Honda ups the ante, to launch CB150R on March 11

March 6, 2013: Staying true to its India growth programme of launching new motorcycles and scooters every quarter, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) plans to launch the CB150R, a premium 150cc bike, in India on March 11. HMSI had in January 2013 introduced its Honda Eco Technology-engined Activa, Dio and Aviators scooters.

The CB150R, first seen at the Jakarta Motorcycle Show late last year, is purpose-built to suit Asian markets. This is a naked version of the CBR150R currently sold in India and is inspired by the impressive CB1000R superbike.

Both the CB150R and CBR150R are powered by the same engine -- a four-stroke, 149.4cc, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected motor mated to a six-speed gearbox. Minor engine tweaks have been carried out to suit the CB150R which develops 16.8bhp at 10000rpm, with peak torque of 1.33kgm at 8000rpm.

The CB150R uses a similar frame and front and rear suspension as the CBR150R, and deploys a monoshock at rear. Ergonomics are altered and upright as expected on a streetbike, for better comfort.

The 150cc class is a hotly contested space in the Indian two-wheeler market, with every bike manufacturer putting its best wheel forward to grab new market share. At present, the premium and sporty CB150R will face competition from the Hero Impulse, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 and FZ-S, apart from its own sibling, the Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler.

From a market perspective, the CB150R makes business sense for Honda to bring to India, and should prove to be an agile, refined and sporty motorcycle capable of urban commutes, with some measure of thrill offered on the open road. Importantly, HMSI needs to get the CB150R’s pricing right, keeping this under the Rs 100,000 figure.

RISHAD COOPER