Expert Views on the Hero Xtreme 250R
Rajesh Kumar have developed a deep connection with the world of motorcycles.
Hero has a clear
winner if the Xtreme 250R can provide a riding experience comparable to the KTM250 Duke especially as the former is Rs. 47000 less expensive.
Overview
The first motorbikebuilt on Heros new 250cc chassis is the Hero Xtreme 250R.
It was introduced during the January Bharat Mobility Expo
and goes up against the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the Bajaj Pulsar N250 among
others.
If you ignore the significant price differential of Rs. 47000
the Xtreme and the KTM 250 Duke are comparable in terms of body design and
engine specs.
But as we all know the real test is when you eat it.
Therefore we took a
quick ride on the Xtreme 250R on some straight highways and winding hill roads
in Udaipur to confirm the veracity of Heros promises.
This is how it
transpired.
The Pictures
The Xtreme 250R is a
classic streetfighter in terms of appearance.
It has a clean but cutting appearance thanks to the small
headlight positioned rather low the bulbous fuel tank with sharp extensions and
the sleek tail section that is devoid of a license plate or fender.
Its excessively
flamboyant design may draw divisive comments but it will undoubtedly draw
attention from observers.
Additionally the
overall construction quality is respectable although I thought the paint job
and switch plastic quality might have been improved.
The Bundle
It produces higher
power and torque as a consequence producing 29.5 horsepower and 25 Nm
respectively.
A six speed gearbox an assist and a slipper clutch handle
the transmission tasks.
It is mounted on 17inch
wheels with MRF tires and is supported by a steel trellis frame.
The vehicle weighs
167.7 kg at the curb has an 11.5liter fuel tank 167 mm of ground clearance and
an 806 mm seat height.
Its features include
LED turn indicators hazard lights and auto illumination LED headlamps and tail
lamps.
An LCD console with an E Sim and Bluetooth connection for
turn by turn navigation is part of the instrumentation arrangement.
There are also lap
and drag racing clocks on the console.
There are two settings for the dual channel ABS system and
riders may disable the rear wheel ABS in the Track mode.
The Journey
Riding the Xtreme
250R is an exciting and athletic experience.
The engine produces
a respectable amount of torque from the midrange to the top end due to its high
strung peaky nature.
If you keep your speed over 5000 rpm the motorbike will
charge forward with great force.
Up to its redline of approximately 10000 rpm the
acceleration feels robust.
As a result tractability is somewhat compromised and the
engine falters in sixth gear below 50 kmph.
However the light
clutch and smooth gearbox make the need of frequent gear changes not too
annoying.
Overtakes can be
completed quickly with simply a shift drop and the engine is content to run at
110 or 120 kmph without any effort.
Except for the absence of wind protection which will
undoubtedly cause some weariness touring on this motorbike should be stress free.
Its handling dynamics
should also be emphasized.
The motorbike is ready and willing to comply whether its
lowering it into bends or sifting your way through traffic.
It feels calm as you
carve the route you want and can change directions with little input.
Grippier tires may
improve handling even more.
When leaning forward into tight turns the standard MRFs grip
felt a little lacking despite their respectable tarmac adhesion.
However there is a
simple solution.
The suspension system
performs a fantastic job of absorbing undulations even if it seems a little
hard to facilitate decent handling.
The setup doesnt bottom out easily but minor rough spots are
smoothed off rather well and the nastier stuff requires some caution.
On the other hand the front disc brake needs more bite.
Although the bite is progressive it still has stopping
power.
New riders will
benefit from it while quicker and more experienced riders will want a more
forceful bite.
The broad easily
accessible handlebar and somewhat rear set foot pegs provide for a comfortable
sitting posture.
The sporty riding experience is enhanced by the requirement
for your upper body to squat a little.
Additionally I can lay foot on both sides because to the low
806mm seat which has ample capacity to fit even bigger people.
I am 511 tall.
Is it worth purchasing?
For anyone seeking a
dynamic street bike without sacrificing comfort or functionality the Hero
Xtreme 250R is a suitable choice.
The engine glides at speeds beyond 100 kmph with ease and
has a reasonable amount of power particularly around 5000 rpm.
Because of its agile but calm handling qualities taking on
corners is a pleasurable experience.
Additionally the suspension system handles undulations with
moderate ease and achieves a superb balance between handling and comfort.
Although the front
brakes stopping strength isnt particularly bad it may be improved.
A sharper bite would undoubtedly boost confidence.
Additionally the LCD
console on the Xtreme 250R is a bit of a downer at a time when manufacturers
are providing a TFT console on little 125cc motorcycles.
However if you can
ignore these issues the new Xtreme 250R is really a fun and practical
motorbike.
Author Bio Rajesh Kumar
Rajesh Kumar is an avid bike rider and passionate motorcycle reviewer based in Pune Maharashtra India.
Over the past two years Rajesh has explored diverse terrains across India gaining first hand experience with various bike models in real world conditions.
His deep enthusiasm for biking combined with technical knowledge allows him to provide insightful reliable and engaging reviews that help fellow riders make informed decisions.
resource
https://www.bikewale.com/hero-bikes/xtreme-250r/
credits
All image and featured by bikewale
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