Rentals
2025 Honda XR150L: What Changed and Is It Better for Vietnam?
The Honda XR150L has never needed to be particularly complicated. Its appeal has always come from being light, simple, comfortable and capable of dealing with the mixture of roads that riders actually encounter in Vietnam.
For 2025, Honda has not reinvented the motorcycle. Instead, it has added a handful of updates that make the bike feel more modern and, in some areas, more useful for touring. The most important changes are front-wheel ABS, a digital dashboard, improved side panels and refreshed styling.
The basic character remains the same, which is probably a good thing. The more interesting question is whether these changes actually matter once you leave the showroom and start riding around Vietnam.
What Has Changed for 2025?
Honda has taken a fairly conservative approach with the 2025 XR150L. Rather than replacing the engine or completely redesigning the bike, it has focused on safety, rider information, ergonomics and appearance.
That means the new model feels familiar to anyone who has ridden an older XR150, while addressing a few areas where the previous bike was starting to feel dated.
Front-Wheel ABS
The most significant update is the addition of ABS to the front brake.
For touring in Vietnam, this is the change we care about most. Roads can go from dry to wet very quickly, painted lines can become extremely slippery, and loose gravel or mud can appear unexpectedly after rain or roadworks.
ABS does not remove the need for good braking technique, and it does not make poor decisions safe. What it can do is reduce the chance of locking the front wheel during a hard braking event.
That is particularly useful for riders who are accustomed to modern motorcycles and may be less familiar with controlling a non-ABS front brake.
Digital Dashboard
The 2025 model also receives a much more modern digital instrument display.
It provides clearer information than the older analogue-style dashboard, including speed, odometer, trip information, gear position and ABS status. The display is easy to read and makes the bike feel noticeably more contemporary.
One omission remains frustrating: there is still no conventional fuel gauge.
You therefore still need to understand the XR150’s fuel reserve system, which we explain in 3 Things You MUST Know before riding a Honda XR150.
Improved Side Panels
The revised side panels are not as visually dramatic as the ABS or digital dashboard, but we think they are one of the more useful changes.
The shape gives the rider a firmer area to grip with the knees, particularly when standing or manoeuvring the motorcycle at low speed. On rough roads, this helps the rider control the bike with the lower body rather than relying entirely on the handlebars.
It is a relatively small ergonomic change, but one that becomes more noticeable when riding long days on mixed surfaces.
Updated Styling
The 2025 bike also looks more modern.
The revised bodywork and darker components give it a stronger family resemblance to Honda’s larger off-road and adventure motorcycles. That will matter more to some riders than others.
For us, styling is a welcome bonus rather than a reason to choose a motorcycle. We are considerably more interested in whether the bike is comfortable, reliable and appropriate for the route.
Other Notable Features (Standard):
Street-legal equipment (headlight, taillight, turn signals, mirrors).
Basic digital instrument cluster (speedometer, odometer, trip meter).
Comfortable seat for on and off-road use.
Rear luggage rack.
AZ Motorbikes Improvements
Extended Rear Luggage Rack – to give more room to fit luggage on.
Handlebar stabiliser – to protect handlebars and provide a location to fit a camera.
Handlebar Risers – to make general driving and standing on the pegs more comfortable.
Phone Holder – for navigation purposes
Chunky Rear Tyre – for better traction in the mud.
Shortened Rear Mudflap – This prevents the mudflap and registration ‘tucking under’ and getting caught in the tyre or even ripped off.
What Has Stayed the Same?
The important thing to understand is that the 2025 XR150L is still fundamentally an XR150.
The engine, basic chassis concept and overall purpose remain very similar. Riders expecting a dramatic jump in performance may therefore be disappointed, while riders who already like the XR150 will probably appreciate that Honda has not changed the qualities that made it useful.
Same Basic Engine and Character
The 2025 XR150L remains a small, air-cooled, single-cylinder motorcycle with a five-speed gearbox and straightforward mechanical design.
Its performance is still modest. The engine provides enough power for normal touring, mountain roads and everyday riding, but there is not a large amount of acceleration in reserve.
That means the new model is still more about manageability than speed.
Same Practical Touring Strengths
The qualities that make the older XR150 useful in Vietnam remain intact.
The bike is relatively light, easy to manoeuvre, economical and comfortable enough for multi-day trips. It also retains the upright riding position and simple character that make it approachable for a wide range of riders.
For most riders, these fundamentals matter considerably more than cosmetic changes.
Same Main Limitations
The 2025 model has not solved every XR150 weakness.
The rear suspension remains relatively soft, especially with a passenger or heavy luggage, and the engine still lacks the stronger acceleration available from larger motorcycles.
The absence of a fuel gauge also remains slightly surprising given the new digital display.
For a fuller look at these compromises, read 10 Things We Don’t Love about the Honda XR150.
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
What the 2025 Changes Mean in Vietnam
A specification sheet tells you what Honda changed. The more useful question is how those changes affect the motorcycle once you are actually touring.
Some of the updates matter considerably more in Vietnam than they might during a short urban commute.
ABS on Wet and Unpredictable Roads
Front-wheel ABS is particularly relevant in Vietnam because road grip can vary enormously during a single riding day.
Rain, diesel, gravel, polished road surfaces and painted markings can all reduce traction. On mountain roads, conditions can also change quickly from one bend to the next.
ABS gives the rider an additional safety margin during hard braking, although it should never be treated as permission to ride faster or brake later.
Good observation and appropriate speed remain much more important.
Better Information for Long-Distance Riding
The digital dashboard improves the information available to the rider.
Gear position is useful in the mountains, while separate trip information helps riders keep track of daily distance and fuel usage. The clearer display is also easier to read quickly without taking attention away from the road for long.
The lack of a fuel gauge means the trip meter still matters. Knowing roughly how far you have ridden since refuelling remains one of the simplest ways to manage fuel on an XR150.
Improved Control When Standing
The revised side panels are especially useful on rougher roads.
When standing on the footpegs, riders should be able to use their knees and legs to help control the motorcycle. A better contact area makes this easier and reduces the temptation to hang onto the handlebars too tightly.
This will not transform the XR150 into an enduro bike, but it is a useful improvement for the type of mixed-surface touring many riders do in Northern Vietnam.
Should You Choose the 2025 Model?
For many renters, the model year should not be the first thing they consider.
The condition of the motorcycle, tyre choice, maintenance, luggage setup and suitability for your route matter more than whether the bike is one or two years newer. However, the 2025 updates do give certain riders genuine advantages.
Newer Riders
Front ABS makes the 2025 model particularly attractive to riders who are less accustomed to simple non-ABS motorcycles.
It provides another layer of protection if the front brake is applied too aggressively, particularly on wet or changing surfaces. That does not replace experience, but it is a worthwhile safety improvement.
The gear indicator and clearer dashboard may also make the motorcycle slightly easier to understand for someone unfamiliar with the XR150.
Experienced Riders
Experienced riders may care less about the electronics but still appreciate the changes.
The improved side panels provide better contact with the bike, while the clearer dashboard is simply nicer to use. ABS is also valuable regardless of experience when an unexpected hazard requires heavy braking.
At the same time, an experienced rider on a well-maintained older XR150 is unlikely to suddenly find the previous model inadequate.
Older XR150 or 2025 XR150?
If both bikes are in equally good condition and equally suitable for your trip, we would choose the 2025 model.
The front ABS alone is a worthwhile improvement, and the updated dashboard and ergonomics are useful additions.
However, we would still choose a properly maintained older XR150 with the right tyres and luggage setup over a newer motorcycle that is poorly prepared for the route.
Model year matters. Preparation matters more.
How We Prepare Our 2025 XR150s
The factory updates improve the bike, but they do not address every practical issue we have discovered through running XR150s in our rental fleet.
We therefore continue to make small modifications based on how our customers actually use the motorcycles in Vietnam.
Touring Setup
Depending on the motorcycle and intended route, our XR150 setup can include a larger rear luggage rack, phone holder, USB charging and handlebar risers.
These are not dramatic modifications. They simply make the motorcycle more practical for navigation, luggage carrying and multi-day travel.
What We Still Change
Tyres remain one of the most important choices.
A rider spending almost all of the trip on good tarmac does not need the same tyre as someone expecting regular dirt roads or muddy sections. We therefore prefer to match the tyre setup to the intended use where possible.
We also continue to make small changes such as shortening the rear mudflap and improving the cockpit setup.
You can see the reasoning behind these changes in 7 Honda XR150 Modifications we make for touring Vietnam.
Choosing the Bike for the Route
The newest motorcycle is not automatically the best motorcycle for every trip.
A renter heading down predominantly paved roads may have different requirements from someone exploring remote mountain routes. Rider size, experience, luggage and whether the bike will carry a passenger also matter.
Our preference is to choose the bike according to the rider and route rather than simply assigning the newest motorcycle available.
FAQ
Does the 2025 Honda XR150L have ABS?
Yes. The major safety update for the 2025 model is front-wheel ABS.
It provides additional protection against front-wheel lock during hard braking, although appropriate braking technique and speed remain essential.
Does the 2025 XR150L have a fuel gauge?
No. Despite the new digital dashboard, the model still relies on the traditional fuel reserve system rather than displaying a conventional fuel level.
We recommend monitoring distance travelled and understanding how the reserve fuel tap works before leaving.
Is the 2025 XR150L more powerful?
The important changes are not centred on a major increase in engine performance.
The bike retains the familiar XR150 character, which means manageable power and easy handling rather than strong acceleration.
Riders wanting noticeably more performance should compare the XR150 with larger alternatives rather than assuming the newest model solves that limitation.
Is the 2025 XR150L better for beginners?
The addition of front-wheel ABS and a clearer dashboard may make it more reassuring for riders who are unfamiliar with simple dual-sport motorcycles.
However, choosing an appropriate bike does not replace the need for riding experience, particularly on difficult mountain roads or in heavy Vietnamese traffic.
Should I specifically ask for a 2025 XR150 when renting?
You can certainly request one, but we recommend prioritising motorcycle condition, route suitability and preparation.
A well-maintained older XR150 with suitable tyres and luggage equipment may be a better choice for a particular trip than simply taking the newest available bike.
Better, Without Changing What Works
The 2025 Honda XR150L is not a revolution, and we think that is probably the right approach.
Honda has improved some of the areas that were beginning to feel dated without removing the qualities that made the XR150 useful in the first place. Front-wheel ABS is the most important change, while the digital dashboard and improved side panels make the bike easier and nicer to use.
There are still things we would change. More power would be welcome for some riders, the rear suspension remains basic and the lack of a fuel gauge feels like a missed opportunity on a newly digital dashboard.
Even so, the 2025 model is a better XR150 rather than a completely different motorcycle. For the kind of solo touring many riders do in Vietnam, that is exactly what it needed to be.
If you are still deciding whether the XR150 suits your trip, read Honda XR150: Is It the Best bike for touring Vietnam?, along with 10 Reasons We Love the Honda XR150 and 10 Things We Don’t Love about the Honda XR150.
For more on how we adapt the bikes after they leave the factory, see 7 Honda XR150 Modifications we make for touring Vietnam.