The 2015 Honda CBR150R has been launched in Indonesia at IDR 2.85 crore (Rs 1.46 lakh). Redesigned to resemble its elder siblings, the new CBR150R gets a new fairing and dual headlamps to give it an aggressive look. Changes to the motorcycle are more than just cosmetic and the new CBR150R also gets technological updates to keep it ahead of its competition.
The CBR150R’s new front cowl with the twin headlamps and is inspired by the one on the CBR300R, which in turn replicates the one in the CBR1000R Fireblade. It also gets a revamped exhaust system, which has been equipped with an O2 sensor. The Honda CBR150R is built around a trellis frame and is powered by the same single-cylinder 149cc engine which pumps out 17bhp and 13Nm of torque. The liquid-cooled engine gets programmed fuel-injection (PGM-FI) and is now compliant with EURO 3 emission standards.
The new Pro-Link suspension system replaces the conventional swing arm mounted system and is said to improve the motorcycle’s riding dynamics by offering more comfort, agility and stability. Both the front and rear tyres get disc brakes.
The combined instrument cluster gets an analogue rev counter and a digital panel which integrates a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock and engine temperature gauge. The new CBR150R will be available in champion red, speedy black, Honda three colours and a new Repsol paint job, of which the latter demands an extra premium of Rs 3,000. A Champion Accessories package is also available which adds seater cowl, smoked windshield, radiator cover, tank pad and also a fuel lid pad.
While the Honda CBR150R also rivals the KTM RC125 in other global markets, its only competition in India, is the pioneer of the segment, the Yamaha YZF-R15. Despite being a good all-rounder, the high price tag and restrained styling means that the CBR150R struggles to stand up to the competition. The new CBR150R is expected to be launched in India next year, though Honda will have to rethink its pricing strategy to make sure that the new model doesn’t meet the same fate as the current CBR150R.
