Yamaha MT-15 vs Honda CB150R ExMotion: Spec Comparison
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Can Honda’s neo-retro streetfighter take on Yamaha’s dark warrior?
The lower end of the displacement spectrum in India has been populated largely by simple commuters so far. But with more high-tech bikes like the KTM 125 Duke and Yamaha MT-15 now on sale, we’re seeing more and more capable smaller bikes. One such bike that we wish was sold here in India is the Honda CB150R ExMotion, which would be a perfect competitor to the MT-15. So how do the two stack up on paper?
Engine & Drivetrain
|
Specs |
Honda CB150R ExMotion |
Yamaha MT-15 |
|
Engine |
149.16cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC engine |
155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve SOHC engine |
|
Power |
17.1PS @ 9,000rpm* |
18.5PS @ 10,000rpm |
|
Torque |
14.4Nm @ 7,000rpm* |
13.9Nm @ 8,500rpm |
|
Gearbox |
6-speed |
6-speed |
|
*specs taken from 2020 CBR150R which shares the same engine |
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Even though we’ve taken the specs from the CBR150R, which uses the same engine but is likely slightly more powerful (engine output for the CB150R is unavailable), the Honda is thoroughly outgunned by the MT in this department. On the upside, the CB does make more torque and its peak figures arrive earlier, which should make it the more sprightly of the two in urban conditions, which is where bikes like these are likely to spend most of their time. What’s also worth noting is that the Honda motor claims to be Euro6-compliant, so its output will probably remain unchanged for many years to come, while the Yamaha motor could lose a pony or two as emission norms get stricter with time.
Underpinnings
|
Specs |
Honda CB150R ExMotion |
Yamaha MT-15 |
|
Frame |
Diamond-type frame |
Deltabox |
|
Suspension |
F: 41mm USD fork R: Monoshock |
F: Telescopic fork R: Linked monoshock |
|
Brakes |
F: 296mm disc, 4-piston caliper R: 220mm disc |
F: 282mm disc R: 220mm disc |
|
Tyres |
F: 110/70-17 R: 150/60-17 |
F: 100/80-17 R: 140/70-R17 |
Despite losing out on an upside-down fork, the MT-15’s Deltabox perimeter frame and linked rear monoshock should make it the better handling bike of this pair. And even though it gets skinnier rubber, its radial rear tyre should prove to be gripper than the bias-ply unit on the CB150R. One area where the Yamaha does lose out is braking, with smaller discs and single-channel ABS compared to the Honda’s dual-channel system.
Dimensions & Weights
|
Specs |
Honda CB150R ExMotion |
Yamaha MT-15 |
|
Wheelbase |
1,296mm |
1,335mm |
|
Ground clearance |
139mm |
170mm |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
8.5-litres |
10-litres |
|
Seat height |
795mm |
810mm |
|
Kerb weight |
125kg |
138kg |
Thanks to its significantly lower kerb weight and lower seat height, the CB150R is the more manageable and accessible motorcycle of the two, but its practicality is seriously compromised by the miniscule 8.5-litre fuel tank, so long-distance touring will require frequent stops. Another limiting factor is its 139mm ground clearance, which will almost certainly be inadequate over our pothole-ridden streets.
Zaran Mody