Hero MotoCorp is on a roll in the 125c segment, as following the success of the Glamour 125, the motorcycle manufacturer has now introduced its all-new Hero Xtreme 125R an all-new motorcycle targeted at young riders and those who are keen to buy a motorcycle which offers mature styling, performance and fuel efficiency, all rolled into one.
Featuring an edgy streetfighter design, performance-oriented dynamics, and a claimed fuel mileage of more than 65kmpl, the Hero Xtreme 125R is geared to rule the streets in India. Positioned aggressively priced, the Xtreme 125R fills the bridge between entry-level commuter bikes and sporty 150cc motorcycles.
The bike also comes loaded with modern features and has really gone to town with the styling to make it look a lot more than it is. It’s obvious that the brand is reaching out to riders who wish to have it all in terms of features and flair, but don’t wish to spend a fortune.
Bold and Aggressive Design That Turns Heads
The excitingly good looking design is one of the biggest highlights of the Hero Xtreme 125R. There are plenty of design elements the bike has borrowed from its elder sibling the Xtreme 160R, the sharp LED headlamp to the muscular fuel tank, every inch of the bike shouts sportiness. Its aggressive demeanour is accentuated by the angular tank extensions, short tail section and the racy underbelly exhaust.
The motorcycle comes with all-LED lights (Headlights, Tail lamp and Indicators), which is a very exclusive offering in this price range. Its aggressive bodywork combined with sharp graphics give the Xtreme 125R one of the best looking 125cc bikes in the Indian two-wheeler space right now.
Powerful Engine with Class-Leading Mileage
Powering the bike is a 124.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out 11.4 bhp and 10.5 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed transmission and has been set to offer a smooth but punchy performance city rides are great and highway runs are time saving.
Fuel economy is one of the biggest USPs of the Xtreme 125R. Hero says that the bike returns a mileage of 65+kmpl, and it is one of the most fuel-efficient sports bikes in the 125cc segment. And whether its daily commute or long rides, that figure can save you a lot of money on fuel cost.
Feature-Packed Instrument Cluster and Connectivity
Hero has provided the Xtreme 125R with a full-digital instrument console which shows vital information such as speed, RPM, fuel-level, gear-position and real-time mileage recorder. The digital display is nice and easy to read, even in full sunlight.
To add to that, the bike comes equipped with Hero’s patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically turns off the engine when the bike is idling at signals, and automatically restarts it when the clutch is pulled which helps in increasing the overall mileage even more. There is also side-stand engine cut-off for safety purposes.
Ride Quality, Handling and Suspension Setup
The suspension setup is well-tuned and it offers a confidant and comfortable ride, the Hero Xtreme 125R. It receives telescopic front forks along with a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the rear which we believe give very balanced and stable ride even over rough urban roads.
The bike gets 17-inch alloy wheels and the front disc measures 276 mm and it’s available only on the top trim while the rear drum brakes measures 130 mm. The X Blade has the added security of single-channel ABS just in case you had to come to a stop quickly. The nimble chassis was developed so you can easily flick it around town.
Variants and Color Options
The Hero Xtreme 125R is offered in two grades Drum and Disc. The purchase offers go on and on, you can select from attractive colours like Sports Red, Matt Nexus Blue and Black. The combination of matte and gloss finishes makes it look like a more expensive bike, something I typically see on more expensive models.
Each edition has been sculpted with the different tastes of purchasers in mind. Earlier the Drum version was aimed at the budget conscious but with the Disc variant, there’s a little more performance and safety if you can stretch your budget just a bit.
Competitive Pricing for Mass Market Appeal
Hero MotoCorp has launched the Xtreme 125R Drum for INR 95,000 (Ex-showroom), while the Disc variant is priced at INR 99,500 (ex-showroom). This price point also makes the bike go head on with other 125s in the market like the TVS Raider 125 and Bajaj Pulsar NS125.
But, the Hero Xtreme 125R with its in-your-face styling, all-LED kit, digital instrument console, and best-in-class mileage (of over 65kmpl) is something special in this over-crowded segment. This bike is one of the best buys for performance per price ratio.
Conclusion
The Hero Xtreme 125R is Hero MotoCorp’s ambitious attempt to reinvent the 125cc segment. It combines aggressive styling, practical features, and cruiser styling with awesome fuel economy all in a very affordable tweaked-daily package.
The bike is perfect for riders in their 20s looking for a chic and practical bike to commute to work with for young undergraduates looking for a bike for riding around campus or easily fold in the trunk for a bike ride.
If you are in the market for a motorcycle that not only looks good but doesn’t give you sleepless nights because of high running costs, the Hero Xtreme 125R should be on your list. Sporting the 125cc mill, dynamic styling, and an affordable price tag, the new launch by Hero could turn the tables in the commuter sport space.