The ABS model of the new Honda CBR150R was recently launched in Indonesia, hinting that the product seems ready for the launch in India. However, the launch feels uncertain as Honda has revealed that the brand has no plans to work on premium lightweight products for the country.
At present, the brand’s focus is on volume-generating products like the Activa and CB Shine series. We feel that Honda must bring the new CBR150R to the Indian market to compete with the Yamaha R15 V3. Yamaha is posting huge sales figures every month proving that buyers in India do have an interest in buying a premium and expensive 150cc bike.
The new Honda CBR150R ABS is now available in Indonesia in Matte Black, Victory Black Red, Honda Racing Red, and the popular MotoGP Edition. The motorcycle comes with an impressive windscreen, a sharp front headlight design, a balanced fairing, a split seat, and a black exhaust.
The CBR150R MotoGP Edition features orange alloy wheels while all other shades feature black wheels as standard. The ABS ring is clearly visible on the front brake, with Honda using the ABS sticker on the front fender for further confirmation. The 149cc, single-cylinder engine on the bike is good for 17.1HP of maximum power and 14.4Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission.
The motorcycle also features emergency brake warning system which activates hazard lights in tough situations. The launch of the CBR150R in India will pose a direct threat to Yamaha R15 V3, which has stayed the undisputed king in the fully-faired 150cc segment from the first day of its launch. In case Honda plans to launch the CBR150R in the Indian market, the ex-showroom price of the motorcycle is expected to stay around INR 1.50 lakh.