Honda CB150X: Small engine, big horizons
Built on the same platform as the CBR150R, the CB150X quickly found a niche among enthusiasts looking for durability, versatility, and touring comfort
Before 2023, there weren't many options for riders beyond sports commuters. This led to riders choosing one platform for nearly all sorts of riding styles—from highway rides to even light off-roading.
While there were a few dirt bikes and cruiser offerings once in a while, the most alienated category was the Adventure bikes segment. Apart from a few poor quality Chinese offerings, the market was dominated by commuters, sports and naked-sports. This is where Honda CB150X stands out as something different—an entry-level adventure tourer designed for riders who dream of going beyond city limits.
Launched in 2023, the CB150X quickly found a niche among enthusiasts looking for durability, versatility, and touring comfort. Built on the same platform as the CBR150R (2021), it shares much of the proven Honda reliability, but comes wrapped in an adventure-ready package. The CB150X comes with a tall stance, muscular design, and wind-deflecting front visor.
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Underneath, the bike is powered by a 149.16cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 16.9 PS of power and 13.8 Nm of torque. It may not sound groundbreaking on paper, but paired with a 6-speed transmission, the CB150X delivers a smooth and flexible ride.
It's comfortable cruising on highways and more than capable of handling the hilly roads of Chattogram or the gravel trails of Bandarban. Suspension is one of its strong suits. The bike comes equipped with 37 mm upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock, tuned to soak up the bumps of mixed terrain.
With 181 mm of ground clearance, the CB150X doesn't shy away from rough roads, while its 139 kg kerb weight keeps it manageable for both new and seasoned riders. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes front and rear, backed up with single-channel ABS for added safety.
On the touring front, comfort is where opinions split. The upright ergonomics and wide handlebars make long rides easier on the body, but the seat can feel stiff after several hours on the saddle. For a rider like Zihad Ahmed, a seasoned adventure enthusiast who's already covered more than 35,000 km on his CB150X, it's a compromise worth making, "It handles smooth highways and off-road trails alike," he shared, though he admitted the stock seat isn't the friendliest for marathon trips.
Zihad's journeys prove what this bike is built for. On one ride, he covered more than 650 km in a single day, winding through Cox's Bazar, Khagrachari, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Dim Pahar. It's the kind of test that few bikes in this segment would endure without complaint, but the CB150X pulled through, reliable and resilient to the end.
Maintenance is another plus. Most of its parts are shared with the locally available CBR150R, keeping upkeep straightforward. However, adventure-specific components like the suspension and cables often need importing from Indonesia, which can be a hassle. Still, owners like Zihad see it as a small trade-off for what the bike delivers.
The CB150X isn't about raw speed, it tops out around 120–125 km/h, but about endurance and adaptability. Fuel efficiency hovers between 35–40 km/l depending on terrain, making it economical for long-haul touring. Combined with its rugged build and striking design, the bike turns heads on the road and sparks curiosity among fellow riders.
For Bangladeshi motorcyclists seeking something beyond the everyday commuter, the Honda CB150X brings a taste of adventure touring without breaking the bank. It's not perfect, the seat could be softer, and sourcing certain parts takes patience, but it remains one of the most practical entry-level ADVs available here.
Specifications:
Engine: 149.16cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed
Power: 16.9 PS at 9,000 rpm
Torque: 13.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Price: Tk5.20 Lakh
