Honda CB150R Streetfire

In some ways, the CB150R is the naked version of the old CBR150. It certainly looks like the naked version of a fully faired sports bike. Look at it long enough and you will find that it very much similar to the Kawasaki Rouser. It has all the essential elements of a modern naked street bike. The muscular tank though is largely shrouded by unnecessary graphics. The tank extensions and the vents behind it do give it some needed aggression. More keen eyes will, however, notice the trellis frame peeking from under the bodywork. This frame is presented in all its glory with the points connected to the engine, pillion footpegs and forming the tail section clearly visible.

The tail section itself is largely functional and works well to showcase the curvy and comfy seat. The split grab rail and the slim LED indicators do lend it some character. Same goes for the long and upswept exhaust that comes with contrasting aluminium end.

Honda has avoided the LED headlight from looking too robotic as is the case with most recent headlights. The slim indicators riding next to the instrument binnacle almost disappear under the visual weight of the front end. The wheels are 17-inch 5 Y spoke black alloys. Using a 100/80 front and 130/70 rear tubeless tire, they look absolutely massive. So much so that the front forks look like spindles.

 Another gripe about the design would be the radiator that is left almost entirely exposed to the elements. There are only two color options – red and black. Still the bike’s dimensions at 2019 (L) x 719 (W) x 1039 (H) mm, make it perfectly sized for cities. The instrumentation is also fully digital with black letters over blue backlighting. It displays all the usual information but somehow misses out on a gear position indicator.

While the bike might look slightly intimidating with its fat tires, riding it is very easy. The Honda CB150R’s tires give it excellent grip for high-speed cornering. The telescopic front forks are nothing to write home about but the rear ProLink unit does deserve some mention. But if you overdo it on the corner and go beyond 60 degrees, a banking angle sensor will turn the engine off and stop the fuel supply. 

The 1293 mm wheelbase allows a small turning radius. The riding position is upright and relaxed with high placed handlebars. The ground clearance is also high at 169 mm. But it has resulted in a high seat height of 797 mm that can prove too high for many riders.

Powering the Honda CB150R Streetfire is a 150 cc water cooled and fuel injected DOHC (same as CBR150R 2016) producing 16.7 hp at 9000 rpm and 13.8 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. This power output is decent in its class. But the dry weight of 136 kg is a bit on the heavier side. Still, the torque is present from the get-go, leading to great acceleration. The PGM-Fi is mapped for maintaining good fuel economy alongside decent performance. The 6-speed gearbox is smooth and allows effortless shifting. The radiator is equipped with an automatic fan to improve cooling. The fuel tank has a capacity of 12-litre and the engine manages an average fuel economy of 42 kmpl.

Honda has given the CB150R Streetfire decent braking with hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with Nissin callipers. There are better brakes in this class, but these are quite sufficient. Honda has also given the bike an auto-secure key shutter on the tank mounted lock.

The Honda CB150R Streetfire then is a lot of bike for its price. It is stylish, practical, and has the right kind of performance for its class. But does it set the streets on fire for you? Only you can decide.