Hero will turn 40 in 2024, but a bike targeted at riders considerably younger than that will be released in the early half of the year. With its youthful, athletic, and luxury design, the new Xtreme 125R is directly targeted at bikes like the TVS Raider and the Bajaj Pulsar NS125.
Design of Hero Xtreme 125R
With an aggressive-looking headlamp that makes me think of the new Honda CB1000 Hornet and the former Kawasaki Z1000, it has the looks to attract the younger population. This looks and feels like a bigger motorcycle than it actually is because to its beefy bodywork, which includes a large fuel tank and a sleek tail section with split seats.
Although the wide tank shrouds appear a little excessive from the side, from the rider’s perspective they are ideal and only serve to enhance the “big” feeling—especially considering that this is only a 125cc motorcycle.
Changes to the Hero Xtreme 125R engine
Originally, the engine was the Glamour 125 unit. Hero then attempted to exert additional force, but this resulted in harsher vibrations. After that, a silent cam chain and balancer shaft were added to the engine to provide the usual smooth running experience that Hero owners anticipate.
The engine generates 11.55 horsepower, which is comparable to the Raider’s output but somewhat less than the TVS’s 10.5 Nm of torque. Hero, however, has never claimed to have the most powerful bike in the class; instead, it says that this bike has the smoothest engine and the highest efficiency in the class, with a verified efficiency of 66 kpl.
Hero Xtreme 125R performance and refinement
Although we were only able to test ride the bike for a few circuits on Hero’s test track, the engine is undoubtedly smooth, so we can’t yet comment on how fuel-efficient it is. It has the characteristic Hero fineness at low speeds, and at high rpms, there are just slight high-frequency vibrations to be perceived.
Its performance feels really excellent as well, with good midrange, suppleness, and ease of above 80 kph. The five-speed gearbox didn’t feel particularly smooth or accurate, but it also didn’t feel awful. The engine’s sound is one area where it falls short of the TVS; even with the sleek exhaust pipe, it’s somewhat bland and lacks the TVS’s deep bass thump.
Hero Xtreme 125R dynamics and handling
The new 125R borrows a lot of features from its larger sibling, the Xtreme 160, and isn’t only called an Xtreme. This includes a 37mm telescopic fork that has had its internals adjusted, and the chassis itself is derived from the 160.
Because of this, the bike handles rather well and was enjoyable to ride around Hero’s track despite having a soft, plush feel. Similar to the Raider, this bike is meant to be fun and maneuverable, but it should also be simple to ride in urban areas. The primary distinction is that, weighing 136 kg, it is 8 kg lighter than the Pulsar NS125 but 13 kg heavier than the Raider—a big difference.
Features of the Hero Xtreme 125R: ABS
A 130mm rear drum and a 276mm front disc are in charge of braking. Rear disc brakes are not an option, and the segment’s real braking capability is around average. Hero is raising the standard, though, by providing single channel ABS, a first for the market, at a very reasonable price.
The bike is actually very well-equipped, even without the ABS. It has full LED lighting, including a projector LED headlamp. It also features the same Xtreme 160R-style negative LCD dash.
Judgement on Hero Xtreme 125R
Hero Xtreme 125R basic price, ex-Delhi, is Rs 95,000; the ABS-equipped model is Rs 4,500 more expensive. That is a very competitive price for a sleek, well-equipped, enjoyable to ride, and highly desirable motorcycle. Hero will benefit much from this bike.
