NEW DELHI:Hero Motocorphas expanded the Xtreme range, launching three new 200-cc motorbikes. All the three new variants are priced under Rs one lakh (ex-showroom). Taking a cue from 2018-launch Xtreme 200R, the manufacturer rolled out a troika of motorcycles with similar engine specifications but in different segments – adventure, tourer and sports.
TheHero Xtreme 200S- a fully-faired version ofHero Xtreme 200R- has launched at Rs 98,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The fairing provides a character to the Xtreme 200S, besides the minor revisions to the built. We wrung the throttle of the Xtreme 200S on the tracks of the Buddh International Circuit, and here is our first take on the latest arrival.
What’s new in the body?
The overall built bears similarities to 90s’ old world charm superbike. Especially, if you had a liking for Karizma ZMR, the Xtreme 200S would remind you of it. Fully faired, the overall look of the Xtreme 200S is decent.
The beefy front cluster is well complemented by twin LED headlamp. Hero Motocorp has built the fairing with aerodynamics in mind. The cluster is set up with LED indicators. However, not exactly chiselled, sharp lines run over the fuel tanks. A rubber pad is mounted at the end of the tank and the bike offers a stepped seat that runs as one.
First look of newly launched XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T
The rear end doesn’t appeal as much as the front but comes up with a split grab rail, compact sporty exhaust muffler and LED tail lamp. There are minimal loose cables around the body with a satisfactory fit and finish. Hero Xtreme 200S is available in three colour schemes: Sports red, panther black and mapple brown.
| Wheelbase | 1337 mm |
| Seat height | 795 mm |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm |
| Kerb weight | 149 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12.5L |
The instrument panel gets a complete overhaul from the Xtreme 200R. A fully LCD digital display presents the basic readouts — service reminder, gear shift indicator, side stand indicator and trip meter. That’s not the end of it. Hero unveiled the Bluetooth connectivity option, facilitated by Hero App, which supports turn-by-turn navigation and keeps the rider connected while on the move.
Does the engine pack the punch?
The Xtreme 200S gets the exact carburetor powermill, which is there in the naked sibling, Xtreme 200R. Powered by a 199.6-cc, air-cooled, single cylinder engine, 18.4 PS of maximum power at 8,000rpm and 17.4 Nm peak torque at 6,500rpm are available. With a slight increase in sprocket teeth ( which is one more than Xtreme 200R), the Xtreme 200S is mated to a 5-speed gearbox and has a multi-plate wet clutch.
| Engine type | Air cooled, 4 Stroke 2 Valve Single cylinder OHC |
| Displacement | 199.6 cc |
| Max power | 18.4ps @ 8000 rpm |
| Peak torque | 17.1 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Ignition type | Carburetor |
| Clutch | Multi Plate Wet |
| Gearbox | 5-speed Constant Mesh |
Track ride exactly doesn’t reflect how the motorbike will fare on the road. On tracks, the 149kg Xtreme 200S did feel running out of steam at 100kmph. The peak speed couldn’t be noted but should be around 120 mark. The pickup is fairly linear, however, at times, the rider would feel the engine to be underpowered.
How well does it ride?
The motorbike is suspended over seven-step adjustable rear monoshock and 37mm telescopic front forks. The Xtreme 200S is set up on a diamond type frame and shod with 100/80-17 and 130/70-R17 tubeless tyres at front and rear respectively.
Equipped with disc brakes at both the ends, with single channel ABS, the grip offered is assuring but certainly not to our liking. Sudden brakes at high speeds do tend to lock the wheels and the rider may feel wobbly.
| Frame | Diamond type |
| Front suspension | 37-mm telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | 7-step adjustable monoshock |
| Front brake type | 276 mm disc (single channel ABS) |
| Rear brake type | 220 mm disc |
| Front tyre | 100/80-17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear tyre | 130/70-R17 (Tubeless) |
Hero called the bike sporty and never claimed it to be a complete performance-oriented unit. Cornering on the sharp bends of BIC wasn’t a breeze. Considering the Xtreme 200S for daily commuting can be a good choice due to the upright sitting posture and relatively low seat height (795 mm). A near-perfect rider’s triangle can make a light work of the city traffic.
Similarly, long rides on highways should be relaxing. The extended visor and streamlined fairing would help to reduce wind blast. The radiated heat management system takes a beating. The heat oozing through the fairing strikes the rider’s feet.
Who would buy the Xtreme 200S?
A couple of things are for sure. Firstly, it’s not the plushiest and powerful of motorbikes in the 200-cc segment. Secondly, no other 200-cc motorbike in India (apart from its sibling Xtreme 200R) comes at this price. The Xtreme 200S would compete with the likes of TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Suzuki Gixxer SF.
Watch Hero Xtreme 200S: First ride review
