After succeeding with the large displacement motorcycle segment in the Vietnamese market with a very competitive price, Honda Vietnam continues to expand into the small displacement motorcycle segment. The latest name that the Japanese automaker has brought to Vietnam is the CB150R 2019 with a completely new design, completely different from the previous generation. Currently, this segment has 2 main competitors in Vietnam, both of which are sold by Yamaha TFX and Suzuki GSX-S150.
Honda CB150R 2019 is priced at 105 million VND in Vietnam.
If we compare the prices, many people will be surprised by the large price difference between these 3 models. The Honda CB150R 2019 is priced at 105 million VND, Yamaha TFX is priced at 72.5 million VND, while Suzuki GSX-S150 is priced from 68.9 million VND. Thus, the CB150R 2019 is priced 32.5 million VND higher than the Yamaha TFX and 36.1 million VND higher than the Suzuki GSX-S150. All 3 models are imported directly to Vietnam.
What does the Honda CB150R 2019 have to justify its high price?
In terms of design, each brand will have its own unique style. So, evaluating the appearance will not be discussed in comparison. In terms of brand, Honda will certainly have a higher reputation and trust from Vietnamese consumers in terms of quality as well as maintenance and repair services. This has been confirmed through annual sales figures when Honda accounts for 3/4 of the total motorcycle market in Vietnam.
In terms of its design, Honda developed it by applying the Neo Sport Café design language, creating a classic sports bike from a round headlight to a Cafe Racer style but combined with modern design thanks to the muscular fuel tank, strong, LED headlights. In 2019, the Honda CB150R continues to emphasize the Neo Sport Café design language. In addition, there is a new set of decals with three main colors: white – black – red. The tail of the bike features the prominent number 150. The brake clamp at the front and rear wheels is also painted in a sporty red color to add highlights to the bike.
The Honda CB150R 2019 still has some outstanding designs, including the retro round headlight that uses entirely LED lighting split into 2 layers. Here, there is also an integrated position light. The turn signal light placed above has an eye-catching design and also uses LED bulbs. Similarly, the rear light and the rear turn signal light also use modern LED technology. The Honda CB150R 2019 has an overall length x width x height of 1,973 x 822 x 1,053 mm, wheelbase length of 1,296 mm, saddle height of 795 mm, ground clearance of 139 mm. The unloaded weight of the bike is 123 – 125 kg depending on the version. The sporty fuel tank has a capacity of 8.5 liters.
The front wheel is equipped with a 17-inch rim with a 110/70 tire, and the rear wheel is equipped with a 17-inch rim with a 150/60 tire. The front brake system is a hydraulic disc brake with a diameter of 296 mm, equipped with standard ABS in Vietnam, which is different from competitors in the segment. The rear brake is also a hydraulic disc brake with a diameter of 220 mm. The front suspension system is a reverse diameter 41 mm, the rear is a mono-shock system.
The seat is designed in the style of Nakedbikes with a high rear seat in the standard version. The exhaust pipe is placed under the chassis to create a new style for this small motorcycle model. The engine is placed in a diamond-shaped metal frame and is almost completely exposed. The display screen is completely electronic with information such as speed, RPM, gear, fuel, odo or trip.
In terms of overall design, the Honda CB150R 2019 is a combination of classic and modern style of advanced technology. CB150R shows the finishing and refined design more than the same segment competitors. In particular, modern features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) make users feel more secure when traveling which is a very valuable feature.
How does it perform?
The Honda CB150R 2019 continues to be equipped with a 149 cc engine, PGM-Fi electronic fuel injection, 4 valves, single cylinder, dual camshaft, 6-speed gearbox, and water cooling. This engine has a power of 16 horsepower and a maximum torque of 13.6 Nm. The mileage of the CB150R 2019 is lower than that of its competitor, Yamaha TFX.
As a small-sized motorcycle that is used for commuting in the city, with a power of 16 horsepower and 13.6 Nm, it is more than enough to move flexibly in the streets of Hanoi. Although it has a relatively large size, the weight of the CB150R is quite light at only 125 kg, so a small person like me can still easily use this bike.
When starting the bike, I noticed a clear difference from the previous generation of CB150R that I had experienced, and that is the sound of the exhaust. A slight twist of the throttle, the sound coming out of the exhaust pipe placed below is stronger and more powerful than the type placed parallel to the rear wheel, which I was used to before. In a stationary state, the popping sound can be heard quite nicely instead of being quiet and gentle like in the previous generation.
The height of the CB150R 2019 seat is 795 mm, a person with a height of 1.65 meters like me can still easily reach the ground and ride smoothly. Therefore, users with average height in Vietnam also do not need to worry too much. The handlebars of the CB150R are quite wide and high, helping to improve maneuverability and wide-angle, in line with the style of the naked bike. In addition to the flash button to pass stacked behind the handle-like gear lever at the back of the steering wheel of the car, other details are still very familiar.
Shifting gears, releasing the clutch to start moving slowly, with a light weight of only 125 kg, the bike quickly accelerates after I increase the throttle. As a 150 cc bike, the clutch is made quite light, easy to squeeze in and release every time I change gears. However, in gears 1 and 2, the speed range is quite short, which sometimes frustrates users when moving in the city because they have to constantly shift up and down. When shifting to gear 3, the bike starts to move smoother, the throttle becomes faster and more responsive with each light pull.
With the conditions of traveling in Hanoi, gears 4, 5, and 6 are considered extravagant for the driver. Occasionally, I tried to travel at gear 4, at a speed of slightly over 50 km/h, every time I accelerated, the bike felt slightly slower, when reaching a higher speed, the throttle only showed its sensitivity in each acceleration. With gears 5 and 6, it is really only suitable for long distances. At that time, the bike will move steadily and not have to brake and stop frequently like traveling in the city. Due to the conditions in Vietnam not allowing it, so experiencing the bike at high speeds is impossible.
With wide handlebars, low weight, the ability to move in the city of the Honda CB150R 2019 is very flexible. It is not difficult to turn the bike left, right continuously or quickly steer to avoid obstacles on the road. In addition, the CB150R is the only model in the segment in Vietnam equipped with ABS brakes, which I am extremely pleased with. With rainy weather conditions, slippery roads, the ABS technology shows its effectiveness and safety much more than types of vehicles that are not equipped with this technology.
Conclusion
The Honda CB150R 2019 with a price of 105 million VND will certainly surprise many people with the large price difference compared to its competitors. However, if given the opportunity to experience it in reality, many people will gradually understand why this model has such a higher price. With its design and style, it will take a long time for the Honda CB150R to become outdated because the combination of classical and modern style always shows the lasting beauty. In addition, the outstanding features compared to competitors in the segment are also a plus point that helps the Honda CB150R win the favor of consumers.
>>> Honda CB150R 2019 detailed Photos, priced at 105 million VND in Vietnam <<<
Tới Nguyễn (Forum.autodaily.vn)
