Honda RS150R

Even though the RS150R is an underbone motorcycle, it does not mean it is boring and dull. Instead, Honda has put in a lot of effort to make the vehicle stand-out in the crowd. Honda RS150R comes with double-stacked LED headlight, a stepped seat, and thin spindly alloys on thick grippy looking tires. It looks quite sporty from every angle. 

The slim fairing wraps around the front feature a sharper design with a faux air intake. On the sides, the bike continues to flaunt its sporty character with sharp fairings featuring attractive bold graphics and decals. Even the tail section has been designed to keep things alive. 

The RS150R measures 2025 mm in length, 725 mm in width, and 1105 mm in height. The seat height is 764 mm, while the wheelbase is 1276 mm. Combined with high and wide handlebars, these dimensions give a comfortable seating position that is not too high for Asian bodies. With wide handlebars and upright seating, RS150R is easy to handle at slow speeds.

Instrumentation incorporates a gigantic analog tachometer and a huge interactive digital display that serves as the trip meter, speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and clock. There is a small under-seat storage area too. 

Along with Repsol shade, the bike comes in 4 color options, the best of which is Repsol Honda Edition fitted with orange wheels, though at a slightly higher price.

The RS150R’s engine rests in a welded construction twin-perimeter frame. The suspension setup has been tuned to provide a plush and comfortable ride. To be specific, there are non-adjustable telescopic forks in the front and a Kayaba monoshock in the rear. The setup soaks in bumps and potholes pretty well. Since the bike weighs just 122 kg, riding it through the crowded streets is convenient. However, the seat is a bit narrow and lacks adequate cushioning. 

Powering the Honda RS150R is a refined Euro 3 compliant 149.7-cc water-cooled DOHC unit generating 15.6 hp of power at 9000 rpm and 13.5 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a final drive through the chain. It is also equipped with a fuel injection system so the riders can experience crisp and precise throttle response.

Being a Honda engine, it is the most refined of the lot that lacks vibrations even on long rides. It is also bulletproof, as shown by the couple who took their bike on a 6-month long trip across 25 countries last year. The gearing makes the power delivery snatchy and may take some getting used to. The sixth gear is an overdrive and not something that will push its top speed even higher. The top speed for that matter is rated at 122 kmph. The 4.5-litre fuel tank is good enough for a little over 120 km range.

The braking is handled by hydraulic discs. There are 296 mm discs on the front and 190 mm on the rear wheel, both clamped by single-piston calipers. The overall braking performance of RS150R is pretty impressive.

For its price of RM 7,999, the Honda RS150R is quite a competent bike that worth the money as an excellent daily commuter. It emphasizes on refinement and comfort without giving up on performance and styling. It promises to keep up with the rider's energy and sportiness.