Honda has been very creative in the Indian motorcycle market, trying to expand its reach and increase its numbers. The company is already the second largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the country, behind Hero MotoCorp, which still dominates the market. Honda introduced the Navi and then the Cliq, which seem to add more variety to the current motorcycle market. At the same time, the Honda 150SS Racer is an exciting option. This new motorcycle concept was unveiled at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show. This is a completely new motorcycle and Honda has built a highly affordable street motorcycle for daily use.

This is called a neo-sport cafe racer. A new term for a motorcycle with only 150cc engine capacity. This new motorcycle was the mastermind behind Honda’s R&D center in Thailand. The company has invested around Rs 16 million in this project. Since Thailand is very important for Honda and there is a customs duty on motorcycles with more than 250cc, Honda is developing more powerful motorcycles with smaller engine capacity there. These motorcycles have also found their way to India like the Kawasaki Ninja 250, Z250 and the CBR 250 to name a few. Since there is a rise in high performance motorcycles in India too, motorcycle manufacturers are now giving much more importance to the Indian market.

Honda 150SS racer design

The Honda 150SS racer bike looks really good. The front end is just like a cafe racer. It has a round headlight with an LED for the daytime running light. A white projector light is embedded in it. The headlight surround has a metallic touch. The look of the materials looks very high quality and classy. The front mudguard has a carbon fiber finish. From the side, the motorcycle looks muscular and its design is striking.

The fuel tank is big enough and looks sculpted. There is a radiator to cool the engine. There is some bikini fairing. The bike looks futuristic and appealing. The tail also looks razor sharp. But that was all just the concept version. The company has released a teaser for the production version of the bike, it actually looks different. It doesn’t have the same tail light, and also some changes in the features. But a lot has been retained. There is an upside down fork, 17-inch wheels and also different seats.

Also read: Honda Hornet 160R | Yamaha R15 V3

Honda 150SS Racer – Features

Honda will offer numerous features on this motorcycle. Since it is a concept version, many of the features offered may not be included in production due to cost considerations.

17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels

Digital instrument cluster

Narrow swingarm

Inverted fork

Honda 150SS Racer – Technical data

The Honda Racer 150cc is equipped with a 150cc engine that produces around 16.8 bhp and a peak torque of 13.7 Nm. This engine comes with a six-speed gearbox. This is the same engine that was used in the CBR 150. This is a liquid-cooled engine and is said to have high torque, while the CBR will have a more linear power output.

Honda 150SS Racer – Suspension and Brakes

The bike will be equipped with disc brakes at the front and rear. This will be standard on all bikes. ABS will even be offered. It will probably be a dual-channel ABS. The front suspension is an upside-down fork and a monoshock at the rear. The front looks much more stylish and appealing.

Honda 150SS Racer Price in India

This could be a 150cc engine but it will be more expensive than the Hornet 160R. Honda will offer more power and features on this bike and the price will be around Rs 15,000 higher than the Hornet. This will be something like the naked version of the R15.

Honda 150SS Racer Release Date

We can expect the Honda 150SS Racer to be launched in mid-2018. It won’t happen any earlier. Honda might even showcase this bike at the Auto Expo 2018. This is a completely new bike and other upcoming Honda bikes will also be based on this platform.