Honda RS150R

Straight off you can tell that this is a much more aggressive machine. Compare the dimensions of the older model (2025 x 725 x 1105 mm) to the new model (1941 x 699 x 977 mm) and you know what we are talking about. Thanks to its Power Ranger’s helmet lookalike (automatic and LED) headlight, it is much sportier looking.  Indicators are integrated within the headlamp housing. Gone are the scooter like proportions. This is as low slung as it gets – it has clip-on handlebars. Wheels are Y spoke cast alloys and have massive brake rotors. Angular and edgy panels, sporty under cowl and the high rear section drive the point home just a bit further. Even the pillion step looks like a lot of thought has gone into it. Interestingly enough, you could end up paying Php 94900, Php 97300 or Php 96500 depending upon what color you want. The basic red or magenta color scheme with black alloys and engine cover costs the cheapest. Then comes the black with orange wheels. The most expensive price is asked for either the Winning Red or the Repsol Honda color scheme. The Winning Red comes in red and white graphics with red wheels. The Repsol Honda, however, comes in Honda Repsol colors with orange wheels, titanium color engine, red rear shock absorber and even some HRC stickers. Totally worth the price in our opinion. All versions do come with comprehensive digital dashboard (with a gear indicator) and a keyhole shutter but no side stand engine shutdown mechanism and no under-seat storage area.

In case it wasn’t clear till now, this is a racing bike. It should be ridden as such. The handlebars are narrow clip-on. The seat height is 764 mm and the wheelbase is 1275 mm making it a rather compact proposition. The riding position is tight. As you speed up, you would want to make yourself narrow, hunch lower and bunch your shoulders. So it is best to ride it for shorter durations for the sake of your wrists and shoulders. Leaning is also pretty confident albeit for the rather narrow 70/90-38P and 80/90-50P tires in the front and rear respectively. The twin perimeter frame together with the telescopic front forks and the rear monoshock make for good agility. 140 mm of ground clearance makes for some practical appeal as well.

It has a 4 valve, liquid cooled, fuel injected DOHC 150 cc engine that produces 11.5 kW at 9000 rpm and 13.5 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm. The bike is lightweight at 111 kg and uses a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. It does not seem apparent at first when you start the engine, but the bike is rearing to go. The first time you pop the clutch, you will know the savage beast that lurks behind the low rumble from the engine.  The bike jumps at every opportunity and is even eager to reach the upper regions of 140 kmph. It’s almost as if it wants you to go faster. The temptation is hard to resist but always exercise caution. Happiest at the 6000 rpm mark, it is most at home cruising at speeds above 60-70 kmph. Engine heat management thankfully is top notch. The radiator fan automatically starts up at 103 degree Celsius. Mileage is decent at 52 kmpl and even at more spirited pace will keep to 35 kmpl. With a 4.3-litre tank that gives out some decent range.

Braking is well matched for its performance thankfully. There are 296 mm disc brakes at the front and 190 mm discs at the rear. There is however, no ABS.

On the whole, the Honda RS150R is a significant improvement on the earlier bike. It is a much more serious performer. But you must know what you are getting into.