By launching three new motorcycles in a single day, Hero is expanding its top-of-the-line platform in a horizontal manner. The fully-faired Hero Xtreme 200S is a result of this stretching exercise. Besides sharing all its mechanical components with its similarly powered cousins, the Xtreme 200S is aimed towards those who want a stylish and sporty-looking ride with adequate performance, without the need to cross the five-figure mark for the ex-showroom price. We swung a leg over the motorcycle at the Buddh International Circuit and here’s all that we can tell you about it.
Is the Hero Xtreme 200S more powerful than its cousins?
No. In fact, it is only the Xpulse 200 which gets an optional FI system, while the Xtreme 200S and the XPulse 200T are fueled by a carburettor. In terms of power, the 196.6cc, air-cooled, 2-valve engine develops 18.4 PS @ 8,000 rpm and 17.1 Nm @ 6,500 rpm, all sent to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox. These figures are identical to the power output of the XPulse 200 and the 200T.
How Fuel Efficient is the Hero Xtreme 200S?
The bike’s fuel tank can carry 12.5 litres and ARAI rating stands at 40.1 km/l.
What’s the chassis and suspension like on the Hero Xtreme 200S?
The bike is based on Diamond-type frame, gets 37mm telescopic forks up front and a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the back. Braking duties are handled by a 276mm disc up front and 220mm unit at the back. Governing stopping power is a single-channel ABS system. Rubber size up front is 100/80 – 17 and 130/70 – 17 at the rear. The bike tips the scales at 149 kilos (kerb weight).
Also Read: Hero Xpulse 200 Review | Big on Adventure, Small on Price
In terms of kit, the instrument console is an all-digital unit, similar to the XPulse. The headlight and taillight are all-LED units. In terms of dimensions, the bike is 2062mm long, 778mm wide and 1106mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 1337mm and a seat height of 795mm with a ground clearance of 165mm. For those who like to know their bike has a Kick starter, the Xtreme 200S has one.
Is the Hero Xtreme 200S Fast? Or Fun?
The Xtreme 200S shares its engine with the Xpulse 200 and Xpulse 200T, and of course the Xtreme 200R. To expect enthralling performance from that 200cc single cylinder 18.1 hp, 17.1 Nm power plant would be asking for too much. The Xtreme offers practical performance, which means a top speed of a smidgen less than 120kph on the speedo and a 0-100 dash that requires you to engage the fourth gear. Low-end torque, tractability and refinements are the high points here. Handling too is surprisingly good – and the Xtreme 200S chassis, suspension and tyres handled what that humble motor could throw at it with aplomb. It actually did much better than I expected with its poise around both fast and tight bends. The braking too was reassuring, allowing me to drop two gears as late a possible while entering the sharp U-turn on the shortened BIC track. It’s a sorted machine. It leans confidently and inspires confidence for its price range. Is it as sharp, or as much fun, or as quick or as fast as something like, say, the R15 – no. But it’s delightfully balanced for its power, and that’s a very good thing.
Also Read: Hero Xpulse 200T Review | Retro Styled City Slicker
What about the colour options and Price?
The Hero Xtreme 200S will be available in three colour options – Sports Red, Maple Brown, and Panther Black. The bike retails for INR 98,500 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).