Fun time with the Hero XTREME 200R Part 1

Описание: Hero XTREME 200R

The latest offering from Hero..
We've been waiting for this bike for a loongg time, and finally it has hit our shore.. Let's see what this bike is all about.
Well it's different, from the 150 Xtreme version. It's got 17inch wheels (finally), mono shock at the rear, 37mm fork, 100 and 130 section tyres front an rear. The rear tyre only is radial by the way. Single channel ABS at the front, engine kill switch ( after customers waited for more then 15 years). A semi digital speedo console which is really user friendly and pleasing to look at ( we were expecting gear position indicator) . Really liked the big analogue tachometer which is really easy to read and surprisingly I really have to rely on (we'll get to this later).
It comes with front and rear disc brakes which is not really something special but the front comes with steel braided hose which is an added bonus in this type of bikes.
The bodywork is a sportier version of the smaller extreme with good looking tail pannel. But I'm little disappointed in the front bikini faring. Was expecting something funkier, but the headlight works which comes with a normal halogen bulbs. These days we get bikes with fancy LED headlights which does not have enough penetrating power. Personaly, I prefer the ugly looking halogen headlights which works.
The riding position is pretty neutral but the one piece handle bar has a weird angle which takes getting used to. Pulling the handle bar closer towards the rider slightly makes it better, but I still think they can improve on this.
The engine is a bored up version of the 149.2cc version bored up to 199.6cc with minor tweaks on the engine. Still employs carburetor ( Hero will introduce Fi in the upgraded version with a heavier price tag 😁). This mill churns out 18.4ps @ 8,000rpm and torque of 17.1Nm @ 6,500 rpm.
Well how does all this translate in the real world.
Starting up.. No surprises... Still exactly like all Hero models, with the smooth and crisp cranking of the self and a slight primary gear whine which follows 😁.
The tractable engine is plasent enough in city traffic aided by super nimble chassis and plush suspensions. It's a real traffic jam beating weapon. It will pull 60kh in 5th gear @ 2,500rpm without any transmission snatches. 😨
But, how does it feel when you're pushing the limits outside the city.. well almost all the advantages it has in city traffic turns to disadvantages. The plush suspension's making the the ride squishy resulting in less grip from both wheels ( but the rear mono shock is 7way pre-load adjustable which we never had the time to try out) . The smooth and tractable engine straining to breath beyond 8,000rpm. It will review till 9,500 where the limiter cuts in, then you are left to play between 8000-9000rpm where you need to put the rev counter in order to play. This is where I have to rely on that easy to read big analogue tachometer. With only 1,000rpm to play with, you really have to watch the tacho, but I really enjoyed myself.. Reminiscing my two stroke heydays 😊.But I find it slightly strange that a modern 4 stroke have to be ridden like this. Maybe our test bike is a dud..🤕. This is not exactly how Hero designed the bike to be ridden. It's a stylish commuter with most modern gizmos at an affordable price range.
But this does not ment that it can't dance in the twisties.. Far from it but, we were just expecting much more judging from our impressions in how it performed in the city. I think the weight of the bike has something to do with this as it weighs 148kg.
Overall I think Hero have hit the mark with the XTREME 200R, giving us a stylish and affordable bike (it cost only Rs. 88,000 Ex showroom). They never tried to make the fastest 200cc bike but the most affordable... Maximum bang for the bucks..
A 200cc bike for less then Rs. 90,000 what more can you ask for...
Kudos to Hero and we're eagerly waiting for you're other new products..