Honda Cbr150

[pacovl46]

I followed the exact opposite of what wjmark is recommending(i.e. PeaceBlondie's method of babying it), and am at just over 10 000 Km. My bike still starts at the first little blip of the ignition, and am still getting the same milage as wjmark. After that agonisingly long break in period, I've rode it like I've stolen it since.

I think that at one time machining tolerances were so loose for general motor manufacturing that the whole rev through out the RPM range was valid. Metallurgy has advanced quite a bit from that point also. Basically, I believe that break in periods simply aren't necessary any more, as attested to wjmark's post where it said "And I looked at the old oil for sparkles (metal bits), and saw nothing but beautiful clean oil" I didn't notice any in mine either when I changed it at 100Km, so I really doubt that we're 'honing' the bores on engines any more.

hi

i had the first oil change at 945km and the oil was really black. then i switched to full synthetic at 1450 and the castrol i had put in only 500km earlier was not as black but dark. i ran it in softly (exactly the way i shouldn't have done it according to wjmark)

when i asked for the oil filter they showed me one that was in a wave they were repairing or something. it's basically a piece of grid in a plastic frame sized maybe 4x2.5cm or so. there were "huge" junks of metal in it. it looked really bad. some of the pieces were a few milimeters long. something i definately wouldn't want in my engine. but then, i've got no idea what happened to that bike, i only saw the filter

[pacovl46]

I commuted 35 km each way, 5 days per week, for almost all the first 21 months of my first CBR150R, and the buzzing did not bother me much, even though I usually cruised between 110 and 141.2 indicated. Speaking of which, I see the 2008 still has the same clocks, using up only 75% of the dial space, but indicating impossible speeds of the engine and bike. I wish the tach would use 90% of the clock, and quit at 13,000 rpm. Likewise, the speedo could stop at 160 kph.

I wonder if I should switch to synthetic oil after the 1000-km oil change. Then what should the change interval be, since that oil is super-expensive?

hi peaceblondie,

according to mobile 1's website with the "mobile 1 extended performance oil" u can do 15,000 miles

the castrol shop in chonburi sells 4 liters of the normal mobile one full synthetic for 1600 which is a lot cheaper than in bkk

Edited July 14, 2008 by pacovl46

[PeaceBlondie]

I never had a real crotch rocket. My sleeve length is 29, making me a bit short armed for a farang - and both CBR150's felt as comfortable as my 1982 Yamaha 550 Vision and 400 Seca; same as my 2001 Suzuki GS500E; none of which were crotch rockets. Same with footpeg placement - my trouser inseam is 29 or 30, a bit short for a farang. My boyfriend's Honda Phantom 200 has uncomfortable foot placement. Some of our riders, such as Crowboy, are far bigger than me and they do not complain about crotch rocket racerboy riding positions.

I never babied my CBR150's after the first 100 km and they ran fine until the second one got crashed. I am recovering well, thanks.

[T_Dog]

PB... Well said. I still don't think synthetic is a good idea in the CBR unless you change it every 5000 km. My oil is so black after 3000 KM. Now I have a lower-end rod knock at idle that I really do not like to hear. It goes away at higher RPMs, but at idle, it is very audible. I'll keep riding it hard as normal to see what happens. And we are all glad you are recovering well. Even the Kinky Hijinx Jinjox were happy to see you!

[canuckamuck]

I believe I have the same sound that you describe as a rod knock. I asked the Honda shop about it and they said all the CBR's make that sound occasionally. That was five years ago, and the bike is still running sweet. The sound comes in usually when it has been run for a short bit parked and started again. It goes away when the engine is at regular operating temp. I only hear the sound on idle. Does any one else have a similar observation?

[pacovl46]

I believe I have the same sound that you describe as a rod knock. I asked the Honda shop about it and they said all the CBR's make that sound occasionally. That was five years ago, and the bike is still running sweet. The sound comes in usually when it has been run for a short bit parked and started again. It goes away when the engine is at regular operating temp. I only hear the sound on idle. Does any one else have a similar observation?

hi all together,

i finally found the time to read this entire thread and wanted to thank u ALL for yr input. i found lots of useful information and answers here.

best regards

paco

by the way, could please somebody tell me where i can get a k&n airfilter in pattaya or bkk? thanks in advance

[pacovl46]

does anyone know what the kilometer expectancy is for a cbr 150?

[PeaceBlondie]

does anyone know what the kilometer expectancy is for a cbr 150?

paco, somehow that sounds like a question from Spanish, but if you mean how long the engine lasts - maybe forever, assuming you change the timing chain at 50000 km. Some major component may fail first - my carb was crappy for the last 30K km. I had bigger Japanese twins that went bad on alternator or starter motor. One never survived having the camshaft reassembled loosely.

[pacovl46]

does anyone know what the kilometer expectancy is for a cbr 150?

paco, somehow that sounds like a question from Spanish, but if you mean how long the engine lasts - maybe forever, assuming you change the timing chain at 50000 km. Some major component may fail first - my carb was crappy for the last 30K km. I had bigger Japanese twins that went bad on alternator or starter motor. One never survived having the camshaft reassembled loosely.

hi peace blondie,

i just can't imagine still sitting on it when it's got 200K on the clock

did u change yr carburetor and if so after how many kilometers?

by the way, what did u mean with it sounds like a question from spanish?

[T_Dog]

I believe I have the same sound that you describe as a rod knock. I asked the Honda shop about it and they said all the CBR's make that sound occasionally. That was five years ago, and the bike is still running sweet. The sound comes in usually when it has been run for a short bit parked and started again. It goes away when the engine is at regular operating temp. I only hear the sound on idle. Does any one else have a similar observation?

That sounds like the same thing. It sure sounds like it is coming from the lower end, and it comes and goes but only at idle. Not sure if I have heard it when the bike is hot so will keep an ear on it.

[tipsy]

I have a 2006 model, 11,000km for sale. Need a quick sale so a very attracrive price. Please pm me for info

[T_Dog]

I've seen some CBR-150's in Chiang Mai lately with nice Tank Bags. Anyone know what shop is carrying these?

[PeaceBlondie]

does anyone know what the kilometer expectancy is for a cbr 150?

paco, somehow that sounds like a question from Spanish, but if you mean how long the engine lasts - maybe forever, assuming you change the timing chain at 50000 km. Some major component may fail first - my carb was crappy for the last 30K km. I had bigger Japanese twins that went bad on alternator or starter motor. One never survived having the camshaft reassembled loosely.

hi peace blondie,

i just can't imagine still sitting on it when it's got 200K on the clock

did u change yr carburetor and if so after how many kilometers?

by the way, what did u mean with it sounds like a question from spanish?

paco, maybe your nik just sounds like a Mexican nickname for Frank. I had to figure out if you meant the engine's life expectancy. Nobody seems to know, but mine was relatively trouble-free for 54,000 km and nobody seems to have gone further but I still could get 139 kph out of it at that time, telling me the liquid cooling had helped maintain the compression.

I never changed the carb. Had it worked on a few times and the mechanics seemed clueless.

[Crow Boy]

@ crowboy, where in pattaya r u to find? i have a friend in pattaya that i go see twice a month. i'm interested in a longer bike tour maybe in october

I am fairly easy to find in Pattaya. My bike is the Repsol model so look for a bright orange CBR150 and that will probably be mine. The bike is normally found outside places like the post office, public library, schools for the blind etc

CB

[dotcom]

Hey guys. A few days ago I was coming up Sukhumvit Road heading East. Made the turn into Onnut. Ahead of me I spotted a CBR150.

This one was different however. It had a gull wing swing arm. What was I seeing? I never really caught up with him to see.

[dave_boo]

Hey guys. A few days ago I was coming up Sukhumvit Road heading East. Made the turn into Onnut. Ahead of me I spotted a CBR150.

This one was different however. It had a gull wing swing arm. What was I seeing? I never really caught up with him to see.

I've seen some custom set up CBR 150Rs on the web. However, perhaps it was something as simple as using a NSR's rear arm?

[bigNavySeal]

Hey there,

Just moved to Bangkok, Thailand and definitely considering the CBR 150 for a proper city bike. I'm fine with this little machine, my Thai friend got one of those. I am and have always been a bit disappointed with its performance though, cause I believe it's not much faster/more powerfull than the Honda Sonic (Used to ride that thing for 6 months through BKK, definitely a fine little monster). Yet, the feel/drive of the actual sport bike design makes it ride more stable/safe. Got some questions regarding current prices and modifications.

What would be the current decent price indications? I got an offer for a 2003 model CBR150 R for 28.000 baht, 30.000 km on the meter. Fair deal or what u say? I try to get it down to 25K. Besides that, how much would it cost to modify it a bit. I read some posts about how u can increase its performance by changing the exhaust, increase air-intake and adjust the carberator fuel jet, which should give it some extra 30 km/h.

If not the CBR, what would be a good similar replacement in terms of size (dont want it too big cause of the traffic u know), performance, repair possibilities and price range? the NSR? what's another good and decent small racing bike in BKK/Thailand. Can't afford more than 30K.

Got any suggestions? Thnx

[dave_boo]

Hey there,

Just moved to Bangkok, Thailand and definitely considering the CBR 150 for a proper city bike. I'm fine with this little machine, my Thai friend got one of those. I am and have always been a bit disappointed with its performance though, cause I believe it's not much faster/more powerfull than the Honda Sonic (Used to ride that thing for 6 months through BKK, definitely a fine little monster). Yet, the feel/drive of the actual sport bike design makes it ride more stable/safe. Got some questions regarding current prices and modifications.

What would be the current decent price indications? I got an offer for a 2003 model CBR150 R for 28.000 baht, 30.000 km on the meter. Fair deal or what u say? I try to get it down to 25K. Besides that, how much would it cost to modify it a bit. I read some posts about how u can increase its performance by changing the exhaust, increase air-intake and adjust the carberator fuel jet, which should give it some extra 30 km/h.

If not the CBR, what would be a good similar replacement in terms of size (dont want it too big cause of the traffic u know), performance, repair possibilities and price range? the NSR? what's another good and decent small racing bike in BKK/Thailand. Can't afford more than 30K.

Got any suggestions? Thnx

That does sound a bit north of the price that that year of a bike should command. It's only some 45% of the original price; quite a bit for something that's 5-6 years old.

I haven't modified mine at all yet, still waiting for the warranty to expire. I'm sure that there are some here that will chime in and give you a better idea of what you're looking for.

A NSR isn't bad, but being two stroke, it's at End Of Life. Apparently parts are still inexpensive'ish, but that situation may change in a hurry. There was rumblings that Honda wasn't even taking them in on trades any more; could dropping spare parts for them be much further along?

Honestly, if you decide not to buy a CBR, you're best off probably looking for a Sonic to fit in your budget. Richard-BKK really seems to like the Tiger Boxers; perhaps you could pick up a late year second hand on the cheap.

[PeaceBlondie]

I agree with dave boo. The wholesaler who gave me 17K trade-in for my 2003 CBR150R in June said he hoped to resell it for 25k after some cosmetic work. Okay, so mine had 53,000 km on it. Still, I thought 25K baht was high for an old 2003 model.

[bigNavySeal]

Thanks guys for the advice,

My Thai friend just bought a brand new one for 64.000 baht, which in my opinion is in compareance expensive with all the depreciating value. Those honda engines drive forever. Ok, so the dealer gets it 17K and sells it 25K, yeh then I'd rather go for the dealer. I kinda thought that the 4/5 year old CBR 150R's would be a bit more expensive, but good to know.

Really, I heard some people talk about buying really cheap bikes like not over 10K, yet would u still be gettin any decent bike? Cause I'm the bargain value for money kind of guy at this moment (gotta be careful with overall budget as a just graduate), so really having a good small 125cc bike which is some years old but in good condition suits me perfectly, or u wont be able to sell it anymore...? For 10K, oh well... Again, that'd most likely be hondas? Do you know any dealers who offer decent 2nd hand price ranges not over 20-30K? I stay around the old city centre/Pin Klao. Thnx!

[LivinLOS]

The sonics would be cheaper.. Also possible more nimble in really tight spaces..

Dont forget the 150 Raider.. Even more than the sonic.. Nippy.. Can pick up cheap ones second hand.

I am just having a hard time imagining a 'big navy seal' on a dinky scoot tho

[dotcom]

My third Honda was a NSR 150 SP-1.

Being 2 stroke it was gutless. It was cold blooded meaning it smoked like hel_l & had no power till the water warmed up. By the time I put a NSR250 rear shock on it I had virtually zero chain adjustment left.

yes boys in had new piston & rings & bearings so I know that wasn't the problem.

My 4th Honda is a CB400 - gobs of power. It only suffers when riding double.

I want to hear about performance mods for a CBR150. Tuned exhaust would have to be among the first. Is it possible to wring more horsepower out of these bikes?

[bigNavySeal]

I am just having a hard time imagining a 'big navy seal' on a dinky scoot tho

LOL nothing is what it seems, I'm actually a little thai hidden in a big navy seal's suit stolen from the US army u see ?

Thnx yeh I considered the sonic and good u mention the raider, yet dunno, the CBR feels more stable, especially since u got the tank between your legs. It's something I miss on the sonic (and it's just a bit too small) and is indeed something I want now since I will most likely be doing much more dangerous bangkok driving in the near future.

[PeaceBlondie]

http://www.aseanmoto.com/main.html

There you go, dotcom. You have to turn off the infernally loud audio, and choose your model.

BigNavySeal, they have the performance parts for the Sonic 125 and Raider 150, also.

[LivinLOS]

I am just having a hard time imagining a 'big navy seal' on a dinky scoot tho

LOL nothing is what it seems, I'm actually a little thai hidden in a big navy seal's suit stolen from the US army u see ?

Thnx yeh I considered the sonic and good u mention the raider, yet dunno, the CBR feels more stable, especially since u got the tank between your legs. It's something I miss on the sonic (and it's just a bit too small) and is indeed something I want now since I will most likely be doing much more dangerous bangkok driving in the near future.

I agree the CBR feels stable.. But also would say that stability also means its less 'whippy'.. Sonics and raiders have a way of really being mobile in tight spaces.. Think of cutting down a lane and seeing its blocked and want to cross through traffic, somehow the soic / raider can slot through between parked cars to change lanes much tighter. I dont know if thats really a plus or minus, would depend on your roads / traffic and driving style.. I do have a minor soft spot for the raider tho.

Also as a large farang.. Even though the sonic is probably smaller than the CBR, the CBR pitches me over the bars where the sonic / raider lets me sit 'on top' of it in an upright manner.. Its really hard to explain exactly why but I dont feel cramped on those as much as I would suspect..

Then of course theres the more scootery 135 sparks and X1 etc.. Tho thats a longer way from the CBR perhaps.

[bigNavySeal]

I am just having a hard time imagining a 'big navy seal' on a dinky scoot tho

LOL nothing is what it seems, I'm actually a little thai hidden in a big navy seal's suit stolen from the US army u see ?

Thnx yeh I considered the sonic and good u mention the raider, yet dunno, the CBR feels more stable, especially since u got the tank between your legs. It's something I miss on the sonic (and it's just a bit too small) and is indeed something I want now since I will most likely be doing much more dangerous bangkok driving in the near future.

I agree the CBR feels stable.. But also would say that stability also means its less 'whippy'.. Sonics and raiders have a way of really being mobile in tight spaces.. Think of cutting down a lane and seeing its blocked and want to cross through traffic, somehow the soic / raider can slot through between parked cars to change lanes much tighter. I dont know if thats really a plus or minus, would depend on your roads / traffic and driving style.. I do have a minor soft spot for the raider tho.

Yeh I know what u mean, the Sonic can get you some serious driver skills, BUT I gotta say since I have driven the CBR 150 for quite a bit now, I feel this little machine can get in nearly as tight places. I have driven through some very narrow spots. The problem still remains the turning point between cars standing too close in traffic, while the sonic can make those turns easier, not getting as quickly stuck. Yet so far the CBR150 has nearly always brought me all the way to the front of the traffic light lol, even in all the crazy packed narrow streets.

Anyways, gonna go check out that cbr 150 for sell now.

[dotcom]

Thanks PB. Yeah that shop is really close to me. It's just 1.5 km past Central BangNa. They got some cool parts. Picture shows the gull wing swing arm too.

I saw another one on the road today. In stock form the CBR150 would not appeal to me. But getting rid of the stock exhaust & a bore kit would make it an option.

[PeaceBlondie]

dotcom, if you get a reliable mechanic to install the 198 cc kit for the CBR, exhaust, etc, you would have a fine machine.

[thaicbr]

well i've been experimenting a bit over the last few days with my new, old cbr 150 (new for me but old). got it to replace a cbr250r that needs a new engine.

it seems the best mod is get rid of the down pipe thats where most of the restriction is.

i then played with slow and main jets 40slow 125 main, 35 slow 120 main also took of the snorkel on the airbox, i got these setting from the cbr guys in indonesia. but have gone back to original jetting.

35 slow 115 main. snorkel is going back on tomorro

i'm using the tsukigi down pipe and silencer which to be honest is cheap and cheerfull but i dont recommend the down pipe ( to many welded joints 1st one broke after 2days) but shop replaced ok.

but now seem to get most power in 5th gear with higher revs but bogs down a bit at 7tho rpm in 6th gear which i think is due to no ram air affect from the snorkel. but its a lot more flexible in the gearing and rev range now it just wants to keep reving rather than bogging down.

but as this is my 1st cbr150 i am suprised by the excessive vibrations mines a 2046, i think it said on the docs.

if ya interested i will keep ya informed.

allan

oh and that shop at bangna, Goodspeed i think its called. the down pipes they got look so much better made than the tsugiki ones.

Edited July 31, 2008 by thaicbr

[handydog]

The origonal poster mentioned some sort of get together for riders of the CBR150...

What is the conclusion to this? Are any meetings, group rides etc been organised. Where and when.

I own one of these screeming beasties and am keen to ride anywhere in the next two months. I am based in Korat if any like minded would like to catch up for a ride or a beer or both in the next two months.

http://www.marchhare.co.nz/

oh how i miss my old VFR 400R