VOLUME ISSUE JULY , P93
The air-cooled motor is still
fed via a conventional carburetor
that receives fuel from a plenti-
ful 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 fit
-
ted with a headlight, turn signals
and an analog dash. And, perhaps
best of all, a license plate. Stan
-
dard equipment includes a sturdy
rear carrying rack, passenger seat
and passenger pegs.
ON-BOARD
Honda invited the media to
Solvang, California, to show off
its new dual sport, the smallest in
the Honda family. The area has
several well-maintained and pictur
-
esque backroads, both paved and
dirt, which are perfect for cruis-
ing 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.
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
(L-R) The 149cc air-
cooled engine is
carbureted and, if it's
anything like any other
previous XR engine,
bulletproof. 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. We're
liking the large and
modern-looking headlight.
