As we saw with Honda’s CBR 250R, the “CBR” name tag does not necessarily imply an out-and-out sports bike. So then, what character does the baby CBR, the CBR 150R sport? A quick first ride gave us a fair idea.
Even after staring long and hard the CBR 150R, it seems like a clone of the 250. The Y-shaped headlamp, the layered fairing, the contrasting panels for the tail section and deep set tail lamp seem identical. However, an easy way to pick out the CBR 150R is its smaller exhaust and matte black alloy wheels. But, distinguishing between the two on the road will be absolutely easy as the CBR150R’s four paint schemes are completely different from that of the 250.
Detailed image gallery of Honda CBR 150R
But the real differences come to light when you sling a leg over the CBR150R. It feels slimmer and lighter than its elder sibling and you can feel that out on the road as well. The perimeter frame feels stiff, while suspension duties are allotted to telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The suspension is tuned to offer just the right balance between ride comfort and positive handling. Unlike the 250, this doesn’t feel soft when ridden hard.
In keeping with the image, the seating position has a sporty lean forward, not as aggressive for on-track duties as a Yamaha YZF-R15, but almost there. The CBR150R turns and handles with a light, confident sure footedness at all times. The MRF rubber is grippy and the brakes offer a light, direct feel which inspires a calm confidence even when shedding speed quickly. ABS though isn’t offered on the CBR150R.
Hauling this 138kg motorcycle around is a 150cc fuel injected and liquid-cooled motor. With a 12000rpm redline, it is no surprise that you need to use a lot of revs to tap into the 17.5bhp of power developed by this fuel injected motor. The mild 1.29kgm of peak torque also comes in at a high 8500rpm making progress on the CBR a bit tame lower in the rev range.
Like the 250R, the 150R doesn’t commit fully to the enthusiast. It walks further down the path, but strays off eventually to appease the commuters. Also, a premium price tag of Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) makes pleading the CBR 150R’s case tougher still.
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
Gavin Rodrigues
Azaman Chothia
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