Honda CBR150R is better than expected.

Honda CBR150R is better than expected.

Ever since the time Hero and Honda parted ways, Indian consumers were waiting with bated breath in anticipation of something big. Despite a few delays, Honda launched the CBR 150R as its premium production motorcycle offering for the Indian two-wheeler market. Although it wasn’t the 150cc scorcher as hoped by any enthusiasts the quarter-litre motorcycle did make its mark. Despite the CBR moniker, the bikes design was based on the VFR sports tourer and so was the DNA of the CBR 150R. The fact that it sported a full fairing delighted many Indian consumers who have a fairing fixation. With its sculpted body, bulbous fuel tank, stepped seats and chunky rear tyre, the Honda CBR 150R was definitely an eye catching machine, if not beautiful. The bike employs a part-analogue-part-digital instrument cluster. An analogue tachometer takes centre stage while the digital display houses speedometer, odometer, trip meter etc along with various tell-tale lights. Switch gear quality is nice while the overall build quality isn’t up to mark as the bike faced rusting issues in the long run.


Providing firepower is a 149.6cc displacement, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine pumping out 26PS at 8,500rpm and 23Nm at 7,000rpm. The above numbers made the Honda CBR 150R among the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycle in the Indian market. Power is transmitted via a 6-speed gearbox that works effortlessly. Talking about performance, the bike dismisses the 0-100kmph dash in under nine seconds while on to a top whack of almost 150kmph. The refined powerplant makes cursing at speeds around 120kmph on the bike an easy affair and it a great touring motorcycle option. Despite the clip-on handle bars and rear-set footpegs, the riding posture on the bike is a great mix of sportiness and comfort. This riding position makes riding long distances on the Honda CBR 150R and that is what the DNA of the bike really is. The bike delivers an overall fuel efficiency figure of 30kmpl which is a decent mileage and with the 13-litre fuel tank results in a range of a good 390km. Braking is done by disc brakes at front and rear while ABS is an optional extra and it was the first motorcycle to offer the above in India. The CBR 150R is a great option for someone who is looking at a decently power and a comfortable motorcycle for touring.