CBR150R To Make A Comeback In India?

In a surprising turn of events, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have patented the CBR150R in India. The application was filed in April 2021 and journaled in January this year. The Japanese bikemaker will likely re-introduce the 150cc supersport in the country to challenge the Yamaha YZF-R15 V4’s dominion.

Honda pulled the plug on the CBR150R in 2017 and the CBR250R in 2020, making the CBR650R currently the most affordable faired bike from the bikemaker. Meanwhile, Yamaha continued raking in good sales, first with the R15 V3 and now with the V4 and the R15S V3, practically unchallenged. So, with no sporty offerings in the sub-200cc segment, launching the CBR150R seems like the right move for Honda now.

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The Honda CBR150R is powered by a 149cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that develops 17.1PS and 14.4Nm. Wondering how that fares against the Yamaha? Read our spec comparo of the CBR150R and the R15 V4.

The revival of this 150cc supersport could also give Honda a chance to introduce the CBR150R One Make Championship again. This would not just help the brand’s popularity but also nurture the sport in India, something Honda has been doing for the past few years.

If we’re optimistic, the Honda CBR150R could be launched in India this festive season at Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom). This upcoming bike will not just challenge the R15 but also pose a threat to the KTM RC 125.