The 2016 Honda CBR150R (Thai version by A.P. Honda) is a mainstay of Southeast Asian roads, celebrated for its blend of sporty looks, comfortable ergonomics, and genuine commuter practicality. After a week of living with this approachable 150cc, here’s a detailed look at what sets the Thai-built CBR apart—and why it remains a premium choice for daily riders in Singapore and beyond.
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 150cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder, fuel-injected
- Top Speed: Real-world 132 km/h, despite modest displacement; easily cruises at 120 km/h on highways
- Throttle Response: Linear but lacks outright punch—acceleration is mellow even near redline (10,000 rpm) due to tall gearing and a short-stroke motor
While not razor-sharp, the CBR150R is more than enough for urban duties and weekend rides, striking a strong balance for reliability-focused commuters.
Handling, Ergonomics & Comfort
- Chassis: Ultra-lightweight, highly flickable and stable for new riders or daily commuters
- Suspension: Front USD fork provides good feedback; rear is plush enough for varied city road surfaces
- Seating Position: Relaxed upright stance rather than racer crouch—plush, wide split seats for both rider and pillion offer superior comfort
- Rider Fit: Tall and short riders alike (tested at 177cm) will find easy footing and a natural seating triangle
Perfect for long city hauls or moderate-speed expressway rides, with comfortable geometry that shuns aggressive sportbike strain.
Brakes, Tires & Commuter Features
- Brakes: Front disc brake is effective, rear is weak—requires a firm pull for best results at speed
- Tires: Stock IRC Road Winner RX-01 tires offer inadequate wet grip—upgrade is strongly recommended for safety, especially with Singaporean monsoon rains
- Storage: Unusually spacious for a sportbike—room under the pillion seat easily fits tools, bike locks, and everyday essentials
- Security: Simple but clever ignition barrel lock adds a deterrent against theft by requiring a secondary key maneuver
Honda engineered the CBR150R with clear commuter DNA—a bike meant to be used daily, not just admired.
Maintenance & Running Costs
- Fuel Economy: 13-liter fuel tank easily delivers 450km range—excellent for high-mileage city or inter-town travel
- Servicing: Straightforward and affordable, requiring oil changes every 2,000–3,000km; battery and under-seat access is painless
- Oil Filtration: Uses an oil strainer rather than a filter—needs replacement/cleaning every 12,000km, but requires some mechanical skill to access
For most urban riders, the CBR150R is a low-stress, low-cost bike to own and maintain, with Honda reliability baked in.
Who Should Buy the 2016 CBR150R?
- New riders seeking style and dependability without intimidating performance
- Commuters wanting a sporty look paired to a practical, upright chassis
- Students and city dwellers in search of top fuel efficiency and low running costs
- Tall and short riders wanting everyday comfort with easy pillion space
Final Thoughts
The 2016 Honda CBR150R (Thai version) strikes a rare balance between sportbike aesthetics and everyday usability. For Singapore and Southeast Asia’s traffic, climate, and budget concerns, its plush seat, practical features, and proven reliability make it one of the best 150cc daily bikes on the market today.