Ryan Nitzen | July 25, 2023
You may remember the new XR150L as the former off-road-only CRF150F, which served its time in Honda’s CRF-F trail bike lineup before being discontinued to accommodate the updated fuel-injected CRF125F and CRF250F machines. The XR name, however, continued to make its rounds in other countries like Latin America and parts of Asia. These markets are primarily transportation-focused.
The Honda XR150L is a full-framed motorcycle but feels small thanks to a low seat height.
For its return to the States, the XR150L still retains many familiar qualities as the CRF. An electric starter powers up the 149cc single-cylinder engine, and a classic front-disc/rear-drum brake setup helps bring it to a halt. It rolls on 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear wheels, with the bottom frame rails just shy of 10 inches from the ground. It sports a conventional fork and link-less single rear shock, with no damping adjustability at either end, just spring preload in the back.
The air-cooled motor is still fed via a conventional carburetor that receives fuel from a plentiful 2.8-gallon gas tank. But what makes this bike so approachable is its low 32.8-inch seat height and $2971 price tag.
Compared to the CRF-F model that it replaces, the XR150L is fitted with a headlight, turn signals and an analog dash. And, perhaps best of all, a license plate. Standard equipment includes a sturdy rear carrying rack, passenger seat and passenger pegs.
Trails like this and the XR150L are a match made in heaven.
2023 Honda XR150L Review | On-Board
Honda invited the media to Solvang, California, to show off its new dual sport, the smallest dual sport in the Honda family. The area has several well-maintained and picturesque backroads, both paved and dirt, which are perfect for cruising aboard small-bore dual sport bikes. We embarked on a 60-mile journey mostly made up of paved roads; they also threw in some off-road loops. These routes are the type you will most likely seek out on the XR150L.
VIDEO | 2023 Honda XR150L Review
XR150L
At first glance, the XR looks a little bulky but instead feels slim between the knees as soon as you climb aboard. The seat is nice and squishy and has a built-in step for a passenger. Its 32-inch seat height makes it easy to swing a leg over. The saddle tapers nicely into the fuel tank, offering a spot for the rider’s knees. Even though there are no radiators, you’ll still find dual “radiator” shrouds up front that are instead built-in scoops that direct air onto the engine that it relies on for cooling. The handlebars are nice and neutral. The only complaint I had was the small footpegs. My size 11 boots were wishing for more platform while standing.
Having a license plate means the XR150L is welcomed just about everywhere.
The engine’s power is ultra-smooth and docile; a first-time rider won’t feel intimidated. You can hold the throttle wide open in any gear without fear of the bike getting away from you, especially if you’re an experienced rider. If there is a long and steep hill in front of you, no problem, it will climb it, as long as you put some speed in the bank, carry as much momentum as possible at the bottom, and hold the throttle wide open the whole way up. And it helps not to be in a big hurry.
The Honda’s little engine is capable of 65 mph; I can vouch for that. If conditions are just right, we expect the bike to top out at around 70 mph.
The 149cc air-cooled engine is carbureted and, if it’s anything like any other previous XR engine, bulletproof.
We’re liking the large and modern-looking headlight.
Honda knows the XR150L will be popular among campers who need a place to carry stuff from the local market, so Honda was nice enough to give it rear rack.
The rear rack is a bonus for a budget-friendly motorcycle. The passenger seat is elevated and acts as a nice bumper for the “driver.” It locks you into place and makes wheelies a little easier.
The XR150L is a simple motorcycle. It’s carbureted, there is no fuel gauge, no ABS, no suspension adjusters, and no rear disc brake, just an old-school drum-style rear brake system that works just fine. But anyone in the market for an entry-level, light-duty motorcycle, such as the XR50L, won’t mind missing out on some of these amenities but will appreciate the resulting affordable $2971 price tag.
The XR150L is not a light motorcycle. Honda claims it weighs 282 pounds with a full tank of gas. That’s getting up there. It’s not an issue when you’re on the move because the bike is well-balanced and feels agile. But smaller riders might need a helping hand should things go rubber-side up.
The XR150L can hits speeds upwards of 70 mph. It might take a while, but it will get there.
Honda says the XR150L is the perfect bike for the campgrounds and exploring the countryside. We agree. It’s an unintimidating motorcycle that anyone can hop on and ride and the built-in cargo rack makes it the perfect go-getter at home or the campground. And Honda gives you room to improve the XR150L by offering several accessories for it, like slick soft saddlebags and hand guards. And if you plan to do some off-road exploring, Honda also provides a skid plate and handguards. CN
2023 Honda XR150L Specifications
| MSRP: |
$2971 |
| Engine Type: |
4-stroke, single |
| Cooling system: |
Air |
| Displacement: |
149.9cc |
| Bore x Stroke: |
57.3 x 57.8mm |
| Compression Ratio: |
9.5:1 |
| Valvetrain: |
OHC; 2-valve |
| Starting System: |
Electric |
| Fueling: |
22mm piston-valve carburetor |
| Transmission: |
5-speed |
| Front Suspension: |
31mm telescopic fork, non-adjustable |
| Rear Suspension: |
Single shock, w/adjustable spring preload |
| Front-Wheel Travel: |
7.1 in. |
| Rear-Wheel Travel: |
5.9 in. |
| Front Wheel: |
19 in. |
| Rear Wheel: |
17 in. |
| Front Brake: |
Single 240mm disc |
| Rear Brake: |
110mm drum |
| Wheelbase: |
53.5 in. |
| Rake: |
27° |
| Seat Height: |
32.8 in. |
| Ground Clearance: |
9.6 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: |
2.8-gal.,0.9-gal reserve |
| Weight (with fuel, claimed): |
282 lbs. |
| Colors: |
Black; White |
