Hero Xtreme 200R Test Ride Review

Performance – An all-new 199.6cc engine does the job on the Hero Xtreme 200R. This engine is based on the same platform as that of the 150cc engines and hence, the redline comes in at an early 9000 RPM. Producing 18.4 PS of power at 8000 RPM and 17.1 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM, this motorcycle is the least powerful in the competition. However, the throttle response is great which seems to cover up for the lack of power. All I rode on was the corners of the track as some sections, including the main straight and the back straight, were blocked. Still, I was able to manage 100 km/hr on one of the corner exits.

Least powerful in the segment, yet the Xtreme 200R is happy to rev its heart out

The Hero Xtreme 200R gets a 5-speed gearbox. The gearing is tall and it takes the entire rev range in its third gear to hit 100 km/hr. The clutch is on the lighter side but the gear shifts aren’t very slick. However, we were riding on the track and the good thing is that there were no mis-shifts at all. The engine isn’t exactly harsh although there were quite some vibrations near the redline during our test ride. The Xtreme 200R has some serious competition when it comes to exhaust note as most of its rivals sound really good! The exhaust note of the Xtreme isn’t very exciting but is fairly decent by segment standards.

Riding Dynamics – Hero always gets it right in terms of ergonomics as well as riding dynamics. They had a strong contender back in their CBZ days and since that time, most of the bikes from Hero have had a very promising riding feel and feedback. The Xtreme 200 is better than other stable mates as the ride and handling balance is spot-on. There is no compromise on comfort too as the rider sits upright and still stays engaged while riding. The handlebars are slightly raised as well and tipping the Xtreme into corners is a lot of fun. The motorcycle is confidence-inspiring and gives a lot of feedback.

Slight flick of the handlebar makes the Xtreme 200R change direction

You get an optional single channel ABS on the Xtreme 200R and our test bike was also equipped with one. The front brakes have good stopping power and ABS works as expected. However, the rear brakes have no feel and feedback at all and the rear wheel easily locks up under heavy braking. The suspension setup felt way too soft for the track but in real-world conditions with plently of bad roads, the softly-sprung setup will prove to be a blessing. Upon hard braking, the front end nosedives while the rear monoshock, being a 7-step adjustable unit, had to be put to its stiffest setting to ride on the track.