Which engineer led development of the first-generation Honda CBR900RR?

Tadao Baba led development of the first-generation Honda CBR900RR.

The motorcycle, introduced in 1992, became known in many markets as the FireBlade. Baba’s team pursued a striking engineering goal: deliver superbike-level acceleration without the excessive weight typical of large-displacement sport bikes. Honda increased the stroke of a 750cc inline-four engine, producing an 893cc powerplant.

The first-generation model, designated SC28, weighed only 185 kilograms dry and used a compact chassis influenced by Honda’s experimental CBR750RR research model. That lightweight approach helped establish the FireBlade as a landmark in modern superbike design.

A common mix-up is confusing Baba with Shigeru Uehara, who was closely associated with the Honda NSX. The CBR900RR continued evolving through several generations before being succeeded by the CBR1000RR in 2004.