Great review man, just drove 18 hours round trip from Denver to pick up a black one in Utah. Zero regrets, coming from a CB650R and the XR is all I want to ride now!
I wanted a black one so bad lol. My dealer got in four of them. I had deposit on one, so I was guaranteed one. All four were white. That was on a Friday, and all sold by Monday.
Traded in my 2014 Kawasaki KLR 650 for a Black XR150. Same scenario about hard to find the black version close to home, I had to trailer the KLR about 1.5 hours to pick it up. Well worth the trip and never looked back, about 2 weeks in with 120+ miles so far. Best decision I made to downsize but still have the off road capability. Added an OEM tank bag, GIVI rear luggage and a LOUD horn versus the wimpy OEM horn. Honda reliability, excellent gas mileage and fun to ride.
@@richknight5092 That is the motivation I need, still haven't posted an ad for my 650, but hoping to get it listed this week. Then of course use the extra cash for a bunch of XR mods haha
So far every review has positive comments over all. Given the low price point, I'm not surprised there are some minor issues that people have. I'm interested in the off road results, because I have a larger bike for around town, but it's NOT a bike to take off road. So I'm leaning in the direction of this bike for off road fun. Being dual sport, I could drive on the roads that lead to the trails near my house.
It’s definitely off road capable. It’s more of a light trail, or dirt road type bike. It’s not going to perform on anything gnarly, or do any jumps. I bought mine to just get off road and explore light terrain. I love it so far!
You're a brave man to ride the bike on the freeway it's hard to keep up on a 55 mph Road around here where everybody is doing 60 there is definitely not enough power for that. thank you for watching my video
Seems like this would be a great lil bike for state forest dirt roads. Definitely stay off the highway. If you need a highway dual sport, grab a xr650l. Great bike too, but not for a shorter, beginner rider since it has a 37 inch seat height.
Doubt this can easily cruise at 55. I have a crf230l. Against a headwind I struggle to go 45. Great bike tho. I seem to be going smaller and smaller. Getting a trail 125.
So new update on my XR150L . At 300 klms (canada) doing 60 klms. per hour . After 1st fuel up drove additional 20 klms. The bike started to surge and buck wildly and backfireing . Made it home , changed out the gas and drained the carb twice, changed the spark plug . No results still acting the same so back to the dealership today will keep you updated . as my Navi is required a new speedometer cable under warranty it had to be booked in next week and the only other issue is my now dead battery in the Navi with just over 2400 klms on the scooter. Maybe cheap bike cheapest battery , note have done the AC to DC conversion could cause less charging over-all.
Hey man sorry to hear that must have a chunk of something stuck in the carburetor I haven't seen a fuel filter on my bike I'm sure it has a little screen in the tank. Not to mention we would have bought the hawk 250 if we wanted to work on these things. I bought this to be reliable. Good luck
My opinion the vibration at highter speeds seem to be caused by certain roadway surfaces and the tires are semi-offroad. I bet a true street tire would not vibrate. My first time riders concerns are remember to cancel your turn signals. As this bike does not self-cancel. This will save your life .
thinking about picking one up as my first motorcycle, slow but works for what ill use it for i think there will be a healthy aftermarket for it soon too
These bikes have been out since 2014 everywhere else but here I assume parts are already out there but will be coming to the US soon. Don't think about it if you can afford it Go buy you won't regret it. Thanks for checking out my vid
I just bought one and it was fun until the clutch went out at 223 miles and Honda will not warranty it stating that it is a normal wear item. Also the headlight quit and the starter quit all in 223 miles. When I look at how the rear shock is mounted to the swingarm with the mud, sand and dirt and water hitting it a full force from the rear tire, any engineer will say that the lower shock mount will fail since it's not protected from this onslaught from the wheel throwing junk on it from the wheel.
@@NorthPoleJeff you're the second person I have heardwith clutch problems they are supposed to adjust the Freeplay at the dealership before you buy it. that comes with a crate fee and setup fee when I bought my bike they told me do not tighten the clutch cable is supposed to have free play in it. I'm sorry that happened to you go talk to the powersports dealer you bought it from hopefully they will help you. for what it's worth I have been abusing my clutch even rode it up the stairs on my porch a couple times no issues yet and I'm running Motorcraft Super Duty diesel oil. At 550 miles
I'm an old guy and I have ridden for many years. I can't believe the punishment that I have put bikes through, yet I have never blown any clutch with exception with a coupe of high power road racing bikes. Tis clutch shouldn't have ever gone bad just riding on County and State roads at the peak speed of 50 mph. Honda made the mistake and they should fix it and Honda should have never even asked with only 223 miles on the bike. Honda is worried about a cent here and a cent there but they forgot customer loyalty and the word of mouth. Thank you very much and have a nice day.
I have had mine a year, bought new in florence SC . I had no expectations of grandeur or high speed, but the midrange was lacking. i fit a 200cc piston/cyl (off ebay) w a cam w a midrange profile (came w the kit) , and a 26mm round slide NIBBI carb bought seperately. removed the emissions stuff. I tried an aftermarket CRF150 exhaust but was just unnecessarily loud and really didn't give any gain, so back to stock w the spark arrestor removed.. Had rebel gears make up a 2t smaller rear sprocket ad it will pull it just fine w out revving the snot out of the motor at 60, and gets there much quicker. I've hit 67 flatland, no bs no drafting gps verified and im 210 lbs in gear. I have a slew of other bikes, most are much bigger, but this is exactly what i got it for. commuting and no drama, easy flickable. I think more power could be had w a different ignition curve and def larger valves in the head but i'm happy where it is, great for commuting for me and throwing on the rail and taking places as its decent 2 up for short rides. Have had zero quality issues with it and have been riding/wrenching on bikes for well over 3 decades, it's a good one. This is a good review for sure, aligns with what i thought when mine was new and all stock.
Not sure if anyone said it already, could drop a tooth on front sprocket to get to that higher RPM range. Doesn’t shorten the gears that much and makes your final gear way more usable hitting your 62 easier. Did it on my ‘23 Grom; no regrets!
Good video. I'm not ready to give up my V-Strom yet, but the simplicity of this bike is awfully attractive. Might have to add it to my fleet of one. Bikes are like the last vestige of the Cowboy culture for most of us. Freedom, air flowing, time alone or with some buds, and a certain level of risk that makes it just a bit more appealing. Stay safe out there, keep your head on a swivel, and enjoy the ride.
@@fixitforfun577 I bought it, have ridden it 2k miles, and I love it. I noticed a power increase in the bike at 1100 miles, others have said the same. Gets GREAT mpg.
So far, at 210 miles, I’m happy with it. The factory bags aren’t worth the $120. There are better options. The hand guards won’t protect your hands from much more than wind, bugs and small rocks maybe. But they look cool. My first tank didn’t get more than 60mpg but, I rode it over 60 miles on a 55mph road, varying the rpm’s. Mine only goes 62mph as well. I’m right at 200lbs and use it primarily as a commuter, 9 miles each way, over mixed terrain. Only a one mile stretch is 55. It’s mostly 35 and this bike is perfect for it. The loose gravel/rocks aren’t a lot of fun but, it’s not scary by any means. The dirt, mud and potholes don’t slow me down at all! Mine has the mentioned vibration also. I’ll put 500 miles on it, do the service, then start tracking actual mpg. I’m no spring chicken so I’m not digging into the throttle and will be a little disappointed if I don’t get near 100mpg. My first new bike was a ‘84 XR80. My brother got the 83 XR100. I think the grips are the same! Maybe it’s a mid/late life crisis, but I can’t see being any happier in a corvette than I am putting my fatazz around on my new XR150! It won’t pass anything but a gas station (I hope) and a smile! Fwiw, I have the white one and immediately removed the red (stickers) graphics which made a nice improvement (imo) to a black/white color scheme. Everywhere I stop, somebody asks me about the bike or comments positively about it. I was on a DR200 and ready to buy a Royal Enfield when I heard these were coming. I’m glad I waited.
I bought a new 150 in June. The clutch was not adjusted right from the factory. It caused the clutch to fail in only 223 miles. Honda will not warranty the clutch since it's a NORMAL Wear Item. I'm 69 years old and a disabled vet. I bought the bike for stress relief and Honda will not Warranty the clutch. The headlight and starter also failed in this 223 miles and Honda will not warranty anything. They want $300 to $500 to fix it. Don't buy Honda.
@@NorthPoleJeff when I bought my bike the guy at the RideNow Powersports told me not to adjust the clutch too tight he said there's supposed to be some play in the cable. That is what is included in the setup fee and the crate fee. They are supposed to make sure the clutch has the correct FreePlay and the chain has the right play take it back to the people you bought it from im sorry you're having a bad experience with the bike
Thank you much. Yes, they are supposed to fix it according to the setup, but they didn't. I'm going to fix it myself. I'm disabled and have problems bending over to do any of this kind of work, but I'm getting better and things are looking up. Thanks again and have a nice day.
You're exactly right. That's exactly why I had a bad experience. If I wasn't disabled, I would have it fixed and riding again. However, the warranty at Honda isn't worth a cent and the whole world really needs to know. It's time that consumers start taking action and just like bud light, stop buying the products from these companies. Thank you very much and have a nice day. @@fixitforfun577
The big issue I have with the US version is the lack of a kick-start. I've been driving the international version for a long while in SE Asia and a kick-start has been a useful thing to have.
You're right I would love to have a Kickstarter in case of a dead battery or a bad starter but I think I can pop start it if I have to. Thank you for watching
@@fixitforfun577 It would probably be possible to get the parts from the international market and add it back in on the US version. It would be a bit of wrench work, but should be pretty straightforward.
Do you mind if I ask which SEA country? I wanted this for Thailand but heard it's not available there. Vietnam and Philippines yes. Thailand no. Unless I'm wrong which of course I may be.
@@benadams1826 I'm not sure exactly what you're asking me I'm in the USA you may be able to get a similar bike in your Market a 190 or 200 if the 150-l is not available there thank you for watching
No no, I was asking that not to you but to @earthnight60 who made the comment and said he has been riding it in SEA for a while. It's not available in Thailand. So I'm asking what SEA country he was riding it in. I see it's available in Vietnam and the Philippines. But not Thailand. @@fixitforfun577
Checklist is good before riding away on a bike. Glad you added checking the tires. Think a blowout in a car is bad you never want one on the front wheel on a bike! Really looking at this bike but I really wish they had kept the kick start on it for the American market. Wonder if the parts can be got here to add it back...🤔
My friendly advice for this one since i ride this on long trips here in philippines never attempt to open those cylinder head covers of any part of engine when engine is hot. The threads are so brittle it comes off with the bolts. They never made motorcycles like the 80's Honda CG125 and Philippines TMX155 that has very good metal quality. But dont worry this bike is nice if you do standard maintenance..very good mileage.
Honda CG125 was my first bike! Wish I hadn't been that foolish at 17 to sell it. Could've still had it today, and I'm at around the half century mark now. Stay safe out there!
@@waldo8050 try to look at hondas version here in my country philippines the TMX155 they sometimes call it the carabao hahaha. We howl logs using the motorcycle...his grandad was the CG125.
@@cetocoquinto4704 I can see why you say that was the grandfather of the CG, and if it is as tough as the CG, it deserves the name Buffalo. I had my CG in South America, and there were a lot of cool small bikes there, just like I imagine in your country.
@@waldo8050 pakistan and india too..they have other versions of the CG. My bike now the TMX155 was not in production anymore because it only got the compliance euro 2 in emissions. Honda made it the tmx125DL euro4 compliant but i will never exchange it because of the quality of parts. You can pass this on to your grandchildren as they say. Cheers mate.
When I ride my XR150L, I'm putting 100+ miles on it at a time on and off road. It's painfully slow on acceleration, the vibration through the handlebars is crippling and everyone seems to target me with their cars. Take it off the streets and now we have a great bike. Hooligan around town, peaceful grinding on the trails, hauling gear to a job or campsite. My history with old Honda ATVs and bikes is exactly this. Comparing this to a mile crusher like the Honda PCX, the PCX dominates on the streets.
I have an XR150 with only 223 miles on it before it broke. Honda will not warranty it even though they caused the problems. However, about the power on the 150 as they claim 12.5 hp. My 1969 Harley Davidson Rapido also had 12.5 hp claimed, but it was a whole lot faster. I would scream up to 72 mph top speed and had plenty of passing power up to that speed. My 150 is a super slug and isn't really super safe on the road in traffic because of this. My 125 was so much faster.
What vibrations at higher speeds? Did you put knobby tires on yours?? Because mine is very VERY smooth at 55-60mph... you must have some bent spokes or off road tires dude. There's no way this thing is vibrating you much at all.
Very informative vid! Is your 62 mph top speed measured by the speedometer or GPS? Every motorcycle I've owned has had an optimistic speedometer that reads up to 10% higher than GPS indicated speed. If you ever do a top speed video, it would be useful to see how the speedometer compares to GPS speed.
Just like ALL Japanese bikes, the speedo will indicate 10% more than what you're actually doing. So 62 would be 55.8mph, which would be about right for a 150cc bike. I have a Suzuki DRZ125L and with GPS it will top out at a true 52mph. It has also been geared higher, from a 53T rear sprocket to a 47T. In stock form it would do about 47, which is honestly about right for little bikes like these
Have 400 miles on mine now, and power delivery is still increasing due to break-in. My flat out speed so far, is at 66 mph, according to my iphone app (my bikes speedo is about 3mph slow). I also have the vibration and its worst at 46-48 mph , in 5th gear. Thought of the chain as a source, but it is still within factory spec tolerances. I suspect, since most of these models seem to have this same vibration issue, it may be a crankshaft balance issue, as I doubt there is a harmonic balancer in these engines (maybe you'll have to figure this one out for us, you are a mechanic!). Regardless, it is so much more fun to ride than my Triumph Street Triple was!
I do feel like power increased after about the first hundred miles I think the manual says 87 octane is fine I'm running 91 in mine not sure if that had to do with the power increase. On the vibration I'm just going to ride it a little more it's either wheel bearings the chain or the engine as a mechanic I have found the longer you drive something the easier it is to figure out and diagnose what it is. You can look at a car all day on a lift that tells you nothing compared to a test drive either that or the problem will present itself all together and something will come apart. Thanks for checking out my video
@@romeohernandez9930 This bike really pretty smooth running, its just around the 45-49 mph range that its gets very shaky, which makes it so mysterious.....
huge gains can be made by altering gearing,a simple way to try is by dropping 1 tooth on the front sprocket, that will help midrange acceleration and holding or even increasing top speed
They have quite a week transmission that’s the vibration you are feeling but my one has not blown and I’ve done 32,000ks on it for the money it’s a great bike
the sundiro honda xr150l ,mine and some have the rhs mainshaft transmission bearing fail at 25,000 km,mine was made in 2018,also the steering head bearings are soft and don't last,replace with japanese bearings in transmission from cbf150 or crf 150 and tapered roller steering head bearings,same as xr250
@@fixitforfun577 here is the link for the video. He talks about the shifter at 2 minutes ten seconds. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8Jlpw7RxcIY.html
First gear is so long this bike has no snap. it is impossible to yank a wheelie or throw you off just by twisting the throttle efi I would be nice on this bike it would just hurt the price and simplicity Thanks for checking out my video
@@fixitforfun577 A bike this small with large "ears" to direct air is what you are feeling. My XR650L was the same way, even worse considering the higher speeds it can achieve. You'll even get wind-push on a Goldwing, especially passing a tractor-trailer. You'll get used to it.
@@fixitforfun577 It's the wind and the weight of you and the bike. My last bike was 500 lbs plus me at 250 so not nearly as bad. This bike is under 300 and I've lost a few lbs
I put a 350x19 dunlop k70 vintage tyre and bigger tube on the front,its about 1 and ahalf inches taller and it increases the trail,turns it into a harley davidson for stability ,stops the wind blowing it around,not so easy to turn of course,also I put a 8 or 9 mm spacer on top of the rear spring and it lifter the ride height about an inch I think,the sag was about 3.25inches before now its about 2.25 inches,much better handling especially off road and if you are carrying some weight.
Own a XR125 (technically its a NXR125) but it is identical to the xr125/150, it will only do 62mph maxed out but it does sound like the piston is trying to reach orbit 😅
Air resistance will hinder your miles-per-gallon. Faster riding consumes more fuel. There isn't much "reserve power" available to the 150cc engines. They do their best, but highway speeds aren't their claim to fame. As a commuter bike, city bike or trail exploration bike, this is a viable option.
It sounds pretty comparable to the Suzuki as long as you don't want more top speed I would go look at the Honda I am enjoying it. Thank you for watching my video
Bought one today, at Lejeune Motorsports, Jacksonville N.C. msrp 2971.00 , add ons brought it to 4358.00. They did deliver it for free, I could have brought my trailer down there and got it. Oh well, welcome to dealer add ons. First 20 miles on it have been fun.
My KLR650 had a vibration between 3300 and 3400 rpm. Turned out to be the factory crash bars were out of harmony, in any gear, at that rpm. Is it at 50 only, or at a given rpm?
It usually happens around 48 or 50 once it starts it won't stop till you roll out of the throttle and roll back in and it's gone I almost want to get a camera and put it on the Chain I feel like the chain is slapping or it's a wheel bearing I don't feel like the vibration is coming from the engine
Another person on here said it's the chain vibrating I don't think it's the engine because you can roll out of the throttle and roll back and it's gone if it was in the engine I think it would do it every time but I'm not sure
@@fixitforfun577 You can't turn it off by turning the key and only the handlebar has a power button, high and low beams do not turn off, and directions
I have noticed as long as I ride it at least once a week I don't have any issues out of it longer than that I have to start it with the choke thanks for watching
I got the same bike a little over a month ago. Haven't noticed any vibration. Top speed for me is also just a little over 60mph, however I was told after it is broke in it will go a bit faster. I'm 66, love the bike, reminds me of my 1976 XL 350. I agree the shifter does seem a little close to the foot peg, and I wear a 10 1/2 shoe. I do wish it had some more aggressive tires suitable for off road. Haven't had a lot of time to ride, only got about 150 miles on it. Just got an action camera for mine and will be posting some videos.
Mine is broken in and I've seen no difference in top speed . I'm definitely not taking mine on the interstate in my areas of travel unless it's just for short distances . I'm Glad I Did Not Get A Grom But I Do However Still Regret Buying The XR150L . I'm Going To Probably Put It Up For Sale Soon .
250 miles later I'm perfectly fine with it now rode one of my old pit bikes I sold to a buddy couldn't stand the shifter on it it felt way too long. Thank you for the tip I might try it anyways to see if I like it better. Thanks for checking out my video
I'm 69 years old and a disabled veteran. My clutch failed on this bike after 223 miles because the bike wasn't assembled properly, and Honda will not warranty the bike. Also, the headlight failed and the starter will no longer work. I only have 223 miles on it and I have only driven on state and county maintained roads. Don't buy Honda.
I have a $900 dollar 150cc scooter that can maintain 50mph, can also reach 55mph and has been pushed to 60mph, and this xr 150 is $2971 MSRP? and close to 4k out the door? Even 5k at some stealerships? Hard Pass just for some light dirt riding!! We now have adv scooters that can do light off road thses days
I agree have fun on two wheels anyway you can get it if you get a chance to test drive one of these bikes don't pass it up. Thanks for checking out my video
What speed do you hit before upshifting to 2nd on this bike? I'm new to riding and I don't lane split in traffic since I can't get speeds up fast enough 😂.
You could shift out of first gear at about 5 mph or ring it out a little further if you want once you start riding you will get used to it thank you for watching
The biggest downside I see to the 150 is it is a $2000 Chinese bike with a Honda label. MSRP at $2900 is not that bad of a premium but when Honda and the dealer jacks the price OTD to four or five thousand dollars is just a crazy price for a bike that the selling point is a low price point.
I agree $4,000 is too much for the bike but $4,000 is not too much for Fun and Freedom you have to think all the other bikes are copied off of this it is old technology but it is proven and good most definitely reliable I've got right at 250 miles on my Honda I haven't had to work on one thing it won't be the same for Chinese bikes Thank you for checking out my vid
I ran out of gas with it for the first time the other day. I couldn't remember what the average mileage per take they advertised but I was only at 155 supposedly. I was passenger alot that day so maybe I killed more then usual
Not sure. i filled it twice so far but it was not full the first time i picked it up . But i topped off at 205 miles on the bike so when i run out ill know my milage. Just not sure i wat to run it dry in traffic. Could be dangerous
I'm almost at 300 miles on my 150 and the power is increasing a little bit but it's probably just in my head I don't think it's going to get any more broke in than it is now Thanks for watching
I will be doing this as well as it lacks off-road I have something to gain down low and I don't think it'll hurt my top speed if anything it might increase it due to the fact that engine is not wrapped out in 5th gear
I don't think you can use a lowering link the way the suspension is designed on the 150. you give me hope I saw the XR650L in the dealership and it was just too tall for me maybe after I ride for a while I can handle it I'm 5'7
The only time I have trouble starting mine is if I let it warm up for 10 minutes or so and turn it off it will restart hot fine just not warm takes a little bit of throttle other than that mine starts up every time I hit the button
Um, real XRs have always had tunable carbs. It's a cheap, affordable dual spotter, personally I'd prefer it to be Honda fighting red but there's that. If you have any gripes sell it and go buy a xr 650l...😏
Man the seat height on that bike sure is intimidating. I noticed other countries have red Xr150ls i wouldn't mind getting the red plastics and graphics. Thanks for watching
I paid 4000 out the door I heard a couple other people paid 3800 if you just go in and buy the bike they will probably try to charge you $5,500 if you don't haggle with them
A lot of people that are too big and too heavy for this bike are going to buy it and step up to something later it's just not as intimidating thanks for checking out my video
I imagine some of the hardware is the same but when Honda built the bike they torqued everything and put a paint mark on it. Nothing is torqued on a Chinese bike unless you do it yourself