Need more evidence the Asian market is driving motorcycle development? Take a look at the cool 150cc model Honda just introduced in Thailand, the CB150R ExMotion.
In addition to the obvious effort at styling, Honda threw some serious tech at the little ExMotion. The 150cc single is a DOHC four-valve, water cooled, fuel injected design that meets the latest European emission standards.
A very large (for the small displacement) 41 mm upside-down fork holds a front, radial-mount, four-piston brake caliper.
The ExMotion also features LED lighting and a frame designed to centralize mass for better handling. A modern ABS system is also incorporated, together with a fat (for the class) 150 mm rear tire.
We can’t say which markets will eventually see CB150R ExMotion models in dealer showrooms, but don’t hold your breath waiting for one in the United States. Take a look at the video below.
See more of MD’s great photography:
Looks exactly like a baby FZ7. Thought it was a Yamaha at first glance.
Honda should do a non A2 license version and bring it to the states. I suggest a 550cc, KTM tuned (50 RWHP)single, 360 pounds wet (wet meaning 4 gallon gas tank).
The world needs grown-up small bore motorcycles, we have enough beginner bikes!
If I was living in asia I would probably buy one of these as many countries you need something to whip thru dense traffic and small bikes are thus ideal, out of the city country roads are often dangerous so you can not use a big bike’s speed. In the UK though I would not buy one as I need some decent acceleration to avoid brain dead cagers, and the Street Triple does me very nicely.
I wish Rhonda would drop a 50p engine in something like this and keep the wet weight around 325lbs. Maybe a re-tuned 500cc twin? Screw A2 licensing! how about a small bore for adults or experienced riders??
Someone’s got to build one!
A good lookin little bike that is probably spot on for the intended market. Add a little into the suspension travel and maybe add 50cc to the motor and the versatility factor jumps enormously BUT as it is it will be fine for sub 120kph, low fuel burn rate and unit cost.
Looks great and if predictions of 20hp hold water, please send this stateside!
Honda is making full use of its latest 150cc engine, found in the Honda’s latest underbone/moped/super cub, RS150.
https://www.google.com/search?q=honda+rs150&rlz=1C1NHXL_enMY690MY690&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjt4_6X5pHWAhWJMI8KHQ_cCHMQ_AUICigB
Won’t be surprised if this is followed by a scrambler/supermoto, and a full faired version to compete with Suzuki new GSXR 150.
CBR150 vs R15 vs GSXR150
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKTwPtPcNkI
I don’t think this has the same engine as the RS150, this engine has 4 valves.
Nope, I’m wrong…. it looks like the RS150 has the same engine, with 4 valves.
only + 25cc, but I would buy this over a grom all day long. Even if it costs twice as much, and it probably does.
Maybe a deluxe version will include a rear fender, full length seat, and a rack.
Arguably most groomed (least ugly) of all Japanese brands, save for latest of Suzuki. True Honda – practical, modest and likely very reliable and this is why I ride Honda for last 16 years.
With this size however, practically useless in BA market, how they can compete against Chinese products which are for most part based on 150cc? Name, quality, durability?
A year ago I had a new Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster. A number of years ago I had a new Yamaha Zuma 125. My commute to work is 11 miles one way. I got there just as quickly and with even more smiles on the little Yammie. 🙂
I currently ride a 2006 Suzuki Burgman 650, a 2014 Honda CTX1300D and a 2016 Suzuki DL650 ABS V-Strom and they are all fun too.
Different strokes for different Folks said Sly Stone:)
The only thing i don’t like about it is the tail, though easily remedied through the aftermarket. Shove a 600 motor in there and wow.
600 SINGLE…
spot on Montana, a couple of models with bigger twin engines (500 & 900 CC) and I give them my wallet.
That looks like a better brake/suspension package than Honda puts on its 300, 500, and 650 “sport bikes” in the US.
In markets like Brazil, this is major woodie material! The 150cc range is very seriouslyy contested and even bikes made of Chinesium can compete.
BTW, Honda, you fuel inject this little putter and still no love for the XR650L!
Is this bike designed to meet some sort of licensing scheme or legal limitation? (i.e. Is it for countries where you are only allowed to ride bikes with up to 150cc if you have a general motorcycle license?)
Because this bike looks like it would be too expensive for it’s displacement class if you weren’t somehow limited to 150cc’s.
Honda will sell more of this than Fireblade.
In Indonesia, on average, Honda sells one million bikes annually. That’s more than all the Fireblades in the world. It’s no wonder that Honda’s MotoGP tag line is ‘Satu Hati’- One Heart. It’s a tribute to the Indonesians for their loyal support.
We don’t need them in the US. If we want a bike that performs like a 150, we just go get a Harley. Another tasteless Harley-bashing comment.
LOL
But, but, but, it doesn’t come with a clown suit costume, included with a Harley, does it? I guess I just don’t have a red ball to put on my nose, to ride one of those antiques. I don’t hate ‘Merica.
You need to try a V-Rod, although for the Harley purists is not a Harley BUT it was developed and produced by Harley with great performance
And… now the entire VRSC series is dead. Go figure.
People often forget about sharp handling. It will handle better than virtually any bike with more displacement. In the U.S. – that would very likely include YOUR bike. So it surely will NOT perform like a Harley or any larger displacement bike. It will perform much better. But of course – how can a bike with amazing handling be fun?!? That’s not an important part of riding anymore. Straight-line power and speed is where it’s at. Of course it is….
Oh – and it will out-perform all larger bikes in terms of initial price, insurance costs, maintenance costs, wet weight, and fuel-economy. But that’s not important either….
Honda’s attempt to copy the KTM 200 Duke (extremely popular in SE Asia). Duke may have better perf, though, with WP susp and more HP.
Fifty c.c. is huge to give away at that displacement level if the Duke’s performance is its target. Not sure I’d call it a copy, and obviously more than a mere attempt, probably aimed at the same market.
Is this like a white person’s club in Asia? Seriously, I’ve had a lot of fun on small sub 250cc bikes around town, and this looks to be the best of the bunch. It’s not how fast you can go, it’s how you maintain speed. If steering and suspension are high quality, you can keep momentum up and go as fast as anyone else. And you can now brake fast, with these new forks and brakes. It really is fun to go fast on a “slow” bike, at least you are getting all the performance you pay for, unlike most larger bikes.
I second that. I have 6 bikes. Only one is above 250cc.
The rest are super fun 100cc, 110cc, 125cc, 150cc, 250cc.
My super cool Yamaha 125ZR revs to 11000 rpm.
Good looking bike. How come the Asians get the non-asian looking bikes?
Best question ever.
oh to be a teenager in Asia
Like the radially mounted brake caliper, that should be the standard anymore.
Looks great – would be an ideal bike for India. Those little 150s are fun as can be and this hearkens back to the days of approachable, affordable motorcycles. You meet the nicest people (in the internet comments section)
re: “the obvious effort at styling”
total rip on an FZ9.
Looks far more like the MT-01 to me. Still pretty cool…
Hardly. Actually pleasing to look at.
Looks like a brick. Probably runs like a brick. Honda has truly lost its way.
This from the company that brought you:
– The Elsinore MX series
– The CB750
– The GL touring series
– The VFR sports tourer series
Soichiro Honda is spinning in his grave.
” Probably runs like a brick. ”
I don’t know about that. I had a ball with my 2008 Honda CBR125R, one of the most fun little street bikes I have ever owned, and I also own a VFR.
You have no idea what you’re talking about. None.
Agree with P Harris.
definitely , stupid comment of the day. Sochiro would be happy about the little bike.
It’s ok, Gary lives in 1991.
We can ignore him.
If Soichiro was alive, I suspect you wouldn’t recognize him if you shared lunch together.
Soichiro started his business making and selling a better piston ring, his family delivering them via bicycle to local clients. To say he would disapprove of this gorgeous 150cc bike is pure silliness.
His first 30,000 piston rings failed QC at Toyota so he quit and went to back to school and learned how to do it right. He would surely approve of the 150 I think.
Seems slightly ironic that the video shows him riding to a coffee shop.
Cafes are the hippest place perhaps…
I remember when 150’s were fun, and they still are. This one is even better than those of the 60’s.
How about an Africa twin motor in something that looks like this, add a decent rear fender and a second brake disc, and I’m in.
It’s a slightly more grown-up Grom that’s been going to the gym. That works for me!
Looks like a great little bike for navigating congested cities like Saigon, Jakarta and Bangkok – what I imagine is the target market.
Awesome..if you don’t have a passenger
and don’t need to tow a boat…