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2015 new Honda CB150R vs Yamaha YZF R15

Overall



Indian biking scenario is witnessing a drastic change as customers are demanding more powerful and sporty bikes. We can witness a significant shift in customers moving from low-end commuter bikes to premium bikes. Yamaha was struggling with its bike line up but introduction of R15 and FZ series really turned the tables for Yamaha. Yamaha heralded a new era in Indian biking scenario with the launch of R15 as it was the closest thing to a true sports bike in the Indian market at that time. A whole new segment of premium sports bikes was created to cater the rising demands of Indian customers. To cash in on this trend Honda launched the CBR 150R in wake of the success of Yamaha R15. Looking at the popularity and rising competition Yamaha launched a refreshed R15 V2.0. Both bikes resemble their bigger siblings and are one of the most modern bikes on offer in this segment.
Looks


honda vs yamaha

Yamaha R15 V2.0 has undergone some drastic changes compared to its previous version. The new version looks extremely sporty and cool. The front tire is wider, it features a dark visor at the front, and the side cowl has been redesigned to improve aerodynamics and accentuate styling. It receives new silencers with carbon finish enhancing its sporty looks. The rear section has been entirely redesigned; the new tail cowl is striking in design and is void of any grab rail. The rear features wider tires compared to its earlier version which is a much-needed and welcome change. Split seats with separate seat section provide sporty riding position. LED tail lights add cadence to styling. The newly designed cast alloy wheels apart from being lighter looks stunning. The aluminum swing arm at the rear looks awesome and is a first in any Indian bike.


The CBR 150R looks almost similar to its elder sibling CBR 250. It clearly draws inspiration from Hondas VFR series which provides a big engine look to the bike. The sporty full cowling is inspired by racing DNA of Honda and adds bulk to the bike apart from enhancing aerodynamics. Racing stripes further enhance the sporty image of the bike. Its head light is unique and inspired from VFR series. The crystal clear head light gives bright beam and striking looks. The rear section of bike looks similar to the bigger CBR and features black colored grab rails.

Both bikes are sporty in design and are really eye-catching. However R15 V2.0 looks more sporty and appealing compared to CBR 150R. The R15 V2.0 is a true bred sports bike.


Features


Yamaha R15 V2.0 comes with some class leading features. It features futuristic instrument console with a round pod for its analog tachometer along with digital speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and other LED indicators. The blue back light looks incredible at night. The dual headlight of R15 V2.0 allows you to get a clear view of road at night. Separate seat section ensures better seating and sporty riding position. The rear mud guard and sari guard are designed to co-ordinate visually with the rear fender and are attached to the swing arm.



CBR 150R also comes loaded with features. It sports an analog tachometer along with digital speedometer, fuel gauge, and odometer and LED indicators. The orange back light looks good at night. The head light of the bike uses high wattage bulbs which offer brightest view of road for safety at night. It also features an adequate amount of space under its seats for storing riding gloves, rain jacket etc. It features wide tubeless tires providing excellent grip and enhanced handling.


Feature wise both bikes are almost similar and has good number of features. CBR 150R’s under seat storage though limited is a plus point while R15 V2.0 has the advantage of dual head lamps.


Performance


Coming from Yamaha stable it guarantees superior performance that’s legendary of its elder siblings. Yamaha is powered by a liquid cooled 4 stroke 150 cc 4 valve SOHC engine producing maximum power of 16.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm and a maximum torque of 15 Nm @ 7500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six speed gear box with one gear down and five gear up pattern. It can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in around 13 sec and has a top speed of 130 kmph. The bike gives a mileage of around 40 kmpl in city driving and 50 kmpl in highway driving condition which is respectable considering performance of the bike.


Honda CBR 150R doesn’t disappoint with its performance. The engine is a 150cc liquid cooled 4 stroke DOHC engine churning out maximum power of 17.58 bhp @ 10500 rpm and maximum torque of 12.66 Nm @ 8500 rpm. The engine is mated with a six speed gear box with one down and five up pattern. Though the bike feels slow initially due to its low torque, the high end performance is better than R15 V2.0. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in about 12 sec which is one sec quicker than R15 V2.0. The top speed of the bike is 132 kmph. CBR 150R gives a mileage of around 38 kmpl in city and around 45 kmpl in highway riding condition.


Both bikes produce an ample amount of power for a 150 cc engine. Yamaha’s engine produces more torque and is quick initially but CBR 150’s engine is more powerful and reaches the 100 kmph mark quicker than R15 V2.0. However Yamaha R15 V2.0 will be more fun to drive in city traffic owning to its high torque.


Ride and Handling


Yamaha R15 V2.0 offers a sporty driving stance which is unique and unmatchable by any other bikes manufactured in this segment. The seats are comfortable with foot pegs placed far behind than normal. Its low and snug seating gives you the confidence to push the bike to the limit. It comes with telescopic forks at the front and linked type mono shocker at its back. The bike feels comfortable on uneven roads and bumps. The braking system of the bike has been upgraded from its previous version. Front features 270 mm disc brake and rear features 220 mm disc brake providing accurate and excellent braking in any kind of road surface. The extended wheel base, wider tires and aluminum swing arm at the rear provides flawless handling and a pleasant ride which is light and accurate.


The seating position of the CBR 150R is not as sporty as that of R15 V2.0 but it is much more comfortable. Seat is placed relatively higher and provides optimum comfort. It features a telescopic fork at the front and a mono shock absorber at the rear providing high quality performance in any riding condition. It features a 276 mm disc at the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. The bike feels stable and grounded at high speeds. Though wheel base is lesser compared to the R15 V2.0 its wider front tires and 190 mm ground clearance provides optimum handling during straight rides and while cornering. Its high ground clearance ensures that it tackles any kind of road surface with ease.


 Both bikes offer excellent ride and handling. However Yamaha R15 V2.0 is the closest you can get to a true race bike experience in this segment.


Verdict


Both bikes are worthy contenders for the top spot in this segment. Both bikes are sporty, have powerful engines, awesome performance and are fun to ride. However the new and improved R15 V2.0 has an upper hand over the CBR 150R due to its low-cost, sporty stance and high torque engine which makes it really fun to drive in city traffic. The Yamaha R15 V2.0 sells for around 1,08,000 rupees (Ex Showroom) and Honda CBR 150R sells for around 1,18,000 rupees (Ex Showroom).

HONDA




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