Both the Honda CBR150R and CBR250R get updated with three new colour options respectively while the powertrain remains the same.
Having showcased the new colours at the RevFest event in August this year, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has officially launched the 2015 CBR150R and CBR250R updated with new colour options. Prices for the new models start at Rs. 1,23,183/- for the new CBR150R and Rs. 1,60,201/- (all prices, ex-showroom Delhi) for the new CBR250R. Both bikes sports no mechanical changes under the cosmetically updated bodywork.
The 2015 Honda CBR150R now comes in Candy Palm Green, Jazzy Blue Metallic and Sports Red colour options, while the CBR250R comes with new graphics and refreshed colour options including Sports Red, Black and Pearl Amazing White. Power continues to come from a 149.4cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor on the CBR150R, producing 18.28 BHP at 10,500 RPM and 12.66 Nm of torque at 8500 RPM, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The CBR250R on the other hand, uses a 249.6cc single-cylinder motor belting out 26.15 BHP at 8500 RPM and 22.9 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM, paired to a 6-speed transmission.
Both bikes get telescopic front forks and a monoshock suspension unit at the rear while braking performance comes from front and rear disc brakes. The CBR250R though benefits from the optional Combined ABS (C-ABS) feature for more effective stopping power which is missed on the former. Unfortunately, these are the only changes on the CBR twins for this year and Honda has completely missed out on the comprehensively facelifted models that were launched internationally in 2013 with CBR inspired styling.
The first product to kick start the quarter-litre segment in the country, the Honda CBR250R is in a dire need of a comprehensive update and has gotten long in the tooth. The cosmetic updates will help little to get the sales figures up we reckon, but if it helps clear the existing stock then nothing like it. At present, Honda is concentrating on the sub-200cc space having launched a host of commuter motorcycles (new and refreshed) this year. The company’s next launch will be the Hornet 160R that will be announced next month.