Queen Latifah’s Honda Fireblade features in Rock & Rock Hall of Fame exhibit
The 1994 Honda Fireblade was ridden by Latifah in the video for U.N.I.T.Y. in tribute to her late brother
Various interesting artefacts are being showcased at a special exhibit celebrating this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, and a lot of them are the sort of things you’d expect. Liam Gallagher’s tambourine, for example. What you might not have anticipated appearing is a 1994 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade.
The ‘Blade in question has been supplied by hip-hop star Queen Latifah, who can be seen riding the bike in the video for ‘U.N.I.T.Y’ in a tribute to her brother Lance, who was killed in a motorbike crash in 1992. The key she can be seen catching was for the ignition of Lance’s Kawasaki, and Latifah has frequently been seen wearing the key around her neck in the decades since.
“Motorcycles and music have been the two constant loves of my life since I was a kid,” Latifah told Essence, adding, “Both have carried me through some of my most joyful moments and have been a source of strength and comfort during the toughest times.
“The opportunity to share the motorcycle from my “U.N.I.T.Y.” video with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum is incredibly meaningful to me, especially as I celebrate the tremendous honor of being inducted this year.”
The CBR900RR is the original, SC28 version with an 893cc. It was only in production for four years before being replaced with the SC33, but it has a lasting impact on the superbike class, mixing the lightweight ethos of 750cc machines with the clout of litre bikes. It set the trend for the genre for years to come.
Considering its iconic status, early Fireblades (at least ones that don’t have a celebrity connection) are very affordable, with prices starting at a few thousand pounds. You’ll pay a premium for the earliest, twin-headlamp versions, though.
As for Latifah’s, it’s on display now as part of the exhibition, ahead of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on 14 November.
Matt has a background in motoring journalism of the four-wheeled variety but has long had a passion for motorbikes, taking his first steps into riding in 2010.
