Rentals
10 Things we Don’t Love About the Honda XR150
We like the Honda XR150 a lot. In fact, it has been one of our most popular touring motorcycles for years, and for many solo riders travelling through Vietnam it is still one of the easiest bikes for us to recommend.
But liking a motorcycle does not mean pretending it is perfect. The XR150 is inexpensive, mechanically simple and relatively lightweight, and achieving that means Honda made compromises. Some riders will barely notice them; others may decide that one of these limitations is a good reason to choose a different motorcycle.
If you are deciding whether to rent an XR150 for Vietnam, these are the ten things we think you should understand before setting off.
Features: It Is a Very Simple Motorcycle
1. There Is No ABS or Rider Assistance
The XR150 is a very basic motorcycle. The dashboard gives you the essentials — speed, distance, indicators, neutral and high beam — but you do not get ABS, traction control, riding modes or any of the electronic assistance found on many newer motorcycles.
For an experienced rider this simplicity can actually be part of the attraction. For someone accustomed to a modern motorcycle with ABS, however, it is important to remember that braking technique is entirely your responsibility, particularly on wet roads, painted road markings and loose surfaces.
We do not think the absence of electronics automatically makes the XR150 unsafe. It simply means you need to ride it as the simple motorcycle it is.
2. There Is No Fuel Gauge
This catches a surprising number of riders out. The XR150 does not have a conventional fuel gauge, so you need to keep an eye on your distance travelled and understand how the reserve fuel tap works.
Once you know the system it is straightforward, and the bike has excellent range. But it is still less convenient than glancing at a gauge, especially for someone riding the motorcycle for the first time.
We explain exactly how the fuel system works in 3 Things You MUST Know About the Honda XR150.
3. Footpegs are inadequate too small for how wide the seat is
Considering the styling of the bike suggests that it is to be ridden in the dirt the footpegs do not seem to be very well up to task. Generally, they are a little too small and feet can easily slip off, especially when boots are being worn. The rubber on the footpegs can also be very slippery and when combined with the small size it can be hard to keep the feet on. Swapping the pegs for a more grippy metal set is a good modification if you plan to get into the dirt.
Ergonomics: Taller Riders May Want Changes
3. The Handlebars Can Feel Too Low When Standing
The standard riding position is comfortable enough when seated, but taller riders often notice the relatively low handlebars when they stand on the footpegs. You can end up leaning farther forward than you would like, particularly on a rough road where you may be standing for several minutes at a time.
This does not matter much if your trip is almost entirely paved. It becomes more noticeable if you regularly ride dirt, broken mountain roads or long sections where standing gives you better control.
This is why we fit handlebar risers to many of our rental XR150s. They do not completely transform the bike, but they make the standing position considerably more natural.
4. The Standard Footpegs Are Small
The standard footpegs are adequate for ordinary road riding, but they are not particularly generous for a motorcycle with dual-sport styling. When you stand for a long period, a larger platform would provide better support.
The rubber inserts can also become slippery when wet or muddy. Riders planning more serious dirt riding may prefer wider metal pegs with better grip.
For normal touring this is not a deal-breaker. It is simply one of those areas where the XR150 reminds you that it is an inexpensive dual-sport rather than a purpose-built enduro motorcycle.
6. Limited Power
There is no getting around the 12BHP that is available from the Honda XR150. This is enough for poodling along both on and off road but it will not give you enough power to take on larger vehicles on larger roads or steeper climbs on tricky tracks. This limits you to a more relaxed and definitely defensive style of riding.
7. Reaching highway speed is a struggle
This is largely down to the lack of power and something that is hard to remedy with a 150cc bike. If you are planning on hitting the highway you need to be aware of the lack of power throughout the range and drive accordingly. This means you will need to be more defensive and understand that there is very little left in the tank to drive yourself out of a situation.
8. The stock tires are more street-oriented
This is something that is very quickly fixed but comes at a cost. If you are going to be mostly on the dirt right from the get go, then you will probably want to change out the smooth road style tyres that are standard.
9. Rear shock too soft
For the average rider, and their luggage on the bike you will find that the rear suspension has a hard time. This is why we suggest you do not overload the bike. If you are going to take a pillion, the problem is only compounded. We shorten the rear mudflap and raise the registration plate to prevent it getting caught in the rear tyre and falling off.
10. Lack of low down grunt
Again, a general issue of a lack of power. However, this lack of torque means that it can be tricky to conquer the steep, slippery climbs that you might find in the rural areas of Vietnam. Keeping the bike with the standard tyres will also add to this problem and you find that road trips through the mountains of Vietnam can become a little more difficult. Once more, you need to drive defensively, not overload the bike and make sure you are alert for other road users who might not be driving correctly.
Honda XR 150 Motorcycle Rental
Ready for adventure? The Honda XR150 is your perfect companion for rugged backroads, mountain passes, and open highways.
✅ Lightweight, reliable, and fuel-efficient
✅ Comfortable for long rides and multi-day tours
✅ Trusted by riders across Vietnam for the legendary Ha Giang Loop
Suspension: Fine Until You Ask Too Much of It
5. The Rear Suspension Is Soft
This is probably one of the most noticeable weaknesses of the XR150 when it is loaded. A solo rider with sensible luggage is usually fine, but add a heavy bag or passenger and the rear suspension begins to feel much softer.
On poor roads the bike can sit lower in its travel and bottom out more easily. This is one reason we strongly discourage riders from loading an XR150 with unnecessary luggage.
It is also why we regard the XR150 primarily as a solo touring motorcycle. Two people can ride one, but that does not mean it is the best tool for a long two-up trip through the mountains.
6. The Suspension Has Limits on Rough Terrain
Compared with a small road bike, the XR150 gives you useful ground clearance and noticeably more suspension travel. Compared with a proper off-road motorcycle, however, it is quite basic.
Broken tarmac, gravel roads and ordinary dirt tracks are well within its abilities when ridden sensibly. Deep holes, rocky tracks and repeated hard impacts quickly reveal the limits of the suspension.
This is an important distinction. An XR150 looks adventurous, but that does not mean every rough trail is suddenly a good idea.
If your trip is specifically centred around difficult off-road riding, we would consider a more capable motorcycle rather than modifying the XR150 beyond what it was designed to do.
Performance: You Have to Accept 150cc
7. There Is Not Much Power in Reserve
The XR150 has enough power for normal touring, but there is very little excess. That distinction matters.
On a mountain road you may need to change down and let the engine work. When overtaking, you need to plan rather than assuming a twist of the throttle will immediately provide a large burst of acceleration.
For many riders this actually encourages a relaxed style that suits travelling through Vietnam extremely well. Riders coming from larger motorcycles, however, may initially find it frustrating.
8. It Is Not a High-Speed Motorcycle
The XR150 can travel at normal Vietnamese road speeds without difficulty, but sustained high-speed riding is not where it feels happiest. Acceleration becomes increasingly modest as speed rises and there is little reserve performance available for rapid overtaking.
For the type of roads we normally recommend for motorcycle touring, this is rarely a significant problem. The most interesting riding in Vietnam generally does not require motorway speeds.
If your intended trip includes long, fast main-road sections, however, a larger motorcycle may be considerably more relaxing.
9. Two People and Luggage Expose Its Weaknesses
A passenger changes the character of the XR150 considerably. The engine has more weight to move, the rear suspension has more weight to support and overtaking becomes slower.
Add luggage as well and you are asking quite a lot from a small motorcycle.
For two smaller riders making short journeys it can work perfectly well. For a long-distance mountain tour with two adults and luggage, we would normally recommend considering something more powerful.
This is one of the most important reasons not to choose a motorcycle simply because it is inexpensive. The right motorcycle is the one that suits the load and route.
Tyres: The Best Choice Depends on Where You Are Going
10. Stock-Style Road Tyres Are Not Ideal for Every Route
A road-biased tyre makes sense for riders spending most of their time on paved roads. It usually provides predictable road handling, good tyre life and perfectly adequate performance for ordinary touring.
The compromise appears when the route becomes muddy or consistently loose. A more aggressive tyre can provide noticeably better confidence and traction in those conditions.
That is why we do not think there is one perfect XR150 tyre for every renter. Where possible, we consider where the rider plans to go and choose a suitable tyre accordingly.
You can see this and the other changes we make in 7 Superb Mods for the Honda XR150.
So, Should These Problems Put You Off the XR150?
For most solo riders, probably not.
The important thing is to put the weaknesses into context. The XR150 lacks power because it is a 150cc motorcycle. Its suspension is basic because it is an inexpensive dual-sport. It has few electronics because Honda designed it to be mechanically simple.
Those compromises are also connected to many of the reasons we like the bike: it is light, easy to manage, economical, straightforward to maintain and relatively inexpensive to rent.
The question therefore is not “Does the XR150 have weaknesses?”
Every motorcycle does.
The useful question is:
“Do the XR150’s weaknesses matter for the trip I am planning?”
The XR150 is probably a good choice if:
You are riding solo, travelling relatively light and expect a mixture of paved mountain roads, normal highways and occasional gravel or dirt. You value simplicity and easy handling more than outright speed.
Consider another motorcycle if:
You are travelling two-up with substantial luggage, want strong overtaking performance, expect sustained high-speed riding or intend to tackle genuinely difficult off-road terrain.
That distinction is much more useful than simply declaring the XR150 either “good” or “bad.”
How We Deal With Some of These Weaknesses
We cannot turn an XR150 into a 300cc motorcycle, and we would not try. What we can do is improve some of the practical compromises we have discovered through using them over many years.
Our XR150 setup can include handlebar risers, more suitable tyres, an enlarged rear luggage rack, USB charging, phone mounting and other small changes that make the bike more comfortable and practical for touring.
We also shorten the rear mudflap on our bikes because the soft rear suspension can allow the number plate area to get too close to aggressive rear tyres when the bike is heavily compressed.
You can see the complete setup in 7 Superb Mods for the Honda XR150.
FAQ
What is the biggest weakness of the Honda XR150?
For many riders it is the limited power. The XR150 performs perfectly well at normal touring speeds, but there is not much additional acceleration available for fast overtaking, carrying heavy loads or climbing steep roads with a passenger.
Is the Honda XR150 underpowered for Vietnam?
Not for most solo touring. Vietnam’s best motorcycle roads generally reward control and sensible speeds more than horsepower.
The limitation becomes more important when carrying a passenger, loading the motorcycle heavily or spending a lot of time on fast main roads.
Does the Honda XR150 have ABS?
No. The XR150 models we use are simple motorcycles without ABS or traction control. Riders therefore need to use appropriate braking technique and adjust their speed for wet, loose or slippery road conditions.
Is the Honda XR150 good off-road?
It is capable on easy dirt roads, gravel and broken surfaces, but it is not an enduro motorcycle. Its relatively soft suspension and modest power become more noticeable as terrain becomes steeper, rougher or more technical.
For most travellers, that level of ability is sufficient because the majority of routes through Vietnam do not require serious off-road riding.
Is an XR150 suitable for two people?
It can carry two people, but passenger weight makes its limited engine performance and soft rear suspension much more noticeable. For shorter journeys or two lighter riders it can be perfectly workable.
For a long two-up motorcycle tour with luggage, we would normally consider a larger motorcycle first.
We Still Like It
Writing ten criticisms of a motorcycle we rent might appear to be a strange sales technique, but we would rather riders understand what they are choosing before they leave.
The XR150 is not powerful, technologically advanced or particularly sophisticated. It also does not need to be.
For the right rider it offers a combination of manageable size, low weight, excellent range, mechanical simplicity and everyday comfort that works remarkably well in Vietnam. Its weaknesses become a problem mainly when you ask the motorcycle to do a job it was never really designed to do.
If those compromises sound acceptable, read 10 Reasons We Love the Honda XR150 for Touring Vietnam.
If they do not, that is useful information too. Our goal is not to put every rider on an XR150; it is to put each rider on the motorcycle that best suits their trip.
View the Honda XR150 rental or compare the XR150 with the XR190 before deciding which bike is right for you.