Honda CBR 150R Vrooms in

Honda first wooed enthusiasts by displaying its CBR150R at the Delhi Auto Expo in January 2012. Today, it launched the world-class economy sport bike at Rs 1,17,385 ex-showroom, Delhi

Always dreamt of owning a CBR? Felt the 250 was just not agile enough for city roads? Now is your chance because Honda has launched the smaller CBR 150R in the Indian auto market at Rs 1,16,385 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Standard and Rs. 1,17,385 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Deluxe variant. Other performance bikes one can purchase in this price range include the Yamaha R15 2.0, KTM Duke 200, the soon to be launched New Bajaj Pulsar 200NS and the Hero Karizma ZMR.

The CBR 150R has a light and compact DOHC 150cc engine which produces a peak power of 17.6PS at 10,500rpm and a peak torque of 12.66Nm at 8,500rpm, which is ideal for city riding conditions. The CBR’s engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox, will be liquid-cooled and fuel-injected with their patented PGM-FI technology. Front & rear disc brakes will be standard on the bike, it will also have mono-suspension and wide front and rear tubeless tyres offering better stability while cornering.

The Japanese bike manufacturer will be ready to roll out the first batch consisting approximately 750 bike units from their Manesar plant by the end of March 2012. The CBR150R will go head to head competing with the Yamaha R15 2.0 and the latter finally has direct competition in the game. We can’t wait to hear the results ourselves.

Like the CBR 250R, the entire bike seems to have been inspired by the king of the ring – Honda VFR 1200. Overall the bike is a toned-down version of the CBR250R with similar headlights, fuel tank and the silencer unit. Expect the 150R to be sporty, agile and brilliantly engineered, just like its elder siblings. Do not for a minute mistake the CBR150 to have any similarity in performance or ergonomics with the Honda CB Dazzler -- the CBR is a completely different machine and numbers will tell the difference shortly when we get our hands on one. More updates headed your way soon – watch this space!