 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Picked one up about a year and a half ago, got it in my project pile for now. Looking forward to rolling on it! Looks identical to the one in your video, 95 RF 900 R.

  • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
    @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks to those of you who corrected mistakes made in my first release of this video - I hope this release is more accurate in the "Specs" section!

  • @andrewrobinson8447
    @andrewrobinson8447 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have a red one and I love it! Fully agree with the reliability and the average build quality. It was the design and looks that failed to push most people's buttons. That's why it wasn't as successful as it could of been.

  • @turboboy0
    @turboboy0 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    bought my rf900r new in 94 after owning a gs500e, katana600, gsxr750 and loved it. i especially loved the linear powerband. my only gripe with it was i ALWAYS was looking for 6th gear. mine was black with the blue/purple flake in the paint and purple wheels. ive owned many more bikes since but still miss the rf. currently riding a 19 zx14r and love it.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Very cool! It sounds like you've had a lot of great bikes over the years. I completely understand about the missing 6th gear. Same with the GSX-R1100 of the time. Cheers!

    • @jaredrose2834
      @jaredrose2834 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I shift for 6th always 😂 and everytime disappointed it’s not there

  • @avim4896
    @avim4896 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    For a carbureted bike, it produced some insane power.

  • @MichaelZZRrider
    @MichaelZZRrider ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I think there is a difference in markets here. In Europe the RF was quite common and was looked at as a fast machine. The bike you call a Katana was not considered a great bike at all, at least not in my circle of friends. The reviews of the RF on MCN etc are very good and it has a very loyal following.I recently saw an RF here in the Philippines in great condition and it brought a smile to my face watching it tear down the road.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      You might be right. The RF line didn't get too much respect on this side of the pond. At the time I owned this one, I also had a 1997 ZX-9R in the garage. Motor-wise, the RF felt like a 750 in comparison, and component-wise it wasn't in the same class as the ZX-9R. The supersport market here demands performance. Here, these bikes are toys or status symbols, not everyday drivers used as real transport (as in Europe). The RF was a good bike (and cheaper than the competition), but not a great supersport or sport-tourer. Just my thoughts. Cheers!

    • @Liqudstormz
      @Liqudstormz ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 i just got an rf600 i got it for 540 it ran on 3 cylinders all way home 500miles didn't complain since fixed the issue but starts every time even when was -5c out side

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Liqudstormz Nice! It sounds like you got a good deal. Cheers!

  • @vintagebikes4215
    @vintagebikes4215 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    helpful, straightforward review. thanks.

  • @Morrismarina
    @Morrismarina ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've owned a 95 version, the same as this, since 1997 and it's still such a great bike there has simply been nothing along since that I'd ever want to change it for. In 1998 I rode it to Germany with a friend with a GSX750 (the version referred to in the US as a Katana, but which us Brits nicknamed 'the teapot' on account of its unflattering styling) and the guy must've been impressed because one of the first things he did on our return was to sell the 750 and buy an RF! I'm therefore a little surprised how you seem to regard the GSX as 'a success' on the basis it did all that was expected of it, and suggest that the RF failed because you don't believe it did. In one way, perhaps, you're right: the RF900 *didn't* fulfil its expectations. It far exceeded them.
    I think also, rather than making limited comparisons of the RF against 'bike a' or 'bike b' it's worth considering the bigger picture and remembering that the 1990s were a whole different time. The RF series was born with the 600 in 93, with the 900 following a year later. Back then, Suzuki (more than most) seemed keen to fill any gap in the middleweight market they could find. For supersports they had the GSX-R600, they had the GSX Katana as the budget model, and by 1996 they were also launching into the new 'budget but with attitude' class with the Bandit. Before long they would also offer a V-twin with the SV, and not just one but two versions of their DR650 dualsport. As for where the RF fitted in, I'm pretty sure the first one along, the 600, was intended to undercut the Honda CBR ... and that, when the 900 arrived, it was, er, intended to undercut the Honda CBR, which is to say offer Fireblade performance at a *much more* affordable price. By the end of the decade, however, it was a pretty crowded market and unfortunately some things had to give. It's a reasonable bet, though, that Suzuki knew what they were doing when they discontinued the RF, in 1999: they would already have had its replacement up their sleeve, and that was to be the Hayabusa.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The RF certainly wasn't a bad bike. It just wasn't an outstanding performer (Hayabusa/GSX-R1000) or a sales success (Katana/SV650). I feel it's a bit of a stretch to say the Hayabusa was the intended replacement for the RF. These two bikes had completely different design criteria. One was designed to be the cheapest-in-class, the other designed to be the best-in-class.

  • @goureshk
    @goureshk ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i had a honda cb500 and when that was written off, i was looking for another bike and this one popped up on one of the sites. i just fell in love with the design, its muscular and a very very good looking bike and went and purchased it. i have the same purple / silver colour 1. its unfortunate that bikes are not designed like this any more.

  • @kikobarros76
    @kikobarros76 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I Had a Purple 94. I rode some 30K on it. In 1997 new years eve I went fro São Paulo Brazi to Buenos aires Argentina in the fast cruising bike. i am not a tall person , so I fitted well an foud it quit comfortable. Becaus of this bike, i became a mania in log travels... trough the Andes. If anyone wishes I have my own blog of rinding in the Andes Mountaisn. Thanks a lot for you video!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You're welcome, Kiko. Wow, that sounds awesome! I'm sure riding in the Andes is truly amazing! Cheers

    • @kikobarros76
      @kikobarros76 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Jon!! Now YOu can say you have a friend in Brazil! This is my blog! hope you enjoy reading it!! Best regards!!!!@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

  • @andrewwilson9982
    @andrewwilson9982 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Loved my RF was a brilliant bike in my opinion. Wish I still had one.AW

  • @MrLeo3D
    @MrLeo3D 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Being an owner of a K4 Bandit 1200, I see many resemblances here like foot pegs, rear caliper under the disc, fuel tank styling, exhaust, front forks etc. Seem like Suzuki remained obsessed with the GSXR 1100 for a long time.

  • @GPR111
    @GPR111 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of the few bikes I still fancy as a modern classic occasional ride. Here in UK I seem to recall they were fairly well received.... but its quite a long time ago 😮 Cant remember when I last saw one on the road, most of them in heaven now I guess 😢 I too had a zx9r, an early b1..... total rocketship and comfortable but the b1 was notorious for bad handling and I'm sorry to say it was true (sorted on b2 models with shock linkage modification by Kawasaki). Still regularly look for RF900 in the adverts...... its only a matter of time 🙂 Bikes like this in the 90s were actually quite a step up from 80s bikes with their weedy brakes and tyre sizes.... The Katana, gsx600 and 750f bikes were viewed as budget commuter workhorses with jelly mould styling and a bit ugly but reliable road bikes.... I think the RF possibly has a more desirable status these days than the katana "teapots" ( look at one side on and see why 😂😂)

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Great comments! The RF900 did better in the UK, where people actually ride their bikes as transportation. They're still a great ride (much better than the Katana they were meant to replace in every way). Good luck in your search! Cheers

  • @gyltnes
    @gyltnes 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My second bike. '99 rf900r love it❤️

  • @leipo222
    @leipo222 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    got mine dyno benched it still delivers its 125 hp that after 29 years and 58k on the clock

  • @ivantrajkovic9388
    @ivantrajkovic9388 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My 2nd bike was a 1994 RF900 I bought new and kept until 2018, when I bought a new ZX14 for touring. I loved that RF. Sold it to someone who was recently divorced. The ex-wife made him sell his RF900 when they got married so he wanted another when he got divorced. It went to a good home. When I close my eyes and remember riding it, I can still hear that hard clunk of 2nd gear. 😢

  • @psychotrucker9880
    @psychotrucker9880 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I bought the same limited edition color brand new in 1995. The only two things I didn't like about it was the big tail lights and it needed a extra gear for top end. I cut the rear lower mud guard to make it look better and repositioned the license plate. Really made a difference in looks. I also put a slip on exhaust. However, I always beat myself up for not buying the ZX11 sitting next to it instead.

  • @alessandrocerioli2151
    @alessandrocerioli2151 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    8 had a RF900 in the early 2000s,first version with non adjustable suspensions. I was looking for a 600 or a GSXR750 but that one was sold for 1000 euros or so. It was bland, heavy, good just for highwat speed. At 160 kph it felt like you were walking. Forgottable and forgotten.

  • @user-ovsan007
    @user-ovsan007 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Rf 😍💥💯💯

  • @kevinx9225
    @kevinx9225 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had one 2004 or 05. I liked it. It was sandwiched between owning CBR 900s. For day to day the RF was a better bike. I don't agree about the low down power. This was the easiest bike to power wheelie in first gear. The draw back was a buzzy clip-on that numbed your hands. But over all a smooth enough bike to pass a CHP at 120 on the 101. I didn't notice until I saw the cop but he didn't do anything!
    I got drawn in by the CBR 900s rep and a great deal on the last one, but just never fell in love with them. The older me would have kept the Suzuki.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice, it's great when you find a bike that you really like. I had a ZX-9R at the same time as the RF900. As good as the RF was, the ZX-9R made it feel like a 750. I sold the ZX-9R because I simply couldn't be good on it. Cheers!

    • @kevinx9225
      @kevinx9225 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I had a 91 GSXR 750. Once I was in the draft of a ZX9R like you had pictured. We were on the frwy. My tach was buried in the red and showing 165mph. Whatever speed it really was, that was all ZX9.
      Young and dumb, but I still remember it.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@kevinx9225 Right on, Kevin! I'm just glad we survived those days. Cheers!

  • @twowheeltj9857
    @twowheeltj9857 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    the 5-speed was the let down for me.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      For sure (as on the GSX-R1100). Especially when the competition had six-speeds!

    • @mickybolleck3721
      @mickybolleck3721 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ok and for what reason you need 6 ? Yesterday i run on mine at 240 kp/h and it stays under 9000 rpm on german highway . even on max speed it´s not even close to redline.

  • @richardrichard5409
    @richardrichard5409 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hang on these are air cooled with much hyped oil cooling....piston inners being spray fed, very common any way.😎
    Cracking bikes, I still own one in the same colours.

  • @geralddejong2031
    @geralddejong2031 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Had a RF900 for 23 years . Sold it to buy a Kawasaki Z900rs for my retirement at 65 .

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Very cool! Did you see my recent review of the Z900RS? th-cam.com/video/fqHIEPcmMsk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=MYe6oDRVmKkGxalY

  • @EBKBooka_RM3L
    @EBKBooka_RM3L 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    My Mom Just Gave Me Her 94 Rf600r As A Gift For My First Bike Im 24 && Just Got Into The Bike Scene Not Too Long Ago Im Hype

  • @blipco5
    @blipco5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Looking at your RF nostalgiacly, it was beautiful. 👍
    With the exception of the circa 1981 model, it hurts my eyes to even look at a Katana. They are rounded and bulbous ugly with holes.

  • @mrAq_pA
    @mrAq_pA ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Version 2.0 :) :)

  • @SusanWillan
    @SusanWillan 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Iv owned a few 900s over the years GPZ900 87 XJ 900 87 and the Manta ray 900 green and gold all great bikes and very different the Kawasaki 900 would have to handle the best

  • @Snezila02
    @Snezila02 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I own one, it is my furst bike and because i am tall, riding it medium comfortable, something between ridibg true sport bike and street

  • @volrising6984
    @volrising6984 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I miss my rf had a lot done to it. I had the purple silver scheme. Freaking brother screwed me out of it by lying to me.

  • @beatersnbeers2145
    @beatersnbeers2145 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    They should have just kept the 1100 crank pistons and cylinders and the rf would have been a better bike than the gsxr 1100.

  • @bilbobaggins4366
    @bilbobaggins4366 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    900cc with 125bhp is not a slouch
    Will it fit in a kangoo 😅

  • @karlvanboxel561
    @karlvanboxel561 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like the styling and reliability 125 hp is prob enough for most the rear tail light gets the thumbs down from m me tho

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on Karl!

    • @mickybolleck3721
      @mickybolleck3721 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      These only 125 bhp easily keep up with many modern 1000 cc bikes and runs mor than 280 kp/h not bad for such an old bike. For the rear lights it's called starship enterprise here in Germany and it feels on highway like on warpspeed 😁. It handles much better than other 900 and also 600 ccm bikes of that period. I love mine .

  • @craigberinato9226
    @craigberinato9226 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Stop trashing my bike just got the green and black low mileage seems to be very good bike for older people like that can still play but don’t hurt them self

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not trashing it at all. As I stated in the video, it was easier and less intimidating to ride than my ZX-9R. Sounds like you got a nice one. I hope you enjoy it! 😉

  • @mrAq_pA
    @mrAq_pA ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Of course since this was not selling good ... now it is more rare to find :) so still does OK on the market ! :) 400 verison was for the JAP market ... but as usual made it to the US , EUR too.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Right on! The RF900Rs are certainly rare in my area - especially clean ones. And parts availability may be a concern if looking to pick one up.

    • @mrAq_pA
      @mrAq_pA ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 the intenal parts are not too dificult to get...plastic parts are more demanding task

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mrAq_pA I would imagine.

    • @Errol.C-nz
      @Errol.C-nz ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 it's a funny world.. quite a few around this part of the globe & cheap too

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @Errol Churton If you can pick a nice one up cheap, give it a go. I had mine when it was close to new. I would recommend checking out an RF forum to see if there are trouble spots to look out for prior to purchase. Good luck!