The Honda XR150 stock is a great bike and it will take you all over Vietnam without any problems at all. However, like anything, it can be improved with a few added extras. This is why we make the changes below to our bikes and hopefully you will have a better experience.
7 Upgrades for the Honda XR150
- 1. Phone Holder
- 2. Knobbly Tyres
- 3. Rear Rack
- 4. USB Charger
- 5. Handlebar Risers
- 6. Handlebar Brace
- 7. Shorten Mudflap
None of these modifications are strictly necessary. We just find that they make driving much more comfortable and they increase your enjoyment whilst on tour.
Phone Holder
This is a super handy add on that allows you to create a dashboard with your phone. You can constantly see your phone and use a mapping app for directions or see notifications.
Just be careful not to fry your phone in the extreme heat out here.
Knobbly Tyres
We have a range of tyres available for the Honda XR150. Generally, these are 50/50 road tyres or knobblies.
It is usually possible for us to offer a choice of tyre so if you let us know where you are going and what you plan to do, we can make sure you have the best fit.
Rear Rack
A lot of our riders are taking long trips and this is often up or down the whole length of the country. They tend to have a bit of luggage in a back pack and the regular rear rack just isn’t enough to hold it on the bike. So, we have made our own racks that we attach to the bike that help with this.
We choose not to put side racks on because this would lead to people overloading the bike and it could be quite dangerous.
USB Charger
So you can charge a phone, or gopro or drone batteries. If you use this in conjunction with a tank bag you can ride and charge at the same time. It’s very handy.
Just remember to turn it off when you are not using it as it can drain the battery and render it useless.
Handlebar Risers
This gives a more comfortable riding position. They raise the position of the hands and also allow you to sit more upright. As well as this, they make it easier on your back if you get up on the pegs as you need to bend a little less.
A common complaint of the XR150 is that it is a little uncomfortable for taller riders. On a long trip this can really be noticed.
Handlebar Brace
This is mainly to reduce the amount of vibration that is felt through the handlebars when driving. Again, it is something that is noticeable on a long journey.
It also helps to stop the handlebars folding in an accident and it is also a great place to mount gopro.
Shorten Mudflap
The suspension on the XR150 is a little soft and we have found that the mudflap and registration plate can get caught in the knobbly back wheel tyres and fold under the bike. It is not dangerous and more annoying than anything, but you might end up losing the number plate. So to prevent this we cut it shorter and eliminate the potential for it to happen.
The downside is that you might get a bit more of a skunk stripe when you ride through the mud.
Are the Mods Necessary
Well, strictly speaking, none of these modifications are necessary and that is why very few, if any, other rental firm makes them all. However, we find that it makes for a better trip and customers get more from their rental this way.
They are the kinds of thing that I like to do to my bike to make it more comfortable and practical for me so I figure they are welcome on your rental.
