Honda CRF150R Top Speed, Review, and Price

Honda CRF150R

The Honda CRF150R is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a fast and reliable dirt bike. This bike has been a favorite among riders of all skill levels for years. But how about the Honda CRF150R top speed? The specs of this bike make it unique, so let’s discover what it is.

The bike has plenty of features that set it apart from other bikes. The suspension system on this bike is adjustable to fit a variety of riding styles and conditions. Despite bumps and jumps, the 30mm telescopic fork ensures smooth handling and stability on even terrain. This bike is also lightweight at just 230 pounds without sacrificing strength or durability due to its rigid aluminum frame.

Let’s learn more about the Honda CRF150R top speed, its features, and price.

Overview of Honda CRF150R

Honda’s CRF150R off-road motocross bike is perfect for youth who are competitive. It starts at $5,249 in the United States and is available in two variants. The engine is 149cc liquid-cooled with a Unicam valvetrain. It weighs around 185 pounds and comes with a 5-speed gearbox. Honda CRF150R features a new color scheme that resembles the new CRF250F.

Price$5,429
Engine4-Stroke, 1-cylinder
Displacement149cc
Transmission5-Speed
Power23.47 Horsepower
Seat Height32.8 inches
Curb Weight185 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity1.11 gallons

Model year history, Changes, and Price

Since 2007, there haven’t been too many major changes.

Noticeable changes include:

2008: A new carburetor needle was installed for easier jetting tuning

2012: Added new cylinder heads, pistons, camshafts, and accelerator pump circuits 

Two variants of this Honda motocrosser are available, but only one color scheme is available. Currently, the Honda CRF150R is priced at $5,249 for the standard variant and $5,449 for the expert variant in the United States. Its competitors are Yamaha YZ85, Suzuki RM 85, Kawasaki KX110, and KTM 85 SX.

Specifications of Honda CRF150R

Engine & Transmission

Based on the larger CRF450R, this motocrosser has a 4-stroke Unicam engine. The 149cc engine is a four-stroke, single-cylinder machine with a direct-push accelerator pump. With a throttle position sensor, it has a Keihin 32mm flat slide carburetor. Featuring a CD ignition system and a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox, the CRF150R offers a smooth ride.

Engine Type1-Cylinder, 4-stroke, UNICAM
Engine Displacement149cc
No. of Cylinders1
Fuel TypeGasoline
Fuel SupplyKeihin 32mm flat side carburettor
Cooling SystemLiquid cooling
Bore66 mm
Stroke43.7 mm

Horsepower & Top Speed

This motocrosser’s high-performance Unicam engine produces consistent power and torque. Regarding power, the CRF150R produces 23.47 horsepower and 14.10 Nm of torque. Throughout the rev range, it delivers smooth power. In stock condition, the Honda CRF150R is capable of 66 mph. The front sprocket is 15 teeth, and the rear sprocket is 50 teeth.

Power23.47 Horsepower
Torque14.10 Nm
Top SpeedHonda CRF150R top speed is 66 mph
MileageNot available
0-60 mph15-16 seconds

Body & Suspension

A high-tensile steel frame and a lightweight chassis make up the track-designed chassis. It features 37 mm Showa leading-axle inverted forks that offer 10.8 inches of travel and allow full adjustability. The rear shock absorber is an adjustable Showa Pro-Link single shock absorber that travels 10.7 inches. This motocrosser’s high-quality suspension provides great wheel control and excellent absorption.

Body TypeMotocross
ChassisSteel tube frame
Front Suspension37 mm Leading axle Showa cartridge fork
Rear SuspensionPro-Link single shock, fully adjustable
Front Wheel Travel10.8 inches
Rear Wheel Travel10.7 inches

Brakes & Wheels

The front wheel has a single 220 mm disc brake, while the rear wheel has a 190 mm disc brake. Powerful and precise disc brakes are standard on the Honda CRF150R. Front and rear spoke rim wheels measure 17 inches and 14 inches, respectively. Front and rear Dunlop MX51 tires are 70/100-17 and 90/100-14, respectively.

Front BrakeSingle disc
Rear BrakeSingle disc
Front Brake Diameter220 mm
Rear Brake Diameter190 mm
ABSNo
Front Wheel17 inch, spoke rim
Rear Wheel17 inch, spoke rim
Tire TypeTubed, Dunlop MX51
Front Tire Size70/100-17
Rear Tire Size90/100-14

Dimensions

We do not currently have Honda’s overall dimensions for this bike, but we have other important information about it. With a full tank of fuel, it weighs 185 pounds. This vehicle has 49.6 inches of wheelbase and 11.9 inches of ground clearance. There is a difference of 32.8 inches in seat height between the Honda CRF150R and the Expert variant. As with the CRF125F, it has a Honda insignia on the seat in red. The caster angle is 27°2′, and the trail is 3.1 inches.

Wheelbase49.6 inches
Seat Height32.8 inches
Ground Clearance11.9 inches
Curb Weight185 pounds
Fuel Tank Capacity1.11 gallon
Seating Capacity1

What are the Best Features of the Honda CRF150R?

UNICAM® ENGINE

This Honda CRF150R is powered by a Unicam engine derived from our championship-winning Honda CRF450R. With excellent rideability, high torque, and power across the rev range, this engine is great for different terrains.

ACCELERATOR PUMP

This Honda CRF150R has a carburetor with a “direct push” accelerator pump that gives you a faster, more responsive throttle response.

TRACK-DESIGNED CHASSIS

The lightweight, high-tensile steel frame provides excellent straight-line tracking and turning performance.

FRONT DISC BRAKE

Honda’s CRF150R front disc brakes deliver powerful, precise stopping power.

Honda CRF150R Top Speed

What is the maximum speed of the CRf150R? It’s the best that we saved for last.

The speed of this baby is 70 mph (112 km/h). Its name is derived from racing. Therefore, we cannot say that the mileage surprised us. The trail bike was supposed to be fast, so we kind of expected it. In addition, it delivers a power of 23.47 horsepower. Several factors contribute to its high mileage, including smaller wheels, higher compression ratios, and more complex engines.

What Impacts the Top Speed of CRF150R? 

Your CRF150R’s top speed is determined by a number of factors, including your engine size, weight, aerodynamics, gearing, and air intake. You should consider each factor when determining the maximum speed of your bike. If you use a larger engine, you will be able to accelerate your bike faster, and if you use a lighter bike, you’ll be able to reduce drag and reach higher speeds. The aerodynamic design also reduces drag and increases potential speed by enabling air to flow more efficiently over the bike. A higher gear ratio provides more torque, resulting in greater acceleration and higher speeds as a result. Furthermore, cold air is denser than warm air, which means there is more oxygen available for combustion, increasing horsepower and, thus speed.

How To Increase Honda CRF150R Top Speed?

It is possible to further enhance the speed of this unit in several ways. For better control, most riders over 18 want a lightweight bike. On the other hand, they want more speed to gain an advantage in racing. Here are some methods you can follow if you relate to this.

1. Jetting: 

Optimizing the carburetor holes to achieve the ideal mix of air and fuel. Generally, one part of the fuel is mixed with 14.7 parts of air. Increasing or decreasing this ratio is possible through jetting. Changing the carburetor nozzles will give you more mileage for the same fuel consumption.

2. Lubrication: 

If you want to speed, you must lubricate. You can expect more speed and better glide if you make the chains smoother.

3. Routine Maintenance:  

Maintaining the 150R fuel tank and removing burnt gas can increase speed.

 4. Air Filter:  

The air filters on your racing buddy contribute to the vehicle’s speed. Despite having a 4-valve drive train, the unit’s efficiency might decrease over time. This situation calls for routine maintenance. You can also improve your air quality by installing new air filters.

Modifications of Honda CRF150R

Modifications of Honda CRF150R

Adding H3 modifications to your Honda CRF150R will increase its performance. Packages include upgrades such as new exhaust systems, cams, pistons, lightweight wheels, suspension components, and rejetting or remapping of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). By reducing the weight of your bike and increasing power output, these modifications can significantly improve performance. As a consequence, acceleration and top speeds rise, as well as handling capabilities due to better suspension settings.

What are the Common Problems of the Honda CRF150R?

Initially, valves and top-ends were thought to be problematic, but this is mostly due to misuse or ignorance. In comparison with titanium valves, stainless steel valves tend to last longer on the CRF150R. Long-term, they will cause fewer problems because they are more reliable.

In my experience, CRF150R owners have the biggest problems when they don’t ride enough or maintain it properly. Within months or weeks of leaving your dirt bike sitting, the gas begins to go bad!

If you let your CRF150R sit with pump gas for a few months, it may develop these issues:

  • Idleness
  • Hard to start
  • Adjustment, screw, and problems with idle

The next time you take it out to ride, it may not even start. To fix it, you may need to clean the carburetor properly.

What are the Pros and Cons of Honda CRF150R?

Pros of Honda CRF150R

Unlike other bikes, the crf150r features a higher fork design. You will always be able to steer easily whenever you need to. Bikers who prefer better stability, on the other hand, prefer lower fork designs. We prefer easy steering over stability on the CRF150R because it is a full-fledged racing bike. So that’s good news.

Teenagers can ride this racing bike specifically designed for them. Therefore, you won’t need to spend hours adjusting an adult bike to fit you.

On the trail, the bike is lightweight and very easy to handle.

Before passing the fuel out through the exhaust valve, the four-stroke one-cylinder engine ensures every bit of fuel is used effectively.

It has more power and torque than an 85 cc racing bike.

In comparison to adult big-wheel bikes, the 150R will be easier for shorter adults to handle and trail.

Cons of Honda CRF150R

In comparison to most racing bikes, the fuel tank on this bike is smaller. It will be difficult for the rider to maintain a full tank during disrupted rides.

It is very easy for it to stall. Learning the system might be challenging if you’re still in the learning process.

Even if the rider is smaller than 5’5″, this unit will not be efficient if the rider weighs more than 120 pounds.

Maintenance of Honda CRF150R

The Honda race bike needs regular maintenance, even though it’s a race bike. Following is the maintenance schedule for the 150R: inspect, change, or adjust the bike as needed:

  • Approximately 2.5 hours after 1 race
  • Approximately every 7.5 hours or every 3 races
  • In about 15.0 hours or after 6 races
  • About every 9 races or 22.5 hours

Maintaining these bikes regularly is necessary to keep them race-ready. If you have a dirt bike like this, you should have dirt bike lift stands, torque wrenches, tire-changing tools, and everything else you need to help maintain the bike.

Is the Honda CRF150R Reliable Bike?

It was once thought that reliability was a problem, but in reality, it isn’t. Essentially a race bike, the CRF150R requires you to ride harder than its CRF150F cousin, so its reliability is lower. Simple science says that the more RPMs the engine runs, the faster it will wear out.

Therefore, you won’t have to adjust the valves every five hours like some people have claimed on forums. It’s going to be pretty reliable if you trail ride it or are gentle on the throttle and maintain it well (oil and filter changes). It is possible to get 50 or 100 hours on an engine before it needs to be rebuilt.

Who is the Honda CRF150R For?

You can ride aggressively or race motocross on it if you’re a teenager. Dirt bike beginners should stay away from this bike since it is not a beginner bike.

Therefore, many adults with short legs enjoy riding a CRF150RB with some modifications to fit their height and weight. There are a couple of these big-wheel Honda 150’s that I have, and they’re fun to ride through the trails on. As a result of the aggressive and snappy power curve, it takes more effort.

Age range

In the supermini class, Honda makes the CRF150RB for 12-15 year olds. Within a specific height range, adults of any age can comfortably ride this fast and lightweight four-stroke for trail riding.

Seat height – Are you the proper size rider?

The seat height of the small wheel CRF150R is 32.8″. You can ride this bike if you’re between 4’10” and 5’2″ (147-157cm).

With a seat height of 34.1″, the CRF150RB is suitable for people between 5’0″ and 5’6″ (152-168cm).

The inseam length of your pants as well as your riding skill, play a huge role in how you fit them. Having a good balance means that seat height doesn’t matter as much because you have the confidence to stay on the pegs.

Is there a weight limit on it?

Although there is no weight limit, the CRF150R/B is designed for riders who weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. 

Is it possible to ride it if you weigh 150 pounds or more? You can ride aggressively, but the suspension is too soft for it and will bottom out.

I highly recommend getting stiffer springs for your CRF150R if you’re an adult looking to ride it. In this article’s mods section, I discuss that in more detail.

Is a Honda CRF150R Suitable for Trail?

The reason I bought a CRF150R in the past is because of that. However, it is not a great trail bike in stock form on single-track trails. The suspension is harsh, and it stalls fairly quickly.

My CRF230F is much lighter than my CRF230F, so it requires more energy to ride fast.

If you tone it down, make it a little plusher, and make it easier to ride, the CRF150R may make a good trail bike for adults or teens.

What is the street legal status of a Honda CRF150R? The short answer is no… There’s a longer answer, but it may end with “no” unless you reside in a state with less strict laws.

If Depending on your state’s laws and regulations, you can make your 150 street legal by adding a lighting kit, blinkers, and other modifications. However, I may not be completely familiar with the laws in every state. If this is a “must” for you, you’re going to have to do some more.

There are, however, some other good street-legal Honda dirt bikes available if you need one.

Should You Buy Honda CRF150R?

Reasons to buy Honda CRF150R

This is a great choice for motocross bikes because it is fun to ride and easy to maintain:

Maintenance-free: There is no escaping shorter maintenance intervals when it comes to race bikes, but these are well-made machines that are easy to maintain.

It’s light: Is it important for you to be able to “man” handle your dirt bike? In spite of its 185 pounds, the rider feels confident and light on the bike.

Suitable for learning (to race): Despite the fact that this is a race bike, it is very easy to ride and control. A solid choice for riders of the right size if they have their eyes set on the track.

Reasons not to buy Honda CRF150R:

Due to their high-performance nature, these bikes aren’t suitable for every type of rider or rider type. You shouldn’t buy one of these for the following reasons:

High-performance race bike: There is a finicky side to competition race bikes. As with any performance, there are costs; in this case, it’s increased maintenance and harder rideability.

Bad for learning (to ride): If you’re a true beginner who has never ridden a bike before, this is not the bike for you. Compared to a trail bike, it has less low-end power for riding at slower speeds, stalls more often, and is harder to start.

As a result, the 150R makes a great dirt bike if you find the right rider for it and the right conditions.

Conclusion: CRF150R Top Speed

With an updated design for 2024, the CRF150R looks quite exciting. This machine has a powerful UNICAM four-stroke engine that delivers gripping performance. The bike features a rigid frame and a high-quality suspension for fantastic handling. Motocrossers like the Honda CRF150R are perfect for young riders wanting to improve their skills.

FAQs

How fast can the Honda CRF150R go?

The Honda CRF150R has a top speed of approximately 65 mph (104.6 kph). The actual top speed may differ depending on factors such as the rider’s weight, the terrain, and the bike’s maintenance history.

Can beginners use the top speed?

The CRF150R’s top speed may seem high for beginners, especially younger riders. To reach the maximum speed of the bike, riders must gain experience and skill.

How does the Honda CRF150R’s engine contribute to its top speed?

Featuring a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 149cc engine, the CRF150R is one of the most powerful motorcycles in its class. Its advanced technology and engine design contribute to the bike’s impressive top speed.

How can the Honda CRF150R’s top speed be increased?

The bike’s specifications may be modified, but tampering with them may void the warranty and compromise safety. Modifications should always be supervised by a qualified mechanic or followed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Can the CRF150R be reached at its maximum speed safely?

Protective gear such as helmets, gloves, boots, and body armor should be worn by riders. You should also ride in a safe and open environment, ensuring compliance with local traffic laws.