Test Riding my CBR954RR (Was I wrong about this bike?)

[@SystemAdministrator1]

Can't judge a bike on old and worn tires Suspension set up, gearing and comfort Then one can get a better feel for what the bike has to offer I'll never sell mine, best looking, SMOOTHEST, great brakes, big trunk, power everywhere 👌🏽

[@JosèPabloSanchèz2004]

Also low psi in the tires makes any sports bike handle like a lazy pig.. Hero admitted not checking the psi before doing this "review" which is disappointing. 954 is renound for its handling abilities

[@YoungMulahBB]

My 03 954rr is my favorite bike by far. I much prefer to ride it over my R6. Comfortable, fast af, buttery smooth. Surprised to hear that yours doesn't shift smoothy. My 954rr is like glass between the gears, barley loose any RPM and no studder. Compared to my R6 which to me is much more clunky and hard to rev match. I agree the throttle response on the 929 and 954 is so sensitive and snappy. My R6 has the electronic type throttle and the honda's feel far superior. I'll never sell my 954rr!

[@SystemAdministrator1]

Same here, will never sell Smoothest bike ever and I've owned many sportbikes Needs a bit of set up work and personalization, but you truly have a gem once you got it all dialed in

[@internalprimate75]

I've owned a 954 since 2007. I got to agree that it feels a bit clunky to shift. I noticed it and did some research to find that the bikes are kinda known for it. Also, I thought the bike ran almost too hot for the California heat. Then I read an article years ago, randomly, which was probably an advertisement, but anyway it was about how AMSOIL solved both of these issues for this guy with a 954. I just thought it was too much of a coincidence to not give it a try, and sure enough it helped with both the overheating and shifting. Now it's all I run!

[@stanbarrington]

Try Phoenix in 115deg! I have to agree after changing the Amsoil with Shell Rotella oil,the frame gets hotter near my thighs.@@internalprimate75

[@slick_flawlessbikerz]

I also have a 03 and absolutely love it. Just about time to give it a re fresh

[@willwilder5269]

Just got a very clean 03 954 and ironically had an easier time rev matching my 04 r6 than this bike. Still new to me though 😂

[@rogermty1971]

My vote is to keep the bike and put the stock seat and new tires. So we all can see how much it changes.

[@jasonsheridan7715]

I had two 954s myself with the first a better handling bike than the second.changed the wheel bearing and tyres.made a big difference.my best bikes I ever owned.love the collection.btw

[@chas106g.6]

954 is a beast of a bike! I had one and it was great, but I have moved past that stage. What a great machine though!

[@Jorduan100]

Its great to see this back on the road, its a lovely bike.

[@Captndarty]

More powerful than your previous 954 with a speedometer that you feel could be indicating faster? Sounds like they might’ve dropped a tooth in the front.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@HeroRR]

Absolutely... I checked it out and it has a 15T front sprocket. I ordered a 16T, for a bike as twitchy as a 954 I don't see the benefit to more aggressive gearing.

[@Captndarty]

@@HeroRR I knocked a tooth off the front of my 05 ZX10R. 100 in 1st gear is too tall and it helped increase the low and mid acceleration. Never felt too twitchy to me.

[@warrensmith792]

@@Captndarty same with my 05 blade. Everyone complained gears were too long and Honda dropped a tooth or so in the next gen themselves.

[@nilbenetes]

@@warrensmith792 i have the 05 i think iam going for a 520 chain kit to recuce weight and friction, get better fuel milege and better power over all the rev range, i just bought a pcv for it and iam going for a lean mixture in 6th gear btw 3,5 to 4,5 so i can go on long trips refueling less and saving money

[@warrensmith792]

@@nilbenetes that's a lot of prep but I can see your reasoning lol. If you dont have any sort of aftermarket seat, I recommend these kick ass wooden beads that are only like 20 bucks. That and clip ons would make mine long distance enough for me.

[@mightyhavan]

I dont know when did i find your channel but i am sure when i was a boy riding a scooter until now with a cbr650r. Still inspiring me man!!!

[@Bucky916]

I purchased an 03 a year ago from a friend that was essentially dying in his side yard. Had been sitting outside for 5years under a tarp. I have since brought her back to life! New tires All fluids, radiator, battery, tires, Chain and sprockets, and changed the upper tripple to the LSL off raod/old man kit ( pretty much Dirt bike bars ). Made the bike fun to ride (not that it wasn't before) for me, as I own a 13 zx10r for the track I wanted something a bit different for the street and didnt want to pay 12k for a Tuono !

[@vytas5584]

I recently got a 954 with 7000km on it. I spent a few hundred restoring it. So far I have ridden about 4 hrs on it. I put a new set of tyres on it, then the rear tyre immediately got punctured and I had to buy another. I have de-rusted the tank (it was stopping), rebuilt the fuel pump, cleaned the injectors, replaced the spark plugs, then replaced all the injector o-rings (because they then tore and leaked), unblocked all the vent hoses, was running again then the fan stopped working and the odo reset itself to ZERO. Took it to a bike restorer, the fan worked for them but then the speedo stopped and they said they had no clue how to fix the odo. I then noticed the new front tyre was leaking air too so new front tyre needed (I hadn't even ridden it anywhere on that tyre). I have no love left for it, it's cursed. It is worse than your one. I decided to will sell it. It wasn't meant to be.

[@camarov5456]

Sometimes it’s just not meant to be. Hopefully it will be for me i’m looking at an 02 soon

[@tanjudermanl9111]

Try the stock seat, it lowers your back as it should be. New soft tires like Bridgestone S22 Battlax or Diablo Rosso III will change everything on corners, and of course, some proper tuning on the front and rear suspensions will do wonders, like on my '00 model 929 RR. I would only sell my 929 for a 07 1100 XX Blackbird. Have a good ride bro, thx so much for this awesome video, the sound of a good 954 is music to my ears.

[@akalauerbach9705]

S22 best choice

[@larryb2967]

I'm 54 and I got a 07 cbr1000rr with a Corbin seat and it definitely puts more pressure on your wrist. Tires wise, get yourself a set of Perelli Diablo Rosso 3 and a Healtech Speedo Healer. It loves to corner. To top it off, get a Translogic Intellishift Quickshifter, just to have fun, when you want to go play.

[@genegonzalez4713]

My Friend I own a 2003 954RR and I would never change it for any other bike. I also have a 2004 GSXR1000 Mat Mladin Suzuki. The cunk you hear on you CBR 954RR are your rubber Grummets located in the hub of your Rim where the rear sprocket goes into. Those rubber Grummets wear out and you just need to replace them with OEM parts and you're good to go

[@progste]

6:40 mst likely squared tires (from going straight too much or from staying parked too long), I would get rid of them.

[@jacquesduplessis6310]

My thoughts exactly.

[@shadetreeracer3715]

Definitely top 5 favorite bikes looking for one now in my opinion one of the best ever

[@Mike.Mendes]

I put shorter gearing on my 929 and the bike feels different! In a good way! Speedometer is 10 to 17% higher. Great video again, hope you keep this motorcycle.

[@suddendilemma5137]

Speedohealer is your friend when re-gearing. Plug and play.

[@samanderson5611]

How old are the tires? I bought my 954 2 years ago and the guy was riding it with 12 year old tires. Told me had a couple spares and they were 18 years old! Time for new tires for sure.

[@terragaia7092]

That seems to me it's either you got a cheap rider or a lucky hit on a garage queen.

[@mat199622]

I had amost the same when i bought my GS500. The tires were like 10 years old. The girl i bought it from got a cbf600 and guess what, the tires she had there were already at 5 years. She just didn't check.

[@rich99cobra]

I actually added a Corbin seat to my honda cbr4i and the seat was crap ( stock) before the Corbin seat. I had more cushions added to my Corbin seat when I ordered my Corbin for the honda cbr4i. Another issue I had was heat coming from the side panels seat ( there is plastic there) which heated up my legs. I was glad to get rid of it because of the heat from the seat and uncomfortable riding because of the seat. If you look closely at picture one the Honda seat ( 954 and f4i 2000 model) the seat is more like a pan, and the Suzuki GSX-R has a more curved seat. I love the Suzuki GSX-R is more comfortable than the honda. Makes a difference, if I am hurting I don't want to ride and it takes the fun out of riding

[@tgoodman3282]

I had a corbin seat on my cbr600 f4i when I brought it and I felt it was not for me. Went back to the stock seat and felt way more conected with the bike and I could flat foot the bike. So bonus.

[@knmo3050]

I bought a 954, 1 year ago (Portugal) completely stock (7000km), original tires wich I switched directely for new diabolo rosso III tires (think fits best to this bike)... drove many bikes (and still have)...and in my humbly opinion, this bike shifts, maybe, yes, a bit clunky..., but the way the bike handles and perform (like a razor blade)... without any fancy electronics interfering, makes it my favorite bike, period.

[@knmo3050]

One word... PURE.

[@joetrosclair8434]

Still in love with my 954.

[@Mike.Mendes]

Also, I put Pireli rosso 3 and the bike feels great. Am thinking about switching to Brigestone batlax because I haven't done as much track as I wanted.

[@jamesipock3669]

Had a titanium 03 for a few years. Nasty, dangerous, old school with no electronic traction controls. Never really had to get out of 3rd on the backroads.

[@sportbikemike]

Honda's are awesome.. I love mine rc51.. and love mine 98cbr 900..had to sell the 900..I wish I could have recorded then so I could remember how good it was.. great content man I've been a subscriber for years

[@eksaton]

Totally respect for the track part. I sold '09 R1 CP4 to buy 954RR from the first owner, I'd still choose 600 for a track. Hands down.

[@03rrrider64]

Change rubber give her a second chance

[@mikegitschier9684]

It is the Corbin seat but it's because that seat has a dip in it and makes the pegs feel higher I had to order stock seat from ebay and that solved the issue for me

[@HeroRR]

I ordered a stock seat as well, no more corbin for me!!

[@SystemAdministrator1]

@@HeroRR I put a carbon fiber, vinyl Sargeant seat on mine... it's like a comfy couch now and keeps me planted vs the stock slip n slide, brick... looks great too, I fully recommend it 👍🏼

[@tomcr1125]

Hey mate. You are the 954 man for me👍. I put my cbr 954 25mm higher at the back and had the originals seat cushioned by 1cm. Perfect for me. 🖐️

[@FirebladeRider]

buy a racetorx gear shift support night an day! my 954 has almost 40k shifts like butter with the gear shaft support. and corbin seat sucks i had one stock seats more comfortable.

[@HeroRR]

Those work well, maybe my RC51 one will be compatible.

[@FirebladeRider]

@@HeroRR yes it will! Racetorx website says it’s compatible

[@4stroke-r6]

Hey is this a reupload? Well, I have a a 2003 954 in grey and I love it. Traded my Vulcan 900 classic of a beater. Changed all the fluids, tail tidy, and some new turn signals. Put new road 5s on and it's a looker! Probably the only thing I don't like on it is the gearing. They lowered the front and bigger rear sprockets by a bunch. 70mph is 83mph on the odo. Just did a track day and this bike is still great with road 5s. Enjoy!!

[@evangelist6277]

Great bike I had the 919, only thing I changed was the front wheel from 16" to 17

[@johnjones4096]

The man that used to design the fireblade said this one was his favorite out of all of them

[@uptownsamcv]

Nothing like the feel of a 954. I remember my brother's being real light and having real good low end power.

[@progste]

You were just super lucky with the previous one because the big brains who worked on it before didn't catch that small issue, having to spend some money on 20 year old bike is the more common experience =P Still, nice to see you got a working 954 again, it's a bike I really like!

[@MalShakur]

They were solid bikes back in the day. If that example is clapped out....well it's just that. They were solid...this coming from someone who hates CBRs but still gives respect where it's due. They weren't the fastest, (remember there was a certain GSX-R of that era) but the 954s damn sure were solid, handled well, and were arguably easier to ride than the competition.

[@xziang]

Need to put a steering stabilizer in it!! Best and only mod I have done on mine.

[@barryvercueil2346]

Incredible bike. I have a 2006 Fireblade and I'm never selling it. Enjoy and stay safe.

[@ukrolla4710]

agree with new tires and would also check suspension whether or not the previous owner adjusted preload rebound spring rate etc if so return to stock specs and go from there

[@moreclips805]

Love Honda’s from the early 2000s

[@iain6882]

My Blackbird came with a Corbin Gunslinger and it was garbage. I've done two Iron Butt rides since and swapped an OEM seat with an airhawk cushion. It's hard to improve on most Honda OEM seats. Given the age, I'd suggest that it might also be time to rebuild the forks and rear shock if not already done.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Cool bike. Needs tires, semi or full synthetic oil, and a Mean City Cycles tuned seat. Not a Corbin fan myself. I would find a stock pan and send it to MCC.

[@kmfiz]

Traded in my Harley for a 2020 KTM Super Duke R. That bike is something else. Checks off a lot of boxes for me. Sorry to say, but my 954 is also on the selling block…never thought I’d sell it. Of all the full on sport bikes I’ve owned, the 954 was the best.

[@chrisk2729]

kmfiz Do you have an ad for the 954?

[@chrisk2729]

kmfiz

[@kmfiz]

@@chrisk2729 No, it’s in my buddy’s shop getting routine maintenance, oil change and brakes and a look over. It’s on consignment there too.

[@kmfiz]

@@chrisk2729 Hi Chris, are you interested in my 954? I can send pics/details.

[@chrisk2729]

kmfiz can you email details and pics?

[@BladeReap3r]

IMHO I wouldn't mix and match tire models, let alone different brands on any bike especially a sport bike. I run Michelin Pilot Power 2CT tires on my '02 954RR Fireblade and corrected tire pressures 34psi front and 36psi rear. I'd suggest if you haven't yet, to check your front and rear shock setting, I started by setting at the factory oem settings and go from there. You have preload, rebound & compression adjustments front and aft on the suspension. Best Regards mate. PS: If it was me I'd change out that seat and give your hands and wrists a break. My stock factory seat does me fine, albeit 2 to 3 hours ride time is the high end of seat time for me mostly.

[@chrisdadigger1018]

From my experience the older bikes are faster than the modern ones. For instance the old 90s cb500 is nearly 60 hp when the modern one is only 47 hp. Thanks to emissions regulations smothering modern bikes

[@49watersleeps]

Love your channel. The input helped alot buying the rc51.

[@ColeTheKinemasterFan]

Can't believe I haven't seen you out there, im on the all black concours, usually without bags, those are the best roads around

[@keepthezen4256]

Roughly 80 torks at 9,000 rpm vs same year 600rr with 45 torks at 11,000 rpm. Most new liter bikes are about 85 lb-ft so she holds up just fine.

[@somborn]

8:40 check suspension and try different tires. Makes a different like day and night.

[@nealtoner7875]

Hero outside of stunt bikes is the only sportbike fanboy i watch (not a crotch rocket fan) but i always enjoy your vids. entertaining and informative. much love from yorkshire

[@HeroRR]

I appreciate ya! Thanks :)

[@SkyESO]

Corbin are really good seat but they just don't work well with the CBRs. Honda designed that seat to be super slim for a reason imo. Honda doesn't really make mistakes on R&D in my experience.

[@chriskillett8885]

The problem is the rear spring is too hard and the shock is budget.

[@RetroSuperbikes]

Love my 954. I rode a 92 the other day, just about to drop a review on it.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

Maybe some taller clip-ons will change the ergos and make the bike more comfortable. That was one of my main reasons for never doing aftermarket seats on any of my sport bikes.

[@lesbear9828]

Just keep it fix and make it and make it run great again. I want to see more vids of you with that bike

[@ryanshowers27]

Compare the rc51 to it, would be a cool video.

[@NudaMan]

Oh boy! Blasts from the past 🥲

[@garystratton4125]

Proper air pressure in tires is important enough to check often.

[@michae99able]

The engine sounds so sweet.

[@DanDude2905]

Have you thought about fitting a steering damper? I've got one on mine and a lot of people say it's a must have.

[@AccountTake3]

Had that clunk in my tires (turned out to be 10 years old), some fresh ones solved the problem

[@GuyX2013]

Bro your talking me into getting a bike 😂

[@rockridgetech]

Maybe change the Corbin seat out with an OEM?

[@rt2255]

One of the best open bikes ever. Weight hp handling it was perfect size and balance

[@robin-fm3tz]

Herorr = instant like

[@woooster17]

You have some lovely roads..🤗

[@riderzinc]

The only thing i hate about my 954 is how clunky the gearbox is, I bought a Gilles gear shift support which gave it way better feel but still clunky. Up higher in the rpm it's fine just slowly speed shifting sucks

[@Neils400]

check the tyre pressure? Also headstock bearings

[@cwojcortiz]

I’m thinking about getting a 2003 954. How are the availability of parts nowadays?

[@antoine019]

Congratulations tomake it work again ! I looked at previous video, it was not a gift to work on. I am an early subscriber and I love your posts. And because of your ability to mechanic, I guess you could help me: my 954 is hot, I mean the engine is at a regular temp but the rear tank and the front seat (you know, all the region for thigs, butt and nuts) is HOT; Where could it come from ? Have you got this experience ? If you can give me a tip, warmly welcome ! Anyway all the best for you and your channel

[@drasticthompson1995]

You always keep it real Bruddah 💯!

[@cgrobe21]

What's a good reasonable price for a bike this clean. Looking at the same exact one. Exact same design and everything. 18k miles. Wants 6500. Is that fair? I'm thinking 4200. Is it worth it

[@bedinh09]

Any tips please, my cbr954rr won't start after 3 months sitting on shipping. Battery is not the issue. When I turn on the kill switch, it makes constant hair clipper buzzing noise. And the dash goes out. And it won't start. Please any answers might help. Thank you.

[@Mrfixit1099]

With a little fixing up, this bike would be great! This is a must have!

[@hxoridius3304]

Great outro mind you..awesome band!

[@jessemahan9988]

So I regret everyday selling my 03 . Full acropovic titanium exhaust scott’s dampener vortex rear sets . Power commander motor ice for the heat . Pvm magnesium rims(2k) and Michelin pilot powers . Had it under 350 lbs . I miss my baby

[@bawkbawk7243]

I've got mine down around 350 lbs and whew... You know it whenever you're on the throttle!

[@kevtrevtuff11]

So funny I just went through everything your saying with my 2013 1000rr. The lower back thing is age I think. I had to replace some fairings on mine and now Im in it about $3000 more than its worth but thats ok it looks new now. Glad to hear this situation doesnt just happen to me haa. Beautiful Bike bro.

[@Mrmarginofsafety]

Use Motul 7100 with Ester, smoothed my Blackbird shifting to perfect from clunky

[@ryanshowers27]

I had a 929 and I actually find my rc51 more comfy idk if its my body type but do you like the 954 over the rc51?

[@HeroRR]

Two completely different bikes. I’d have to try them back to back but the RC definitely sounds a lot better. The 954 is much faster tho

[@gsxrpat6147]

A 1000 sure takes alot to throw around, makes me sweat waterfalls after an adventurous trip

[@954bill]

It's a keeper.

[@rosensiii9117]

Just got my 954rr yesterday. Only 8500miles Lol

[@woooster17]

My smallest bike is a ‘98 GSXR750 SRAD, and even that has more performance than my brain can handle 😄

[@hyp3_d138]

Love ur videos im currently rebuilding a wrecked 954 (u have my dream bike)and would love any help I could get

[@HeroRR]

Sure DM me on IG I’ll help however I can. Good luck!

[@lennsalientes6425]

you mentioned you feel it runs hotter than your other bikes... what's your reading at?

[@benn1181]

Looks like it achieved lime status

[@thatoneguy985]

Its gotta be tires. My buddy tried to race me on his aprilia tuono 1000 up the canyon, he saw nothing but my 954s tail

[@pedrorezende4873]

ofc is way more powerfull than modern 600cc, it has over 30 hp

[@losteroni]

You can download an app for your phone ( I have Speedbot ) but there are others and it gives you a GPS speedometer . You can then Mount the phone next to your speedometer and see how accurate your speedometer is . Mine was 10% faster so If it says 100 you know you're doing 90 .

[@TheLifeinDenver]

Twisties ? Where were they ? :) Come ride with us in So Cal

[@babayega_]

Him: "now it's time to give it the maiden voyage.... It's first ride". Me: wow so you rebuilt the bike in a cemetery?

[@eaglescout5816]

This bike compared to the last or another could simply be how the previous owner riding style was.

[@azrilsaad2873]

If u can only own just 1 bike to do all ride , between VFR800 6thGen & Cbr954.. which one you keep?

[@Jimmy_TV]

Ain't no lemon, it's a man-go

[@darionrobinson7015]

Hey, where did you get the gear indicator?

[@beardedopinions2255]

just got one scares the hell outta me i am also from mass

[@bikesnbiceps809]

What temps is your 954rr running at? Mine runs high around 180 to 200 riding and up to 230 sitting

[@bawkbawk7243]

Mine rides at 181 has since the day I pulled off the showroom floor.

[@Hjalmar_Lane]

I think the tires are not good. I had same bike and it was excellent

[@chrystalmeth9783]

What do you do for living?

[@vn3801]

I don't like the handling....but haven't checked the pressures and diff tyres front and back LOL......:O)

[@Blackbirdrod81]

Let this one go mate. I don’t think you will ever be totally happy with it due to the sour taste it has left. Great video as always

[@divyaswejan431]

Once I want to ride this bike bro…🥺🥺😔😔

[@justaguy4real]

You might need a Speedo Healer. I have one to sell that I no longer need bc my new bike doesn't take it. Great bike and video tho, good stuff.