Hero Xtreme 200R - First Ride Review

The Hero Xtreme 200R is the most affordable 200cc bike available in the Indian market. The bike is just Rs 5,000 more expensive than the TVS Apache RTR160 V4's carburettor version. It rubs its shoulders with the likes of Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and TVS Apache RTR200 4V, both of which cost above Rs 1 lakh.

The Xtreme 200R is a bike by which Hero is trying to make a comeback into the premium bike segment after the Karizma sales dropped at an unexpected pace.

The Xtreme 200R is a bike by which Hero is trying to make a comeback into the premium bike segment after the Karizma sales dropped at an unexpected pace. So, can the all-new Hero Xtreme 200R meet Hero's expectations? Let's find out

Design

The Hero Xtreme 200R carries a muscular design language but the bike faces a bit of tough competition when we talk about its visual appeal. Bikes like Bajaj Pulsar NS200, KTM 200 Duke and TVS Apache RTR200 V4 employ unique looking fibre tank covers that lend them a muscular look. On the other hand, the newly launched Hero Xtreme 200R gets a metal tank which looks muscular with the addition of bolt-on shrouds which give the bike a beefed-up appearance.

The fascia of the bike looks similar to the 2015 Hero Xtreme Sports. Moreover, one can easily find an identical looking headlamp, twin-DRL and tinted fly-screen. But, to show the difference, the Xtreme 200R gets a body coloured headlamp front mask along with a different shape that matches the alphabet 'R'. The Xtreme 200R features smoked DRL cover finished in a smoked colour which looks better than the clear screen unit employed on Xtreme Sports.

The Xtreme 200R is a bike by which Hero is trying to make a comeback into the premium bike segment after the Karizma sales dropped at an unexpected pace.

The bike gets a dual-tone front fender which is body coloured from the front and black on the rear. The fender also features stickers of Hero branding and even ABS. The motorcycle is being offered with a single-channel ABS for cost-cutting and to keep prices competitive.

The instrument console comprises a semi-digital unit which offers a tachometer on the left along with a digital display on the right which provides information regarding fuel, speed, two trip meter and time. The Mode button can be used to switch between two trip meters and, the set button can be used to reset them back to zero.

The steering function can be done with the help of a single-piece, flat handlebar. This feature was also seen on the TVS Apache RTR160 4V. On the other hand, the rivals of Hero Xtreme 200R such as Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and Apache RTR200 4V offer clip-on units.

The instrument console comprises a semi-digital unit which offers a tachometer on the left along with a digital display on the right which provides information regarding fuel, speed, two trip meter and time.

As we've mentioned before, the bike gets shrouds on the tank to give it a muscular look. The benefit of having shrouds is if you accidentally drop your bike and damage the shroud, then there's no need for you to replace the tank. You can simply replace the shrouds which will also make the repairing process much more pocket-friendly. The cavity provides ample space to accommodate your legs while going a bit hard through corners. It looks quite unique how the Xtreme name badging is done as it is running across the shrouds and tank.

The seat is a single-piece step-up unit, which is quite comfortable for long distances. The rear of the bike employs LED taillight which will remind you of the 150cc Xtreme Sports. The engine underbelly enhances the sporty quotient of the bike and it is finished in black. The overall design language of the bike is quite sporty and, it has capabilities to magnetize people towards itself.

Engine and Performace

The Hero Xtreme 200R derives power from a 199.6cc, 2-valve, air-cooled, single cylinder, carburettor motor. The engine is not yet fuel-injected, but we can expect to have one when the BS-VI emission norms come into action. The engine develops 18.4 Ps of power at 8,000 rpm and 17.1 Nm of twisting force at 6,500 rpm. Compared to its competitors, the Apache RTR200 4V produces 20.5 PS (Carb) / 21.0 PS (EFI) and, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 puts out 23.5 PS and 18.3 Nm.

After crossing 3,000 rpm the bike gets smooth post 6,000 rpm mark, but it loses some steam as soon as it reached the 8,000 rpm.

The engine of the Xtreme 200R feels a bit stiff under 3,000 rpm mark. After crossing 3,000 rpm the bike gets smooth, but it loses some steam as soon as it reached the 8,000 rpm. The bike reaches at 80 kmph at 6,250 rpm and a ton comes in at 8,000 rpm in fifth gear. The engine refinement levels are quite surprising and, vibration kicks in after you cross the 8,000 rpm. During our three-days of the test, the gearbox felt smooth, but we faced the problem of false neutral gears. Anchoring duties are done by a 276 mm disc at the front along with a 220 mm disc at the rear. The motorcycle also features single-channel ABS as standard for added safety. The brakes are quite efficient and effective in jamming the tyres and stopping the bike without skidding.

Ergonomics

After testing the bike on everyday city conditions, the suspension system of the bike is on a stiffer side which obviously suits the bike's sporty character. The bike is not as stiff as the KTM 200 Duke and not as plush as the Apache RTR200 4V. The shock absorption duties are done by the 37 mm telescopic forks at the front along with a monoshock at the rear. Moreover, the rear suspension is seven-step adjustable.

 The bike is not as stiff as the KTM 200 Duke and not as plush as the Apache RTR200 4V. 

On the other hand, the ergonomics of the bike are not that sporty. The upright handlebar along with the front set of footrest is mainly aimed to offer a comfortable riding experience. This riding setup is also quite comfortable for the city rides.

Verdict

The Hero Xtreme 200R is a bike for those you want to upgrade from a 125cc or 150cc bike. The bike carries a naked look with a muscular tank and sporty design language which also compliments the refinement levels of the bike. The hard suspension helps in gaining the confidence of the rider while going hard on the corners. But, it's not that good performer as compared to its competitors. The motorcycle carries a price tag of Rs 89,990 (ex-showroom), it also gets a single-channel ABS as standard.  

The hard suspension helps in gaining the confidence of the rider while going hard on the corners.