Its compact dimensions, confidence-inspiring handling and timeless styling make the Brixton BX150 R an appealing choice, especially for female riders.
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The 150cc segment is one of the most competitive categories in Malaysia, offering riders plenty of options ranging from practical commuters to sporty motorcycles. However, there is a growing demand for motorcycles that not only deliver reliable performance but also offer unique styling and character. At the same time, more female riders are entering the motorcycle scene, creating a demand for motorcycles that are approachable, easy to handle and confidence-inspiring without compromising on style.
One motorcycle that enters this category with a different approach is the Brixton BX150 R. The BX150 R was officially launched in Malaysia in June 2018 by MForce Bike Holdings right alongside its siblings, the BX150 and BX150 X. It is aimed for those who want a motorcycle that features classic styling at an affordable price point.
Its compact dimensions, manageable power and comfortable ergonomics also make it an interesting option for a wider range of riders, including female riders or those looking for a motorcycle that feels unintimidating while still offering plenty of personality.
I had the opportunity to have a go on the Brixton BX150 R 2024 model to experience how this motorcycle performs in real-world riding conditions and my personal opinion for female riders regarding this motorcycle.
Engine & Transmission
Powering the BX150 R is a 149cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 11.7 hp at 8,000 rpm and 11.9 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. These numbers might not seem that much, but it was never designed to focus on performance in the first place. Instead, it focuses on delivering a relaxed and enjoyable riding experience.
Power is transferred to the rear wheel through a five-speed manual gearbox paired with a wet multi-plate clutch. The clutch feels light and easy to operate, making riding through heavy traffic a comfortable experience. The engagement point is also well-balanced, it is neither too short nor too long, which allowed me to quickly get used to the bike’s characteristics. I believe this is something many beginner riders, including female riders who are learning to ride a manual motorcycle, will appreciate.
The smooth power delivery is another characteristic that I think many new riders will appreciate. Instead of delivering an abrupt surge of power, the BX150 R builds speed progressively, making it easier to control. This gives the riders more confidence, especially those who are still getting used to operating a manual motorcycle.
Overall, the BX150 R’s engine and transmission suit its retro-inspired character perfectly, prioritising smoothness and ease of riding over outright performance. Its user-friendly nature makes it a motorcycle that can be enjoyed by riders of all demographics, especially those looking for a stylish machine that is easy to live with every day.
Design & Features
The Brixton BX150 R takes a classic approach when it comes to its design, combining retro styling elements with a modern touch. It features a round headlight, small round tail light and a Clubman-style retro seat that immediately gives the motorcycle a timeless appearance.
Compared to its siblings, the BX150 R carries a slightly sportier character. However, it is not the aggressive modern sporty look that we often see today. Instead, it has a classic racing-inspired appearance, similar to the motorcycles from the past that focused more on style and character.
The unit that I tested came in a silver colour scheme, which I think suits the motorcycle really well. The colour gives it a sleek and elegant appearance without being too flashy or overly dark, allowing the retro design elements to stand out naturally.
In terms of features, the BX150 R comes equipped with a classic analogue tachometer paired with a digital speedometer, blending old-school aesthetics with modern functionality.
The motorcycle also features LED lighting, including a headlight with an X-shaped DRL design. This small detail adds more character to the bike and reminds me of the old racing motorcycles where riders would tape an “X” pattern across their headlights before heading onto the track.
Riding Experience
The Brixton BX150 R offers a riding experience that matches its retro character, focusing more on comfort and enjoyment rather than outright performance. The riding position feels quite relaxed, with the handlebars positioned in a way that encourages a natural riding posture.
However, the handlebars are not placed particularly high. They sit slightly lower, giving the bike a subtle sporty feel. At my height of 178 cm, I did feel like I was leaning forward slightly while riding, but it was never to the point where it became uncomfortable or caused any noticeable back fatigue. I can also see this riding position working well for many female riders, as it strikes a nice balance between comfort and control.
One thing that really stood out to me was how approachable the BX150 R feels. Its compact dimensions and relatively low weight make it feel much less intimidating than many other retro motorcycles.
So this definitely would be one of the reasons why the BX150 R could be a great option for female riders who are looking to own their first manual motorcycle. It feels easy to manage without compromising on its stylish retro appearance.
Another highlight is just how easy it is to handle. Thanks to its manageable size and lightweight feel, maneuvering the bike around tight spaces requires very little effort. Whether it’s making U-turns, filtering through traffic or pushing the bike into a parking space, everything is easy.
Female riders, especially those with a smaller build, will likely appreciate how effortless the BX150 R feels at low speeds, while experienced riders will still enjoy its nimble handling around town.
On the highway, the BX150 R continues to deliver a comfortable riding experience. While it is not built for high-speed performance, it feels stable and composed when cruising. The power is more than enough for relaxed highway rides, making it a motorcycle that is enjoyable for both city commuting and casual longer-distance journeys.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a female rider looking for a retro motorcycle that is easy to live with every day, the BX150 R offers a confidence-inspiring and enjoyable experience.
Handling & Braking
The BX150 R comes equipped with telescopic front forks and preload-adjustable dual rear shock absorbers, a setup that suits the bike’s retro-inspired character well. Throughout my time with the motorcycle, the suspension felt comfortable enough for daily commuting while still offering good stability on uneven roads and around corners.
Combined with its manageable size, the bike never feels intimidating to handle, something I think many female riders will appreciate when riding through busy city streets.
Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both the front and rear, complemented by a Combined Braking System (CBS). The braking performance feels progressive and predictable, giving enough confidence when slowing down or coming to a stop. While it doesn’t have the outright stopping power of larger performance motorcycles, it is more than adequate for the BX150 R’s intended use.
The predictable suspension and progressive braking also help build rider confidence. For those who are relatively new to riding, including female riders looking for their first manual motorcycle, the BX150 R feels forgiving and easy to control rather than overwhelming.
Overall, the suspension and braking package work well together, making the BX150 R an easy motorcycle to ride. Whether you’re commuting through the city or enjoying a relaxed weekend ride, the bike feels composed, confidence-inspiring and easy to control.
Verdict
Overall, the Brixton BX150 R is a motorcycle for riders who value style, simplicity and an enjoyable riding experience over outright performance. Priced at around RM9,588, its retro-inspired design gives it plenty of character, while its manageable engine, light clutch and easy handling make it an approachable motorcycle for riders of all experience levels.
I also believe the BX150 R is an excellent choice for female riders. Its compact dimensions, lightweight feel and confidence-inspiring handling make it easy to maneuver in everyday situations, whether it’s filtering through traffic, making U-turns or simply moving the bike around a parking space.
Pair that with its stylish café racer-inspired design, and it offers a combination of practicality and personality that many female riders are likely to appreciate. Rather than trying to be the fastest motorcycle in its class, the BX150 R focuses on delivering a riding experience that is relaxed, confidence-inspiring and enjoyable.
For female riders looking to own their first manual motorcycle, or even experienced riders wanting a stylish retro machine that’s easy to live with every day, the Brixton BX150 R is certainly a motorcycle worth considering.
2024 Brixton BX150 R Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 149 cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder
- Max Power: 11.7 hp at 8,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 11.9 Nm Torque at 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Clutch: Wet, multi-plate clutch
Chassis & Suspension
- Frame: Steel tube (tubular steel) frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic front forks
- Rear Suspension: Preload-adjustable dual rear shock absorbers
- Front Brakes: Disc Brake with ABS
- Rear Brakes: Disc Brake with ABS
- Tires: 4.00-17 (front), 4.50-17 (rear)
Dimensions & Electronics
- Wet Weight: 157 kg
- Seat Height: 770 mm
- Fuel Capacity: 14 Liters
- Electronics: Led Headlight with integrated Daytime Running Lights (DRL), analog and digital meter, Combined Braking System (CBS)
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