The Honda RS-X is becoming a strong contender in the 150cc superkapcai segment competing against models that have been in the market several years prior.
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For decades, the moped sector has been on a steep upward trajectory. This continuous growth has pushed manufacturers to deliver a highly varied spectrum of displacements to fit every type of commuter. For the 150cc superkapcai segment, there is one motorcycle in particular that is starting to gain popularity amongst superkapcai fans. Not the recent Z15GT, not the Yamaha’s super Y16ZR too, but it’s the Honda RS-X.
Officially introduced by Boon Siew Honda (BSH) back in 2021, this supermoped sits above the slightly more conventional RS150R. It entered the market with performance that is worthy to rival fellow opponents, a design that is a bit unconventional to your standard kapcai, at a price point that could potentially corner the market. What makes this motorcycle able to gain traction so quickly? Let’s find out.
Design-wise
Honestly speaking, when the spyshots were going viral on the social media, I was a bit sceptical of the design because the headlight is placed at a rather unconventional spot. Instead of at the upper part by the handlebars, it is placed at the lower end of the front end. When it officially came out and I see them starting to roam around the streets, the design started growing on me. It reminds me of the Yamaha X1R where it has almost the same headlight placement.
From the side, you can really see that Honda took a different approach when designing this bike. The body lines make this bike look very muscular and aggressive. The pointed edge on the rear end of the bike makes the bike look sleek and sporty. The overall design of the bike really makes the bike stand out from other kapcais. If you park it in a row of kapcais, you can definitely tell it apart.
Cockpit-wise, the RS-X comes with a full-LCD display, with its design resembling the design of the display that you would find in the CBR150R. It is able to show every thing that you need like speedo, tacho, gear indicator, fuel gauge, odometer, and even an ECO indicator to tell whether you are riding in an economical manner or not. One feature that absolutely makes it feel premium is the Smart Key System as well as the anti-theft alarm that most kapcais don’t have.
Performance & Fuel Economy
In terms of performance, this bike uses a 149.2cc DOHC single-cylinder engine that is pushing around 15.8 hp and 13.6 Nm of torque, a bit more power compared to most kapcais on the market, and is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The power is aligned with how this bike looks, muscular but sleek. A bit more fast reach than the RS-150.
The fuel tank capacity is rated at 4.5L, for real-world usage, you can expect a fuel consumption of 40km/L with a total range of 180 km. While for smoother highway riding, you can expect a fuel consumption of around 50 km/L with a total range of 225 km. Quite impressive numbers for a kapcai to say the least.
Ride & Handling
Weighing in at around 123kg, the RS-X is absolutely fun to ride. It feels so easy to flick around corners, and it feels very nimble to be splitting through traffic. This bike comes with a standard telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear, enough to provide comfort and handling every time you ride it. The tires that this bike uses are 90/80 up front and 120/70 in the rear, a standrad in the 150cc segment.
In terms of braking, this bike comes with front and rear disc brakes which is more than enough stopping power for a kapcai this size. What makes the braking performance more powerful is that this bike comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on the front end as standard which is a feature that many riders would definitely appreciate.
The Verdict
Overall, the Honda RS-X proves that a daily commuter doesn’t have to be boring. It combines sporty styling, great performance, and excellent fuel efficiency into a package that’s practical enough for everyday use. No matter the purpose, the RS-X delivers a riding experience that’s both enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. This machine has also become a top choice for delivery riders on the daily grind. It pairs an aggressive, commanding road presence with the proven reliability and power required to smash daily order targets.
What makes the RS-X stand out is its ability to strike a balance between performance and practicality. It has enough power to keep things exciting, yet it’s still easy to ride and affordable to maintain. Add in its sharp looks, reliable Honda engineering, and comfortable ergonomics, it’s easy to see why the RS-X has become one of the most popular kapcais in Malaysia.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle that’s sporty enough to put a smile on your face but practical enough to live with every day, the Honda RS-X is definitely worth considering. If you’re planning to get one, be sure to check out the selection of used Honda RS-X motorcycles that are available at iMotorbike.
Specifications
- Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke DOHC
- Cylinders: Single Cylinder
- Bore x Stroke: 57.3 mm × 57.8 mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
- Maximum Horsepower: 11.8kW (15.8hp) at 9,000rpm
- Maximum Torque: 13.6Nm at 7,000rpm
- Starting System: Electric
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.5 litres
- Fuel System: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection)
- Transmission Type: Constant Mesh, 6-Speed
- Weight: 123 kg
- Front and Rear Brakes: Hydraulic Single Disc with Front ABS
- Front Suspension Type: Telescopic
- Rear Suspension Type: Swingarm with Monoshock
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