Yamaha MT-15 vs Honda CB150R ExMotion: Spec Comparison

Modified On June 16, 2020 10:34 IST
By Zaran Mody

Can Honda’s neo-retro streetfighter take on Yamaha’s dark warrior?

The lower end of the displacement spectrum in India has been populated largely by simple commuters so far. But with more high-tech bikes like the KTM 125 Duke and Yamaha MT-15 now on sale, we’re seeing more and more capable smaller bikes. One such bike that we wish was sold here in India is the Honda CB150R ExMotion, which would be a perfect competitor to the MT-15. So how do the two stack up on paper?

Engine & Drivetrain

Specs	Honda CB150R ExMotion	Yamaha MT-15
Engine	149.16cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC engine	155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve SOHC engine
Power	17.1PS @ 9,000rpm*	18.5PS @ 10,000rpm
Torque	14.4Nm @ 7,000rpm*	13.9Nm @ 8,500rpm
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
*specs taken from 2020 CBR150R which shares the same engine

Even though we’ve taken the specs from the CBR150R, which uses the same engine but is likely slightly more powerful (engine output for the CB150R is unavailable), the Honda is thoroughly outgunned by the MT in this department. On the upside, the CB does make more torque and its peak figures arrive earlier, which should make it the more sprightly of the two in urban conditions, which is where bikes like these are likely to spend most of their time. What’s also worth noting is that the Honda motor claims to be Euro6-compliant, so its output will probably remain unchanged for many years to come, while the Yamaha motor could lose a pony or two as emission norms get stricter with time.

Underpinnings

Specs	Honda CB150R ExMotion	Yamaha MT-15
Frame	Diamond-type frame	Deltabox
Suspension	F: 41mm USD fork R: Monoshock	F: Telescopic fork R: Linked monoshock
Brakes	F: 296mm disc, 4-piston caliper R: 220mm disc	F: 282mm disc R: 220mm disc
Tyres	F: 110/70-17 R: 150/60-17	F: 100/80-17 R: 140/70-R17

Despite losing out on an upside-down fork, the MT-15’s Deltabox perimeter frame and linked rear monoshock should make it the better handling bike of this pair. And even though it gets skinnier rubber, its radial rear tyre should prove to be gripper than the bias-ply unit on the CB150R. One area where the Yamaha does lose out is braking, with smaller discs and single-channel ABS compared to the Honda’s dual-channel system.

Dimensions & Weights

Specs	Honda CB150R ExMotion	Yamaha MT-15
Wheelbase	1,296mm	1,335mm
Ground clearance	139mm	170mm
Fuel tank capacity	8.5-litres	10-litres
Seat height	795mm	810mm
Kerb weight	125kg	138kg

Thanks to its significantly lower kerb weight and lower seat height, the CB150R is the more manageable and accessible motorcycle of the two, but its practicality is seriously compromised by the miniscule 8.5-litre fuel tank, so long-distance touring will require frequent stops. Another limiting factor is its 139mm ground clearance, which will almost certainly be inadequate over our pothole-ridden streets.

Published by

Zaran Mody