The Honda CBR190R and CBF190R are targeted for those who want to upgrade from a 150cc motorcycle for better performance but want to retain the practicality and frugal nature of the same.
Specific to the Chinese market, Honda has launched the 2015 CB190R and CBF190R motorcycles positioned in the premium end of the 150cc space. A sudden launch much to everyone’s surprise, Honda says the CB190R was conceptualised as an ideal upgrade for 150cc bike users who wanted improved performance capabilities and styling but without having to spend too much on a higher capacity motorcycle. Hence, the CB190R and CBF190R offer the mix of improved performance over a 150cc bike while retaining the practicality quotient of the same.
Riding on a diamond frame, the Honda CB190R and CBF190R measure 1982 mm in length, 744 mm in width and 1041 mm in height with a wheelbase of 1356 mm. The styling is the most talked about detail on the bikes with the extremely aggressive lines that are reminiscent of the Kawasaki Z1000, whereas the headlight cluster takes inspiration from the Z800 being positioned at a steep angle. The aggressive lines are continued on the muscular fuel tank and side fenders that extend up to the engine. The bike gets an LCD instrument console packing up a lot of information while there are also illuminated switches. The CB190R gets LED headlamps, turn indicators, split tail lights with the latter looking similar to the Bajaj Pulsar (only better). The exhaust unit sticks out from the underbelly with a triangular tip.
Power on the Honda CB190R and CBF190R comes from a 184cc SOHC, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with fuel injection tuned to produce a rather modest 16 PS at 8000 RPM and 15 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM, paired to a 5-speed gearbox. While the power figures may not seem exceptional, Honda says that the CB190R’s weight at 140 kgs stands equivalent to most 150cc motorcycles, thereby making for a better power-to-weight ratio than most 150cc offerings. The 50:50 weight distribution ensures agile handling capabilities as well. The suspension setup comprises of telescopic forks up front and a monoshock unit at the rear, while braking performance comes from wavy discs at the front and rear. The bike rides on 110/70/R17 and 140/70/R17 radial tyres.
At present, the 2015 Honda CB190R and CBF190R are limited to the Chinese market alone and there are no immediate plans of the company introducing the same in other parts of the world. That said, the CB190R showcases a completely new design language and it will be extremely interesting to see the same being used on its future models. In fact, the CB190R with its aggressive stance makes even the larger CB300R and CB500R look bland in comparison and the latter could make do with some of these sharp lines in the next update. These bikes will not be launched in India or Indonesia.
