Yamaha FZ-X vs Honda CB150R ExMotion: Image Comparison

Two Japanese neo-retro machines compared in detailed images

Yamaha recently updated its neo-retro roadster, the FZ-X, with traction control. Unfortunately, there aren’t any cosmetic changes except for LED indicators. Meanwhile, the CB150R ExMotion, a neo-retro bike from Honda, has been garnering attention with its tasteful design and respectable performance. How do these two retro-themed bikes fare against each other? We’ll let these images do the talking:

The Yamaha FZ-X is the oddball of Team Blue. Unlike the XSR family, the design of this bike is not coherent. Its muscular fuel tank, mono projector headlight, commuter-ish seat and grab rail doesn’t gel up well. On the other hand, the Honda CB150R’s ExMotion’s design is very coherent, and blends its retro elements like the muscular tank and circular headlight blend well with the neoteric bits like the underbelly exhaust and aluminium subframe.

Both bikes get circular headlights, however, the Honda’s setup looks much cooler than the FZ-X’s projector light with DRL surround.

The Yamaha FZ-X and the Honda CB150R ExMotion get compact LCD consoles. However, the former’s unit also boasts Bluetooth connectivity with a couple of safety features.  

The Yamaha gets a 149cc air-/oil-cooled engine producing a measly 12PS and 13Nm. Whereas the Honda CB150R packs a liquid-cooled 149cc that should pack more performance than the Yamaha. However, the company has not revealed the performance details.

Both the bikes run on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. But Honda has given beefier radial tubeless units which should translate to better handling. 

The Honda CB150R ExMotion looks tempting but unfortunately, it is not coming to India. So, if you are in awe with the styling of the Honda, the closest thing to it you can get is the Honda CB300R, which is over a lakh more expensive than the Yamaha.