Honda CBR 150R

Honda Motorcycles in India is always known for surprises in one way or the other. This time it was in the form of a brand new fuel-injected version of CBR 150R which being released in the Thai market last year came to India at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi. Even though the design of the CBR 150 is similar to the Honda CBR 250R, the 150 is an entirely different animal in every possible manner.

At first glance, the Honda CBR150R looks very similar to its larger sibling, the 250, but closer inspection will reveal subtler details that really sets this machine apart. While the 250R with its silver trim bits, the bulbous panels and massive exhaust has a striking similarity to the VFR1200F, the CBR 150R with its short exhaust and restrained proportions has the distinct appeal of the CBR600F, which is Honda’s latest middle-weight ‘for-the-street’ sports bike. Overall, with a lighter and more athletic outlook the smaller sibling looks even sportier than the elder one.

Chassis

Remove the skin and you will find that the 150R is very much different from other Honda motorcycles available in India today. Where the 250 has a tubular diamond type frame, the 150’s skeleton sports a proper twin-spar set-up much on the lines of the Yamaha R15. The CBR 150R really stands out with one of the best riding postures amongst any of the bikes we currently have in India, or at least amongst the ‘Indian sportbikes’. The seat is wide and comfy, the position of the footpegs is rear-set but not too extreme, the drooping handlebars are not too outstretched nor are they too low, and the recessed tank has a near perfect shape & width to lock one’s knees on either side. Even though you’re sitting in a slight race crouch, there is almost no pressure on your back or your wrists. Combined with the brilliant handling dynamics, the CBR150 should be fun to ride everywhere.

Engine

The 150cc engine underneath all the body work in this bike is not the same air-cooled type as in other Honda bikes or even Hero MotoCorp in India. Instead we find a brand new liquid-cooled 149.4cc engine with a 4-valve head that features a 63.5mm wide piston with 47.2mm stroke configuration. The bike also gets Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system which handles the fuel delivery. The maximum power produced is 17.82 PS at a high rpm value of 10,500, whereas the torque produced is mere 12.66 Nm which is developed at 8500 rpm.

Price & Colours

The Honda CBR 150 standard will be available at Rs 116,385, whereas the CBR 150R deluxe will cost Rs 117,385. Coming to the shades part, the standard variant will be available in Black with Pearl Sunbeam White and Sports Red with Pearl Sunbeam White colours, wheras the 150R Deluxe will be available in Black with Candy Palm Green and Vibrant Orange with Pearl Sunbeam White colour

Specifications