The rumours on the arrival of the next-generation Honda RS150R for the Malaysian market has been going on for a while. Although we have no clue on the exact name of the next-generation Honda RS150R, sources are referring to the model as “Winner X” or “Honda RS150R V3” just as how the 2nd generation RS150R was named. For namesake purpose, we will be referring to the incoming model as Honda RS150R V3 throughout this article.
The rumours on Boon Siew Honda bringing in the next-gen Honda RS150R V3 to replace the current Honda RS150R V2 initially began in 2020. The hype grew bigger when Yamaha pulled the cover off the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA in Vietnam and Yamaha Y16ZR in Malaysia. Looking at Malaysia specifically, the Honda RS150R was initially launched in June 2016. Following this, the RS150R went through a model change in 2020 where Boon Siew Honda introduced the 2nd generation Honda RS150R V2 with minor updates.
However, comparing the Malaysian model with foreign market equivalent models such as the Winner X, which is available in Vietnam, the Honda RS150R hasn’t received much of an update in the past. In fact, this is what led to the rumours of an updated “Honda RS150R V3”.
It was all “just” rumours until a Honda sports moped test mule was spotted around Boon Siew Honda’s factory in Batu Kawan, Penang. In fact, the test mule was spotted around the same area twice! In case you missed our coverage on this, check it out here.
The bike which was spotted back in April 2021 was very similar to the Honda Winner X from Vietnam and it sort of hinted that Boon Siew Honda is actually working on updating the Honda RS150R range. Well, in case you forgot, it was a similar case with the Y15ZR as well. The Yamaha Y15ZR had been longing for a major update for some time until HLYM brought in the Y16ZR earlier this year which was in fact based on Vietnam’s Yamaha Exciter. Coming back to the Honda RS150R, the idea of Boon Siew Honda updating its Malaysian sports moped range based on an already up to date foreign market equivalent model does make sense.
Speaking of the bike, details of the next-generation Honda RS150R V3 (or Winner X) hasn’t been revealed yet. However, a few sources have managed to pull out a list of specifications by benchmarking with the foreign equivalent model such as the Winner X and comparing it with the recent spy shots. As mentioned earlier, the naming of the model isn’t confirmed yet therefore we will be referring to the incoming model as Honda RS150R V3.
Starting with the design, the incoming Honda RS150R V3 would follow the sleek sporty look of the Honda Winner X. Having said that, the model would get an updated fairing design from the ground up and updated LED lighting all around. Underneath, the RS150R V3 would roll in with a new modern LCD instrument panel as well.
In the case of the engine, the Honda RS150R V3 would most likely be powered by a liquid-cooled 149.1 cc DOHC, PMG-Fi single-cylinder engine. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox, similar to the Winner X, the Honda RS150R V3 would most likely push around 15.42 hp @ 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 13.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.
Suspension duties would be taken care of by a telescopic front fork and mono-shock at the rear. As for the brakes, the model would get a single hydraulic disc brake with a 296mm disc up front and a 190mm disc at the rear. Besides this, we think the Honda RS150R V3 would most likely roll in with single-channel ABS as standard. However, there is also a possibility for Boon Siew Honda to offer two separate ABS and Non-ABS variants similar to the Winner X in Vietnam.
These are the specifications we managed to pick up for now. Remember, these specifications are based on rumours and recent spy shots. The specifications of the actual product may vary.
In the case of pricing, the next-gen Honda RS150R V3 is rumoured to be priced around the MYR 8,500 to MYR 9,500 mark. As for the official launch, sources speculate the Honda RS150R V3 to be launched within May – July 2021. However, with the ongoing MCO 3.0, we think there might be some delays, well for now only time will tell.
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