Suzuki RF900, but not.

[Cato]

This has been my main focus project for a while. Very much a bit here and a bit there in between stuff, but it's coming on now.

The aim is a 'sleeper' and as I'm quite fond of the RF900 and I had one in boxes it seemed an ideal candidate. As standard they're a decent bike and very much underrated and overlooked, they were always let down by very basic (cheap) suspension, but went well. At launch Suzuki cocked up by aiming them at the Fireblade which was a silly thing to do as that was a sports bike and the RF a sports tourer. Sales suffered as a consequence, and the 'marmite' tail light didn't help either.

It's getting there now, I'm leaving the paint 'as is' so that it doesn't get a second glance unless someone notices one of the clues that all is not as it seems. Under the average looking mid 90s bodywork are the engine, electrical system, brakes and suspension of a K5 GSXR1000. Injection and ignition remapped (Woolich racing) with free flow air filter and Racefit exhaust it's sticking around 180 hp onto the road. The forks have K-Tech internals and the brakes are straight from the GSXR.

The overall geometry took some head scratching, a lot of measuring and fag packet scribbles. It now has one degree more rake and a 10 mm longer wheelbase than a GSXR1000 so that it's a little more stable. Combine that with a much more comfortable seat and riding position it'll be good for some longer trips. The main job left now is to sort the fuel tank out for the in tank pump. Aside from that there's some bracketry to sort for the rad mounts, dash etc along with some odds and sods. Hopefully it will see the road Spring/Summer next year.

Anyway, we like pictures so ...

 

[frank horton]

nice
miss my big bikes....just can't do the weight safely anymore...

 

[Cato]

nice
miss my big bikes....just can't do the weight safely anymore...

If I have my sums correct this will come in around 175 kgs, about the same as a stock SV650. So pretty manageable in that way, but at 1000 hp per tonne it's going to take some control as that puts it into F1 car territory.

As it doesn't have traction or launch control etc. it may turn out to be a brief but glorious test ride.

 

[roofman]

Rf 900...great bikes that were always off the radar, i will try find some pics of one i had and turned it into a rat bike, bought for pennies too

 

[tom2207]

put a tall aftermarket touring fairing on and bar mitts ,,,, no one will ever suspect it that way lol
great job your doing .

 

[Cato]

put a tall aftermarket touring fairing on and bar mitts ,,,, no one will ever suspect it that way lol
great job your doing .

It's getting a rack and top box to complete the "Ah bless look at the old bloke on his commuter." look.

 

[redlig]

If I have my sums correct this will come in around 175 kgs, about the same as a stock SV650. So pretty manageable in that way, but at 1000 hp per tonne it's going to take some control as that puts it into F1 car territory.

As it doesn't have traction or launch control etc. it may turn out to be a brief but glorious test ride.

Better still with a quick action throttle.

 

[fzr phil]

i'm very fond of the rf900, when i got my fzr i had it narrowed down between that and the rf. went for the 600r as the more sensible option for a first proper big bike. 100bhp/150mph just arguably seemed enough for a road bike. (and still does to a degree)
guess your RF will be a different beast altogether, hope it works out ok. looks awesome!
Phil

 

[Cato]

i'm very fond of the rf900, when i got my fzr i had it narrowed down between that and the rf. went for the 600r as the more sensible option for a first proper big bike. 100bhp/150mph just arguably seemed enough for a road bike. (and still does to a degree)
guess your RF will be a different beast altogether, hope it works out ok. looks awesome!
Phil

It's long been my contention that modern litre 'sports' bikes serve no other purpose than willy waving at bike meets. You can't use the full capabilities of a 600 on the road never mind a 180 hp litre bike.

This is as much about the challenge of a 'what if ...' project as anything and once it's done I'll have a bit of fun with it and then likely move it on.

 

[fzr phil]

it's very impressive!

 

[Keithmac]

The 200hp+ motorcycles are surprisingly usable on the road (R1M, S1000rr M, Kawasaki H2, RSV4's etc).

You cannot ring their neck obviously but they can still be quite enjoyable to ride around on..

 

[Cato]

The 200hp+ motorcycles are surprisingly usable on the road (R1M, S1000rr M, Kawasaki H2, RSV4's etc).

You cannot ring their neck obviously but they can still be quite enjoyable to ride around on..

All of which come with traction control which is limiting them to around 100 then feeding in the rest at launch, power out of a bend, hard acceleration etc.

 

[Exuptoy]

Nice job

 

[Cato]

Nice job

Thanks. The tank work will probably mean I need to engage the services of a grown up once I work out exactly how, where, and which bits need cutting and welding.

 

[Cato]

This GSXR1000 came in at the weekend as a trade in, so obviously I had to give it a 'test'.

One thing became immediately apparent, which is that the RF 900 1000 is going to be both epic, and more of a handful than I'd perhaps fully appreciated.