Honda CB150R launch showcases company’s new design language for its next-generation small capacity street motorcycles…
Honda unveiled a very interesting small motorcycle concept at the last Bangkok International Motor Show – 150SS Racer. They promoted the motorcycle as a neo-cafe racer concept, a brilliant take on how new modern small capacity streetbikes can look and at an event they have officially launched the stunning motorcycle in Thailand.
CB 150R is powered by a new 149 cc 4-valve DOHC engine with PGM-FI and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and the motorcycle weighs only 123 kg. However, it only comes with an 8.5 liter fuel tank.
Honda has already announced that it took them 6 million Baht for R&D (1.16 crores INR) of the motorcycle.
CB 150R Changes & Features
Apart from the new name, here are the changes and some features that have been incorporated in the production motorcycle…
- Golden coloured chunky 41 mm Showa upside down forks.
- New less broader rectangular box type swingarm.
- Split seat continues but the pillion seat has changes.
- Petal discs in place of round rotors of the concept.
- Significantly modified rear design with an elongated registration plate holder
- It has a 150 mm rear tyre (and 110 mm front)
- Full LCD multifunction meter
- ABS with G-Sensor
- Radial Mount with 4 piston callipers
- 10-spoke alloy wheels
The round headlamp continues with a very similar look and all-LED lamps. The tank design, dummy air scoops and many other bits are also carried forward to the production model.
CB150R was developed and conceptualised by Honda R&D Thailand as a Street Sport Racing concept. Honda is offering the motorcycle in four colours – Millennium Red, Pearl Cadet Grey, Asteroid Black, Mat Green Metallic.
CB 150R Price & Variants
| CB 150R | 99,800 Baht (1.93 Lakh INR) |
| CB 150R ABS | 1,09,800 Baht (2.12 Lakh INR) |
| CB 150R Scramble cafe | 1,18,400 Baht (2.28 Lakh INR) |
| CB 150R Street Cafe | 1,35,200 Baht (2.61 Lakh INR) |
The last two special versions will be limited edition models.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Production of Old CBR 250R Still On; Puts Doubt Over New Model’s Indian Launch
Honda CB150R Launch in India?
It is too early to talk about this but Honda India does have a huge untapped space in the premium 150cc segment. They have discontinued the CBR 150R in India which leaves Hornet 160R (costs 85k-90k) as the most premium motorcycle in this segment.
Also Read: Honda’s RE-Challenger Will be ‘Completely Different’; India Chief Reveals New Details
So, they can easily pit the new CB150R as a naked premium streetfighter (and not a cafe racer) here. But then it will depend on how interested volumes-focused Honda currently is, in this price segment for a motorcycle which is NOT bound to get them a lot of volumes.
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