Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), the fully owned Indian subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, is all set to launch its 150 cc sports bike CBR150R in the Indian automobile market. According to recent reports, the company would launch its new product in the second week of March 2012 at the initial price tag of Rs. 1.15 – Rs. 1.20 lacs (expected ex-showroom prices). The highly anticipated CBR150R would compete against the likes of KTM Duke 200 (Bajaj), which is available at a cost of Rs. 1.17 lacs, and Yamaha R15 that comes with a price tag of Rs 1.07 lacs.
The company has already showcased its Honda CBR150R at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 that was held at Pragati Maidan from 5-11 January. The Honda CBR150R would be the third product by the company this year, following the upgraded Dio (launched in February) and facelifted version of CBR250R that is slated for launch by end of February.
The new CBR150R has been assimilated with DOHC 4-valve, single-cylinder 150 cc water-cooled engine along with balance shaft, which is capable of producing peak power of 17.6 hp and maximum torque of 12.6 Nm. In addition, the new product is integrated with 6 speed manual transmission mechanism. The new sports bike would measure 1977 mm in length, 695 mm in width, 1130 mm in height, along with wheelbase of 1310 mm.
Telescopic fork suspension in front and powerful monoshock swingarm in rear are some of the impressive features of the upcoming CBR150R. Alloy wheels, disc brakes (front and rear wheels), fuel gauge, analogue tachometer, digital speedometer, low fuel indicator, pass light, low oil indicator, step-up seat and passenger footrest are other features available in the new Honda bike.
According to recent reports, the CBR150R would be available in the domestic market in two variants, namely Standard and Deluxe. The Deluxe variant is expected to carry price tag of Rs. 1.22 lacs (expected ex-showroom price). The new Honda CBR150R Standard would be available in two colours, namely Black and Sports Red with Pearl Sunbeam White. The new Honda CBR150R Deluxe would be offered in Black with Pearl Sunbeam White and Vibrant Orange with Pearl Sunbeam White.
HMSI is known for its marketing, advertising and sales policies in the two-wheeler segment, which is why it has already devised a strategy to promote its new product in the Indian automobile market. Once the CBR150R is launched, the company is planning to sell more than 3500 units of the motorcycle on a monthly basis.
