A 150cc single-cylinder with less than 17bhp might not sound like the ideal recipe for a head-turning show bike but it’s the basis for Honda’s new 150SS Racer concept.
Revealed at this week’s Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand, the 150SS Racer is the work of Honda’s local Thai R&D department. However, its style fits neatly within the framework laid out by the firm’s most recent concepts and new production machines. There are echoes of the CB650 Café Racer concept, hints of MSX125 and even a touch of X-ADV in faceted styling. Multiple flat surfaces separated by slightly softened creases appear to be the latest Honda styling direction, often using matte silver paint to emphasise the highlights and shadows they form.
While the 150SS Racer isn’t destined for production, at least not in a form anything like this, it could hold elements of future production bikes. The engine is the existing 149cc single from the Asian-market CBR150R and naked CB150 StreetFire models, making 16.9bhp at 9000rpm.
The oversized tyres, which give the 150SS Racer cartoonish proportions, and the carbon-fibre wheels are clearly never likely to reach production. But the overall shape is quite believable, as is the combination of Honda’s 150cc engine and the tubular trellis frame. Given the strong market for 150cc singles markets like Thailand, Indonesia and India, Honda is sure to be looking for more ways to exploit it.
Details worth noting include the rear view camera, used instead of mirrors. While that idea has long been a concept bike staple it’s previously been illegal in many markets. Recent moves in Japan, likely to be replicated around the world in coming years, are seeing cameras being made legal alternatives to mirrors, though.
