Update Nov 25th: While we have told you this long back, only yesterday Honda officially announced the launch of both the CBR150R and CBR250 and we believe deliveries have also started. Apart from what we have mentioned earlier (below), another change are the tyres.
CBR250R was so far offered with Continental Conti Go tyres which were not applauded widely for their grip. The new 2016 CBR250R now comes with MRF Nylogrip Zapper (S & FY) tyres which are hopefully better. On the contrary, CBR150R, which usually came with MRF rubber now gets TVS tyres which we are NOT very big fans of! There has been no confirmation or official word from Honda on this (nor will they say anything on record), but our basis of this update is the following official pic(s) of both the motorcycles as well as the display models which were showcased at the RevFest on 4th August.
Nov 9th: Honda, after showcasing the updated CBR150R and CBR250R at the RevFest in August has very silently launched both the models in India. Before you get excited, let us tell you that the bikes just get mere cosmetic enhancements consisting of new stickers and there are no mechanical updates at all. Internationally, Honda already sells a much more sense making facelifted version of both these motorcycles (and a bigger CBR300R) which get dual headlamps and a bump in power.
New 2016 CBR150R
The CBR150R’s 149.4 cc liquid cooled fuel injected mill produces 18.28 bhp of maximum power at 10,500 rpm and 12.66 Nm of peak torque at 8,500 rpm and yes, this means that the terribly low torque continues to be on offer. The bike weighs 138 kilos and has a company claimed top speed of 109 kmph. The new 2016 CBR150R will now be available in the following colour options:
Jazzy Blue (metallic)
Sports Red
Candy Palm Green
The CBR150R carries an ex-showroom (Delhi) price tag of Rs 1,23,183 and an on-road price of Rs 1,35,404 (not including accessories, extended warranty and AMC).
2016 Honda CBR250R
The new CBR250R’s single cylinder, liquid cooled, fuel injected mill displaces 249.6 cc and continues to produce 26.15 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 22.9 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm. The bike has a claimed top speed of 135 kmph. The kerb weight though has been brought down to 163 kilos which is a reduction of 4 kg (when comparing the official specs with the older model)!
The new colour options include:
Black
Pearl Amazing White
Sports Red
Here’s the updated price list of the new 2016 CBR250R:
CBR250R has so far enjoyed a competition-free zone and for some strange reason, without any update or significant promotion, showed a remarkable rise in sales this financial year (exclusive report). However, after the new very capable Mojo, it will be interesting to see how things pan out… But Honda, we definitely expected the more powerful international versions….