Honda has started deliveries of the CBR150R and avid MotorBeam reader Jomin Dolges has already got his bike in Faridabad. He has upgraded from the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and occasionally rides his cousin’s Honda Unicorn. Jomin has put in some kilometers on his CBR150R and has shared his initial ownership experience with us. He will send us a more detailed report once he does the first service of the bike. Over to Jomin.
From most of the angles it looks like the Honda CBR250R. The alloys and the engine get the black treatment and it definitely looks good. The build quality is very good. Panels are also good with decent finish and no panel gaps. The exhaust has short design but the exhaust note is a bit metallic at idle and I think it does not match with the nature of the bike. The one thing that I am really disappointed with is the cheap switch gear. It is directly taken from the CB Stunner. So are the foot pegs. The CBR150R doesn’t have a pass light switch and even an engine kill switch. I don’t know why Honda avoids these simple and important items in such a costly motorcycle. I have asked the showroom guys about the possibility of changing the switchgear, but they said it may void the warranty.
Both seats are soft and comfortable, but don’t know much about the ride comfort of the pillion. As per my wife, it is smooth compared to the Pulsar. Riding position is very sporty and comfortable. One thing that I have noted is that even at idle, the RPM is a bit high. (around 2000 RPM). Quality of tires and brakes are pretty good and gives me confidence in corners. Suspension is also doing its job well and it never lost the balance while passing through the bumps.
The CBR150R revs easily and and is eager to race to high revvs because of the short stroke engine. It picks up speed quite fast especially in 5th and 6th gears and till now I haven’t riden above 60 km/h. It is very tough to keep the bike under 60 km/h on open roads. It doesn’t knock even at a 20 km/h in 3rd gear. But while crossing the bumps sometimes I need to downshift to first gear. I can feel the lack of pull in second gear. Engine is really smoother than the Yamaha R15. The gearbox is pretty sharp, but sometimes I find it a little tough while shifting down. Handling is superb and I can ride it smoothly even through the heavy morning traffic. I can’t feel the weight of the bike may be because of the position of handle, foot pegs and seat.
It comes with an orange backlit digital meter which is clear and bright and shows the fuel tank status, turn indicators, speed, odometer, temperature and an analogue tachometer. Honda says the cooling fan will start at 104 degree (4 bars in temperature indicator in the console), but till now it never reached 4 bars. Initially it had a problem that the fan did not work even at 110 degrees. Only because of this the Honda dealership delayed the delivery by 4 days. It comes with very basic tool kit with just two spanners and a screwdriver and one allen key (for the panels). These are my first observations and experiences and I will share a more detailed report once I put in more kms on my Honda CBR150R
- Jomin Dolges
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Guddu May 5, 2012 at 7:27 pm
what about the mileage bro???
xbhp members mentioned 50+ kmpl, is it true???
Jomin Dolges May 6, 2012 at 1:06 am
I didn’t check till now … Odo reads only 250 kms and i think it s better to check after the first service, probably on coming sunday … I m expecting 40-45 only, bcoz of its high reving nature …
Manty Ahmed May 6, 2012 at 1:34 am
No guddu not true.xbhp members have reported 61kmpl for duke also. Don’t go by it. Cbr150 wil give u around 35-40 in normal riding.
JoE May 7, 2012 at 9:29 am
Ye s manty ….
Bikes like R15, CBR 150R are designed for track and they will not give more than 50km/l coz of their high reving engine … Personally I cant believe that Duke is giving 60km/l … How can we expect that much fuel efficiency from a 200 CC engine ???
Guddu May 8, 2012 at 9:00 pm
It’s possible b’cas of the Closed loop fuel technology used in the CBR 150R.
ayaz khan May 5, 2012 at 10:23 pm
yes u r right…jomin the worst thing switches which looks like CBstunner….but it’s cool..but not more than duke 200.
Jomin Dolges May 6, 2012 at 1:08 am
duke is in entirely different … CBR 150R can be compared with R15 …
viky May 7, 2012 at 10:24 am
The Styling is totally conservative. Not at all eye catching. Even the torque is much below which the competition offers ? I dont know why should we buy this paying 1.3K ?
Deepak Dongre May 8, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Thanks for the report. Please don’t take it as a criticism.
1) The finishing is still not as great as the R15. The glossy finish on the chassis and the forks show uneven finishing.
2) Totally agree with the switchgear..no pass light and engine kill switch absence is still fine. But the plastic quality is shocking.
3) Honda hasn’t still learnt with the CBR250R, the gear and brake levers still are the crudest looking you will find on any bike.
4) Comment on the handling is surprising and same goes for the pickup since you say you haven’t gone above 60kph.
Having had a decent ride on it…if I were to turn a blind eye on the quality at certain areas and just concentrate on the engine, ride quality, handling- I would say its a fantastic bike. Unfortunately another stumbling block is the price. Completely unjustified.
Please do give us a more detailed review once you get the running in done. In the end I wish so many colour options were available on the 250R too…sigh!
joe_clubfirewheeelz May 9, 2012 at 12:36 pm
@ Deepak
(1). I agree with your comment. R15 has the best switch gears and console in the class. Looks better than even CBR 250R.
(2) . Is it possible to change the switch gears with any other brand. I asked to the service engineer abt this, then they said that any kind of modification will loose the warranty. I may get the switchgears of R15 and install on this.
(3). It s difficult to shift gears while I am using shoes with heels. When I keep the heel behind the footpeg, then my toe can’t touch the gear lever. And the quality of rubber on the foot pegs is below average.
(4). I wrote from my experience only. I have compared with my P150 and I can get better pickup and smoothness from this engine.
Honda should reduce the price atleast 10K. Here in Faridabad, CBR150R is costlier than R15 by 9k.
But STILL I LOVE MY BABE ……
:-)
Deepak Dongre May 9, 2012 at 1:03 pm
@Joe:I think the CBR150R is very much similar to what the ZMA was- the premium you pay is for the chassis and the engine- on the quality part to the rest, you have to just turn your head the other way ;)
joe_clubfirewheeelz May 9, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Honda may reduce the price, after see the sales report ….
Deepak Dongre May 9, 2012 at 4:02 pm
They never reduced the price of the 250 even after the KTM launch..in fact the prices went up now. The only two instances I remember about Honda reducing prices were on their cars i.e. the City and the Jazz. Motorcycles they know that how badly obsessed we Indians are with the “H” badge. But then am not negating the fact considering that a more powerful 200cc motorcycle with better build quality comes cheaper- the P200 is still waiting in the bushes to pounce. I believe that people are ready to accept the pricing from Honda- people have still bought the 150R at the current price. So the best thing for Honda would be to go flat out on the quality improvements and make the bike look worth its price.
joe_clubfirewheeelz May 9, 2012 at 4:33 pm
They can add some more colors also … Pearl Heron Blue, Full Red and Full Black colors are available in Thai market …
sunil May 14, 2012 at 2:05 pm
bro…..i m in a big confusion whether to buy Honda cbr 150r (or) yamaha R15 ….which of these would u suggest to buy….our area roads are of heavy traffic……which bike would be comfortable in traffic….plzzz post ur suggestions asap……
joe_clubfirewheeelz May 14, 2012 at 6:27 pm
Better , you can go for test ride and decide … R15 is cheaper than CBR150R by 10000 Rs, but it is designed for track, not for road. Both bikes are difficult to ride in traffic , coz of the fixed full fairing and mirrors. The fairing will not turn with the handle , and it needs more space than ordinary communter bikes.
sunil May 16, 2012 at 12:21 pm
bro…..is it too difficult to ride cbr150r in traffic…mirrors are no big deal they can be removed……what about the mileage of cbr 150r…i m much more interested in buying cbr150r and is the bike worthy of buying at that cost….
Stark May 15, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I want to buy a bike. like r15 or cbr 150r, who is best tell me ..?
Faisal May 16, 2012 at 12:54 am
Stark, depends on your budget and personal preference.
Jomin Dolges May 15, 2012 at 7:46 pm
both are good … go 4 a test ride and finalize ….
Shiroy Pigarez May 15, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Hey, that was a neat and unbiased review.. waiting for your detailed review on this bike..
Stark May 16, 2012 at 10:55 am
I allready have old r15 but now i sell it… i think cbr 150r is good but style of new r15 is soo cool..
but i want power & performance thats why i asked ..
Debanjan Dutta May 26, 2012 at 1:25 am
The author has stolen my pics.. If u think i m lying visit xbhp ownership thread for cbr 150
Faisal Khan May 29, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Debanjan, we got in touch with him and found the pics were taken from you. We have removed them and are sorry for the inconvenience.
Jomin Dolges June 1, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Fas
done the first service … Engine oil is bit expensive … 500+ per liter …Now engine and gear shifting r much smoother than before …
Faisal Khan June 2, 2012 at 6:15 pm
Jomin, please mail me your 1000 km report so I can update it for everyone to see.
joe_clubfirewheeelz June 15, 2012 at 6:03 pm
last somedays , i had experienced so many fishtails during suddenbrakes … Brakes are working fine , but the rear tyre is not having enough grip …
Arjun Kaneriya June 15, 2012 at 3:25 pm
would honda put on d pass key and engine kill switch if we tell them????
joe_clubfirewheeelz June 15, 2012 at 6:01 pm
I dont think so … Switchgears are directly taken from stunner ( it is 50% cheaper than CBR 150R) …
Faisal Khan June 17, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Arjun, no they won’t put any switch.
PRATIK PATIL June 1, 2012 at 10:50 pm
What’s the mileage,bro….??
joe_clubfirewheeelz June 15, 2012 at 5:58 pm
44 kmpl
Arjun Kaneriya June 17, 2012 at 12:33 am
is it exact average??
Zeidan June 21, 2012 at 2:31 am
whats the top speed..??someone told me its just 110Km/h…isthat true.??
Arjun Kaneriya June 21, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Zeidan, CBR 150R Goes upto 165kmph
if dont believe watch it in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxENarYZR94
kaushik sarkar September 6, 2012 at 5:04 pm
this is not a indian cbr bike…the b.h.p and torque are low in India(HONDA CBR) SO this speed is impossible in indian road(max speed:-135)
mohidheen July 5, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Can we replace the switch of 150r to 250r
Nantu July 19, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Is that true that it has not much pickup like bajaj pulsur 220 when double ride the cbr150?
Nantu July 19, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Above which color of the Cbr150 we are seeing, can i get this color from the showroom ?
sudheer August 6, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Can any one tell me?
when come to spare parts, maintenance
which one cheaper yamaha or honda ????
Jomin Dolges October 20, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Sudheer
I ‘ve done first n second services till now. Labour charge is free for first 4 services . You have to pay for Engine oil and Transmission oil. Honda is using synthetic engine oil in this machine and it is bit expensive compared to normal oil. It costs Rs.540.
Aabid Khan August 19, 2012 at 7:28 am
Does it have Pass button on stearing ?
Jomin Dolges October 20, 2012 at 5:11 pm
It doesn’t have pass light switch and engine kill switch .
Mayur Mahajan September 23, 2012 at 4:54 am
whats the comparision on milage when driven at heav
y traffic
Chandan October 2, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Please let us know the accuracy of the digital Fuel Gauge. In most bikes, the digital fuel indicator is not accurate.
vignesh October 3, 2012 at 12:25 pm
hiiiii guys!!!!!!!
im using cbr 150
its giving 47+ in highway- u have to be in 55-60 kmpl
in city its giving 43+…………………………………….
vignesh October 3, 2012 at 12:32 pm
hiiiii guys!!!!!!!
maintainance cost is lessss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
first 5 free servicers is for free labour charge and oil is compultion to change
it costs 533 rs……………….
and no engine turn off button
but even if u cross 100 it wont sounds much.
Jomin Dolges October 20, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Power delivery is very bad in second and third gear. But in 4,5 &6 ,it will FLY… You can reach 60 to 100 within 3 seconds …
vignesh October 3, 2012 at 12:42 pm
cbr 150r consists of 2 types 1 .std and deluxe
1>red with white, black with white
2>black with green,white with orange……………
diff between std and deluxe
only stickers
sagar October 6, 2012 at 8:22 pm
guys m vrry much confused between CBR 150R and Yamaha R15…..earlier ws plannin to buy CBR250r….bt found that there exists many problems with respect to its after sales service……so please help me out in makin d decision….my budget s around 1.6lacs….
m 5.11′ and weigh 60kgs…….so accordingly suggest the bikes…..
thank u…:)
Jomin Dolges October 20, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Both bikes are good interms of Style, power, performance and quality. But if you want to ride with a pillion , then go for CBR. Coz to ride on the pillion of R15 will be very much uncomfortable.
Ronak rajgor October 11, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I am totally confuse between 220 pulsar and cbr 150 please help me out . i have test drive both the bike both are good one but pulsar is more powerful than cbr,but yar according to the engine power its 220 cc and its 150 only then accordig to that pulsar will give more power than cbr so i cannot undestand which to choose.i am totally flat cbr 150 look but same way i like pulsar also because of its power. so frnds please help me out with proper answer.which to choose and which to not.
Jomin Dolges October 20, 2012 at 5:01 pm
CBR is far better than p220 interms of fuel economy, handling and built quality . Go for a test ride on both bikes and I m sure that you will choose CBR. You can’t feel the weight of CBR, because of the design and it will help in cornering. ( My wife can ride it easily even though she is 5.1 feet & 43 kgs.) Whole weight of P220 will come to your wrist when you ride through curvy roads. CBR is having Liquid cooled engine with PGM-Fi for better performace. My odo has crossed 5000+ kms in 5 months and till now I didn’t face any problem.
Anoop October 18, 2012 at 10:22 am
I have a cbr 150r … I used to own r15 version 1 ….. The reason I bought cbr is because its 150cc …. DOHC ( stunning performance at high revs) and closed loop fueling ( better mileage) … I have draged a r15 v2 ….. the cbr will be slightly ahead at 100 kmph may be 3-4 meters . but in top end my cbr hit 155kmph ….. the road was little downhill….. r15 hits 146 kmph ……..
Jomin Dolges October 20, 2012 at 5:16 pm
WOW ….
Great Dude ….
But
DONT RIDE FASTER THAN YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL CAN FLY
:-)
Bipra November 2, 2012 at 3:47 pm
What is the actual mileage of this bike?jomin plz inform me.
Faisal Khan November 4, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Bipra, 35-40 km/l.
Bipra November 4, 2012 at 11:39 pm
Oo.thak u faisal
Arjun November 16, 2012 at 1:19 pm
honestly Yamaha r15 is thousand time better if u r a solo riding but if u have to get a pillion rider then it not a good buy rather think of something else in the market but leave the cbr worst bike of the year. If u take 250 or 150 both are bad.
I have a unicorn and I respect her and love her also I have a r15 v 2:0
parth patel November 17, 2012 at 9:12 am
Can any one plz tell me in cbr 150r at which rpm perfect gear transmission is done for better efficiency and economy
Faisal Khan November 17, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Parth, around 4000 RPM but given the poor low end torque, you won’t move much.
parth patel November 18, 2012 at 2:09 am
Thanks faisal …plz one more favour …4000rpm at all gears ….and its best rpm for economy
Faisal Khan November 18, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Yes Parth, although you can play around a bit.
parth patel November 20, 2012 at 9:38 am
Ok thanks a lot
rot December 8, 2012 at 1:33 am
Thnx guys!!!
So I m finally buying CBR 150r
rot December 8, 2012 at 1:35 am
Thnx guys!!!
So I m finally buying CBR 150r
Jomin what’s your bike status now??
So I can go to buy the babe
Pradeep M Shetty December 8, 2012 at 3:24 pm
honda cbr 150 r..i have honda cbr 150…every thing is f9 except more times while am moving in economy speed like 50/60 it wil hang and stop the accele and again it wil run..simultaniously it will happens..i showed it to the service center also they did my 1st service thatz it..dey didnt fixed my problem plz help me out frm dis @ faisal bro
Faisal Khan December 9, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Pradeep, go back to the service centre and tell them the issue. Stand on their head and tell them you need to get it rectified asap.
Bipro January 22, 2013 at 9:17 am
Hey faisal, i want to buy new tvs apache 160.what about this?
deepak January 13, 2013 at 7:01 pm
i like it
Anjany Kumar January 18, 2013 at 11:35 pm
I am stuck in a very ridiculous situation. I am unable to decide between the Pulsar 200ns and the CBR 150r. The problem is that I like both bikes in their own ways (naked vs. cowl). Could you guys put in your expertise to help me out of this? I would prioritize my need as follows:
- Price is NOT AT ALL an issue!
- Ride quality and comfort.
- Fuel efficiency
- Long term durability
- Resale value
- Road Presence
RONAK RAJGOR January 31, 2013 at 12:32 am
Hi frndz……..I wanna buy cbr 150r.many people sy its not good in term of pick up bcoz of low torque.engine kill switch and pass light are also not ther.so I wanna know that is cbr 150 good in term of pick up or not…..later on I was confused between p220 and cbr 150 .but now its clear ……but ny I am confused between apache 180 New model and cbr 150.the things I want is:THE PERFOMENC,COMFORT,AND HANDLING…………………………………………………………………………….so plzz help me out I have to buy it in this June….
Xshay Wakhare February 15, 2013 at 5:56 pm
R15 V2 is better than cbr 150 R …….in performance,looks,handling almost in everything……
Colin February 17, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Guys, I own a CBR 150, but I am not very satisfied with the firing of the bike. I was thinking abt playing around with the air filter a bit to get a more pronounced twin cylinder engine kinda roar. Also a friend of mine suggested that i can change a injection timing of the bike for the same reason, but I am not very comfortable with fiddling around with the engine.
Ur suggestions will be most helpful.
Faisal Khan February 18, 2013 at 12:47 am
Colin, I would not suggest tampering with a Honda engine, your warranty will get void. Also you can’t expect twin-cylinder sound from single-cylinder engine.
crazybiker February 18, 2013 at 11:41 am
which would be best faisal
karizma zmr or cbr150r
i dont care much abt speed but want a great pillion and full fairing styling
Faisal Khan February 18, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Crazybiker, the CBR150R is a much much better bet.
crazybiker February 19, 2013 at 12:27 pm
i heard tat karizma zmr is outdated in styling and performance is it true…
will the new r125 have pillion as the old r15v1.0…
i need a full faired byk with gud pillion….speed doesn’t matter…
krisskrine February 18, 2013 at 9:59 pm
my friend also has a cbr150r same as yours but he has crashed it a lot and always complain about it’s huge maintainance charges…. he says till now he have spent more than 40,000 on his bike…
Faisal Khan February 18, 2013 at 11:49 pm
Kirsskrine, did he claim insurance?