It was Yamaha who brought in the trend of introducing the lower editions of high end motor bikes and gaining success in the Indian market by introducing Yamaha R15, a low end model of its global segment bike: the mighty Yamaha R1.
Now the Japanese auto major Honda is also trying to introduce its lower end 150cc CBR 150R from its globally well acclaimed VFR super sports bike. The shape technology and styling have been completely lended from VFR.
This 150cc version of CBR was first introduced at the Delhi Auto Expo. The bike got much of interest from the enthusiasts at the pavillion itself. This new CBR 150R is going to be a tough competetor for Yamaha's R15 and Hero's Karizma ZMR.
DESIGN
For the first look its really difficult to differentiate between CBR 150R and CBR 250R. It's one of the main plus point of CBR 150R. Y shaped head light, fairing, engine cowling and all eye catching parts of the CBR 250R have been correctly maintained in the lower version which enhance the bikes beauty to a great extent.
Still, there are some parts in the CBR 150R which differentiate it from its from its elder brother. These include its tiny silencer (CBR 250R has bit long silencer) and again CBR 250R has white painted alloys whereas CBR 150R have it painted in black and again the major difference is its new graphics and is available in four colors.
The digital and analogue meter console does not have the silver finish unlike in CBR 250R. Speedometer has an orange back light and fuel gauge and tripmeter have been included. The only mistake in it can only be found with the switch cluster, the same switches as in Honda's CB Stunner and also as a measure to lower its price the engine kill switch has also been avoided.
ENGINE
149.4cc liquid cooled 4-stroke DOHC engine is new CBR 150R's heart. It gives out 17.58bhp power at 10500 RPM and 12.66 Nm torque at 8500 RPM.
You will really lose all the memory of its elder brother when you get to CBR 150R's rider seat because of its lightness and sleek design. The riding position gives a sporty touch to the vehicle. This bike provides great stablity and comfort in both city and high way rides. Tube type front suspensions provides great comfort and 190mm ground clearance is perfect for Indian roads.
It has a 6-speed transmission and 1305mm wheel base that gives great stability at the corners. It has 276mm and 220mm front and rear disk brakes which provides high performance braking. MRF's wide tube less tyres have been used at the front and rear positions.
The new CBR 150R is available in two versions Deluxe and Standard. Standard model has a price tag of Rs. 1.22 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), while Deluxe model has a price tag of Rs. 1.23 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).
You will really lose all the memory of its elder brother when you get to CBR 150R's rider seat because of its lightness and sleek design. The riding position gives a sporty touch to the vehicle. This bike provides great stablity and comfort in both city and high way rides. Tube type front suspensions provides great comfort and 190mm ground clearance is perfect for Indian roads.
It has a 6-speed transmission and 1305mm wheel base that gives great stability at the corners. It has 276mm and 220mm front and rear disk brakes which provides high performance braking. MRF's wide tube less tyres have been used at the front and rear positions.
The new CBR 150R is available in two versions Deluxe and Standard. Standard model has a price tag of Rs. 1.22 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), while Deluxe model has a price tag of Rs. 1.23 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).
VERDICT
With its beauty and power it is going to be a tough competitor in the 150cc segment. Company demands a mileage of 42kmpl and with Honda's logo on it the bike can add real changes in the Indian market and on the streets.
