Honda CBR954RR FireBlade Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule and associated service intervals for the Honda CBR954RR FireBlade, a larger capacity, more powerful, and lighter update to the earlier Honda CBR929RR.
The sixth-generation CBR900RR (known as the Honda CBR954RR in many markets) was introduced in 2002.
Honda took the CBR929RR and enlarged the cylinder bore from 74mm to 75mm, increasing capacity to 954 cc. Honda then added larger fuel injectors, a larger radiator, re-mapped electronic fuel injection, and a more powerful ECU.
The restyled bodywork and fairings gave the CBR954RR a sleeker look. The frame as well as the swingarm were strengthened, and the footpegs raised to let you lean further. Front disc size increased to 330 mm.
The Honda CBR954RR makes over 100 kW (over 130 hp) at the wheel, with over 150 at the crank, which is pretty amazing with a wet weight of 195 kg (430 lb) — lighter than many 600cc class bikes at the time — and that there were no rider aids at the time.
The CBR954RR FireBlade was the last of its class. It was succeeded by the CBR1000RR Fireblade.
This site has links for things like oil and spark plugs from which we earn a commission (which unfortunately nobody can save, not even us). If you appreciate this work, then please use those links. Thanks!
Honda CBR954RR Maintenance Schedule
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Honda CBR954RR.
Maintenance Procedures:
- I: inspect and clean, adjust, lubricate, or replace, if necessary
- C: clean
- A: adjust
- L: lubricate
- R: replace
Notes:
- At higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here
- Service more frequently if the motorcycle is ridden in unusually wet or dusty areas
- Follow the earlier of distance-based or time-based service intervals.
- Honda recommends getting wheels, tires, and steering head bearings serviced by a mechanic.
- Replace brake fluid and coolant every 2 years, or at indicated odometer interval, whichever comes first. Replacement requires mechanical skill (do you have it?)
mi x 1000 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
km x 1000 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 36 | Every |
Engine Oil (Recommended: Castrol Power RS) | R | R | R | ||||
Engine Oil Filter (Recommended: Hiflofiltro HF204RC) | R | R | R | ||||
Air Cleaner | I | I | More often if riding in dusty / wet conditions | ||||
Spark Plugs (NGK IMR9C-9H) | I | 32000 mi / 48000 km: R | |||||
Valve Clearances | I | ||||||
Fuel Line | I | I | I | ||||
Throttle Operation | I | I | I | ||||
Engine Idle Speed | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
Radiator Coolant | I | I | R | 2 years: R | |||
Cooling System | I | I | I | ||||
Secondary Air Supply System | I | I | I | ||||
Drive Chain Slider | I | I | I | ||||
Brake Fluid (Honda DOT 4) | I | I | R | I | I | R | 2 years: R |
Brake Pad Wear | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
Brake System | I | I | I | ||||
Brake Light Switch | I | I | I | ||||
Headlight Aim | I | I | I | ||||
Clutch System | I | I | I | I | I | I | |
Exhaust Valve Control Cable | I | ||||||
Side Stand | I | I | I | ||||
Suspension | I | I | I | ||||
Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners | I | I | I | ||||
Wheels/Tires | I | I | I | ||||
Steering Head Bearings | I | I | I |
Maintaining Your Chain on the Honda CBR954RR
Many Honda CBR954RR these days are track bikes or weekend fun bikes. So their chains (and tires) get quite the hammering.
Thus, it’s important to maintain your chain on the CBR954RR, as on any chain-driven motorcycle, but more so on a bike where it can significantly impact handling and safety. Use a good-quality chain lubricant like Motul chain paste, or a Motul chain care kit which comes with a couple of handy tools to maintain the chain.
Honda recommends you follow the following chain maintenance schedule:
Chain maintenance item | Every |
---|---|
Check drive chain lubrication condition, lubricating if necessary | 600 mi / 1000 km |
Check drive chain slack, adjusting if necessary | 600 mi / 1000 km |
Notes:
- Do these items (checking/adjusting slack, and checking/applying lubrication) more often if you ride your CBR954RR in dusty or rainy conditions.
- Always lubricate the chain after washing the motorcycle.
Tire size and tyre pressure for the Honda CBR954RR
The manual for the Honda CBR954RR suggests the following tire sizes and pressures as a starting point.
Wheel | Tire size | Tire pressure |
---|---|---|
Front | 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) | 250 kPa (2,50 kgf/cm2) 36 psi |
Rear | 190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) | 290 kPa (2,90 kgf/cm2) 42 psi |
About the Honda CBR954RR
Is the CBR954RR the greatest FireBlade of all time? Tadao Baba, father of the FireBlade (with the capital B) seems to think so. It’s still his personal bike.
The CBR954RR succeeded the earlier CBR929RR. The CBR929RR had a powerful engine and fuel-injetion, the latter of which made it a great breakaway from the earlier FireBlade models. But the 954 somehow is both more powerful and lighter.
The Honda CBR954RR FireBlade was one of the best FireBlades ever for being incredibly light (168 kg dry — in the same class as many 600-cc bikes), and very powerful — about as powerful as you can get without needing rider aids.
The engine has great low-end torque, and enough top-end power to satisfy any track day junky.
The Honda CBR954RR makes 113 kW or 154 bhp at 11250 rpm, and 100 Nm / 75 ft-lb of torque at 9000 rpm. The rev limiter is at 12150 rpm.
While later FireBlades have better power-to-weight ratios because of their huge power numbers, the Honda CBR954RR FireBlade is still the lightest Honda Superbike ever made. It’s likely to always be the lightest.
Some ways in which the CBR954RR FireBlade was revolutionary:
- Each electronic fuel injector has 12 laser-drilled jet holes for finer fuel atomization, resulting in smoother, more responsive throttle performance and faster, more efficient combustion for stronger power output.
- Advanced programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) features a sophisticated throttle sensor and advanced fuel injection mapping to produce smooth and linear throttle response for precise throttle adjustments.
- The brake calipers (two front, one rear) have Nimuflon(tm)-coated steel pistons and Teflon-coated rollback seals to enhance braking feel under repeated hard use.
- The Narrow-eye multi-reflector headlight has a single, central H7 low/high beam surrounded by two additional H7 high beams to brilliantly illuminate the night roadway.
- LED taillight provides brilliant illumination and exceptionally long life.
These days, it’s hard to find a FireBlade that hasn’t been flogged to death and that’s in good, original condition. If you find one, strip if it of its fluids, clean out the rust, and start from scratch with the maintenance. It’ll be worth it!
Manual for the Honda CBR954RR
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the Honda CBR954RR FireBlade.
Honda keeps archives of motorcycle manuals on their website here.