It set a precedent for lightweight in the superbike class, being much lighter than other large-displacement bikes of the time.

With the objective of equaling the acceleration of competitors’ flagship sport bikes, Honda increased the stroke of its inline 4-cylinder 750 cc engine and thus raised displacement to 893cc.

Complementing its power performance was the bike's dry weight of just 185 kg, wheelbase of 1,405 mm, and a body almost identical to that of the advanced research stage model.

The styling of the bike also became more aggressive: The independent dual lights became irregular-shaped multi-reflector lights known as "fox eyes" [2] set further back and covered to improve aerodynamics, and the bike had fewer of the RR's unique fairing "speed" holes.

The handlebars were raised by 10 mm (0.4 in) and swept back by five degrees to improve the riding position.

Other revisions included a smaller alternator, the addition of a throttle position sensor, extra clutch plates, and a larger exhaust.

It received a redesigned fairing, a new dual-reflector headlight design, new windscreen, mirrors, and rear cowl.

The brakes got larger rotors on the front and new calipers and ergonomics were revised with raised footpegs.

The engine also featured fuel injection and larger valves set at a narrower angle.