Pics of my CBR 954 & the first ride of the season

bikefreak · 24th November 2006, 02:21

AAAHHHH . . . . . !!!!!
Finally I have the red 954, a bike that I have fantasized about since it was launched. It's bewitching looks would mesmerize me everytime I'd look at one, even if it was just a pic.
Over the last 6 months or so, I've seen about 9 red/black & yellow/black 954s
I'm a little choosy and wanted the 'ideal' bike.
one that was in pristine condition, run very less and with all paperwork in order.
Unfortunately very few such bikes exist.

Then I came across this one and I knew that I had to have it.
I did end up paying a little over and above the market price but then it's paperwork was as clean as it can get.
With a total of almost 3.5 lacs paid by means of duty, penalty, excise, tax, octroi and what not. The RC book has all the requisite stamps with the passport number bill of entry . . etc etc.
And it has a Mumbai # MH - 01 which is the most difficult (and most expensive) to get.
U know how much it had run ?? -- just around 12xx kms !!!!
The owner wasn't too fond of biking and used to take it out only for sat night spins in his area.
And did I mention the sublime deep growl of the aftermarket Akarapovic

??!!

The bike runs almost like new and the difference in power (as compared to my earlier CBR 600) is quite significant.
Besides being a younger & lighter bike, this handles much better.
In fact it is supposed to be better than even the 1000rr in some aspects !!
For starters the 954 is 8 kgs lighter !!!!
and only about 12 bhp less (tested figures)
For detailed comparison, click on the images below.

Also I found out that the 954 has slightly larger brake discs (330 vs 310 mm) as compared to the 05 1000 rr and is also a wee bit lower (32.1 vs 32.5 inches) - specs below
2002 Honda CBR 954 RR specifications and pictures
2005 Honda CBR 1000 RR specifications and pictures

So after getting over the euphoria and spell of the 954 and getting used to the additional power and wt (I was riding the rx for the last 6 months

) I was ready to rip it.
It so happened that within 10 days of buying the 954, my Thane group decided to go for the first long ride of the season.
The damage done by the rains to the Thane - Ghodbunder road had recently been repaired although the road was still 'patched' up in most places.

So last sunday we met up at around 7.
Everyone in my group seemed to be very pleased with my 954.
Many of my friends were wearing stuff that they had got down from Malasiya when they had gone for the GP.
4 of them had one piece Sidi/alpinestar leather suits with new boots.
Also saw quite a few ARAIs and SHOEIs around.

Rest of the ride was uneventful (thankfully) and we came home by around 10:30 after a heavy breakfast.
Bikes that I can remember

My 954 -- (red/black)
Blackbird -- (black)
VFR 800 -- (red)
2 1000 RRs -- (red/blue & repsol)
a F4i -- (white/blue)
F4 -- (yellow/black)
3 Busas -- (red/black)
2 1000 GSXRs -- (brand new - one bright red/black & one maroon/black)
R1 -- (red/black)

at the Thane pump
ready to set the streets on fire

That's ma baby

at the first re-grouping halt

Misty Morning
at the 2nd & last re-grouping halt just before the 'u' turn for silent hills at Manor.

Waiting for the rest to arrive
at the same (2nd) halt.

Bikes lined up at the resort
a few more were parked separately behind me.

My 954's new friends

Now for some solo close up shots back home.

Sorry for the poor pic qualities, my digicam was acting weird that day.
all pics on this page are taken with my phone cam.

Rehaan · 24th November 2006, 04:01

Hey Doc,

Good to hear you have achieved your dream!!!
I still remember your putting up your old bike on the MarketPlace not so long ago, and now your very own, almost new peice of metal that you have been lusting over is parked downstairs with keys in hand! Awesome!

Ride safe.
cya
R

sammyboy · 24th November 2006, 11:59

Hey bikefreak , congratulations on turning your dream into reality .That is one beautiful piece of art .Have loads of fun and drive safe bro ..cheers !!

manson · 24th November 2006, 12:30

congrats bikefreak!!

manson.

HOTROD · 24th November 2006, 13:33

awesome lookin bike man.clean.can i know how much u got it for

heelntoe · 24th November 2006, 13:52

congratulations doc
hope to see it around man, you are still in vashi right?

turbo_v12 · 25th November 2006, 20:13

If you remember, there was a podgy li'l fellow on an Avenger whom you guys would overtake and then regroup and he would catch up with you. That guy was my friend who was coming to work here in Thane, and he could not stop raving abt the exciting time he had seeing so many superbikes together. He related almost the same details to us as you guys.

P.S. PLz do not fill pertol from the pump you did this time. They sell adulterated fuel and have a pretty bad reputation.

And yes....Congrats on getting your dream bike.

bikefreak · 27th November 2006, 16:58

Thanks guys

Yeah, heelntoe, I'm still in Vashi, or rather KK to be more precise.

turbo v12: sorry but can't remember your friend. Must have been when we were close to Thane on the GB road and had to slow down, cause on the Mumbai Ahmedabad h'way no one would have been able to catch us

.
Are u sure about that pump ?
The one near the begining of the road going to Vasant vihar ?
Cause my whole group (who've stayed in Thane for decades) always tanks up there ??!!

I personally have no idea as I'm from Navi Mumbai.

Rtech · 27th November 2006, 17:41

hey BF, just read this! Congrats on a great bike!

I have always preferred the 954 over even the 1000rr. I love its sharp looks and its handling is supposed to be one of the best of the Fireblade series, harking back to the original blade in its ability to scare the heck outa you!

Ride safe!

rankoz350 · 28th November 2006, 08:44

KEEP POSTING EM LONG RIDES PICS, Bikefreak!!! You are totally living my Dreamz!!

madbullram · 28th November 2006, 10:12

COngrats mate!!!! Thats one dream of mine thats gonna take long time to become reality

Jay · 28th November 2006, 13:04

Congrats bikefreak, thats a lovely bike... saw one 954 up close... awesome... next time make sure your digicam is working well...

agspins · 28th November 2006, 14:18

Congrats bud for da rockin bike mate...

looks absolute fab..

normally_crazy · 28th November 2006, 16:48

Doc - just heard from someone and now saw this. Awesome maan finally you got what you wanted ! Congratulations !!

So when do I TD her ?

kooldude · 28th November 2006, 18:07

hey doc
that is a very neat bike congrats.post some videos too

24th November 2006, 02:21	#1
bikefreak BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 276 Thanked: 67 Times View My Garage	Pics of my CBR 954 & the first ride of the season AAAHHHH . . . . . !!!!! Finally I have the red 954, a bike that I have fantasized about since it was launched. It's bewitching looks would mesmerize me everytime I'd look at one, even if it was just a pic. Over the last 6 months or so, I've seen about 9 red/black & yellow/black 954s I'm a little choosy and wanted the 'ideal' bike. one that was in pristine condition, run very less and with all paperwork in order. Unfortunately very few such bikes exist. Then I came across this one and I knew that I had to have it. I did end up paying a little over and above the market price but then it's paperwork was as clean as it can get. With a total of almost 3.5 lacs paid by means of duty, penalty, excise, tax, octroi and what not. The RC book has all the requisite stamps with the passport number bill of entry . . etc etc. And it has a Mumbai # MH - 01 which is the most difficult (and most expensive) to get. U know how much it had run ?? -- just around 12xx kms !!!! The owner wasn't too fond of biking and used to take it out only for sat night spins in his area. And did I mention the sublime deep growl of the aftermarket Akarapovic ??!! The bike runs almost like new and the difference in power (as compared to my earlier CBR 600) is quite significant. Besides being a younger & lighter bike, this handles much better. In fact it is supposed to be better than even the 1000rr in some aspects !! For starters the 954 is 8 kgs lighter !!!! and only about 12 bhp less (tested figures) For detailed comparison, click on the images below. Also I found out that the 954 has slightly larger brake discs (330 vs 310 mm) as compared to the 05 1000 rr and is also a wee bit lower (32.1 vs 32.5 inches) - specs below 2002 Honda CBR 954 RR specifications and pictures 2005 Honda CBR 1000 RR specifications and pictures So after getting over the euphoria and spell of the 954 and getting used to the additional power and wt (I was riding the rx for the last 6 months ) I was ready to rip it. It so happened that within 10 days of buying the 954, my Thane group decided to go for the first long ride of the season. The damage done by the rains to the Thane - Ghodbunder road had recently been repaired although the road was still 'patched' up in most places. So last sunday we met up at around 7. Everyone in my group seemed to be very pleased with my 954. Many of my friends were wearing stuff that they had got down from Malasiya when they had gone for the GP. 4 of them had one piece Sidi/alpinestar leather suits with new boots. Also saw quite a few ARAIs and SHOEIs around. Rest of the ride was uneventful (thankfully) and we came home by around 10:30 after a heavy breakfast. Bikes that I can remember My 954 -- (red/black) Blackbird -- (black) VFR 800 -- (red) 2 1000 RRs -- (red/blue & repsol) a F4i -- (white/blue) F4 -- (yellow/black) 3 Busas -- (red/black) 2 1000 GSXRs -- (brand new - one bright red/black & one maroon/black) R1 -- (red/black) at the Thane pump ready to set the streets on fire That's ma baby at the first re-grouping halt Misty Morning at the 2nd & last re-grouping halt just before the 'u' turn for silent hills at Manor. Waiting for the rest to arrive at the same (2nd) halt. Bikes lined up at the resort a few more were parked separately behind me. My 954's new friends Now for some solo close up shots back home. Sorry for the poor pic qualities, my digicam was acting weird that day. all pics on this page are taken with my phone cam.
	() Thanks

24th November 2006, 04:01	#2
Rehaan Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 24,193 Thanked: 36,067 Times	Hey Doc, Good to hear you have achieved your dream!!! I still remember your putting up your old bike on the MarketPlace not so long ago, and now your very own, almost new peice of metal that you have been lusting over is parked downstairs with keys in hand! Awesome! Ride safe. cya R
	() Thanks

24th November 2006, 11:59	#3
sammyboy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ggn/Dehradun Posts: 1,842 Thanked: 526 Times View My Garage	Hey bikefreak , congratulations on turning your dream into reality .That is one beautiful piece of art .Have loads of fun and drive safe bro ..cheers !!
	() Thanks

24th November 2006, 12:30	#4
manson Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 3,933 Thanked: 4,290 Times View My Garage	congrats bikefreak!! manson.
	() Thanks

24th November 2006, 13:33	#5
HOTROD BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 134 Thanked: 186 Times	awesome lookin bike man.clean.can i know how much u got it for
	() Thanks

24th November 2006, 13:52	#6
heelntoe BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: navi mumbai Posts: 238 Thanked: Once	congratulations doc hope to see it around man, you are still in vashi right?
	() Thanks

25th November 2006, 20:13	#7
turbo_v12 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Thane Posts: 457 Thanked: Once View My Garage	If you remember, there was a podgy li'l fellow on an Avenger whom you guys would overtake and then regroup and he would catch up with you. That guy was my friend who was coming to work here in Thane, and he could not stop raving abt the exciting time he had seeing so many superbikes together. He related almost the same details to us as you guys. P.S. PLz do not fill pertol from the pump you did this time. They sell adulterated fuel and have a pretty bad reputation. And yes....Congrats on getting your dream bike.
	() Thanks

27th November 2006, 16:58	#8
bikefreak BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 276 Thanked: 67 Times View My Garage	Thanks guys Yeah, heelntoe, I'm still in Vashi, or rather KK to be more precise. turbo v12: sorry but can't remember your friend. Must have been when we were close to Thane on the GB road and had to slow down, cause on the Mumbai Ahmedabad h'way no one would have been able to catch us . Are u sure about that pump ? The one near the begining of the road going to Vasant vihar ? Cause my whole group (who've stayed in Thane for decades) always tanks up there ??!! I personally have no idea as I'm from Navi Mumbai.
	() Thanks

27th November 2006, 17:41	#9
Rtech Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 5,765 Thanked: 371 Times View My Garage	hey BF, just read this! Congrats on a great bike! I have always preferred the 954 over even the 1000rr. I love its sharp looks and its handling is supposed to be one of the best of the Fireblade series, harking back to the original blade in its ability to scare the heck outa you! Ride safe!
	() Thanks

28th November 2006, 08:44	#10
rankoz350 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ghusais - Bangalore - Dehradun Posts: 94 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	KEEP POSTING EM LONG RIDES PICS, Bikefreak!!! You are totally living my Dreamz!!
	() Thanks

28th November 2006, 10:12	#11
madbullram BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chennai&Ashburn Posts: 554 Thanked: 271 Times View My Garage	COngrats mate!!!! Thats one dream of mine thats gonna take long time to become reality
	() Thanks

28th November 2006, 13:04	#12
Jay BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 819 Thanked: 8 Times	Congrats bikefreak, thats a lovely bike... saw one 954 up close... awesome... next time make sure your digicam is working well...
	() Thanks

28th November 2006, 14:18	#13
agspins Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: MH-31 Posts: 1,660 Thanked: 532 Times View My Garage	Congrats bud for da rockin bike mate... looks absolute fab..
	() Thanks

28th November 2006, 16:48	#14
normally_crazy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,305 Thanked: 543 Times View My Garage	Doc - just heard from someone and now saw this. Awesome maan finally you got what you wanted ! Congratulations !! So when do I TD her ?
	() Thanks

28th November 2006, 18:07	#15
kooldude BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charlotte,North Carolina Posts: 282 Thanked: 0 Times	hey doc that is a very neat bike congrats.post some videos too
	() Thanks