A Hero for the masses

The new Hero Xtreme is better looking than ever and packed to the gills with features

October 01, 2014 07:41 pm | Updated May 24, 2016 01:23 pm IST

The Hero Extreme

The Hero Extreme

The Hero Xtreme started out as the very first true performance oriented 150cc bike that hit Indian roads, the CBZ. Since then, the Xtreme has seen many styling upgrades as well as a new engine. Hero’s well rounded Xtreme comes with a lot of new features to benefit its rider.

The handsome new Xtreme has a tall stance and riders will feel confident thanks to the upright riding posture that feels right when covering ground in the city. The Xtreme’s body panels are completely reworked, and come across as slimmer and leaner than the previous model. In the front, the dual tone mudguard is a well carved out stylish unit and the headlamp sits high above the bike mudguard, equipped with smartly designed LED parking lights, enveloped in a minimal dual-tone cowl and tinted visor.

The Xtreme’s blue backlit instruments display a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, a fuel-gauge, dual trip meters, plus a clock. Riders can’t accidentally ride off with the bike side-stand down, as the motorcycle cuts ignition to the engine if this does happen. The smartly designed keys on the Xtreme come loaded with a sensor chip that is mated to a particular bike, so that no other key can be used. The key hole is marked by a blue LED glow that blinks smartly for 24 hours after the bike was last ridden.

The Xtreme comes with familiar switchgear and stylish new clip-on handlebars that have comfortable grips and truncated, conical bar-end weights. The dual-tone body coloured rear view mirrors provide ample view. The Xtreme deploys a familiar fuel tank, and a well formed single saddle and nice rear grab handles are the new style elements on the bike. A useful mobile charging point is also provided under the seat. The rear section is reworked too, and feels modern with a contemporary LED taillight in place. A minimal tyre hugger and hollowed out 5-spoke rims provide fresh appeal to the new Xtreme.

The Hero Xtreme uses a 4-stroke, 149.2cc carburetted and air-cooled engine whose power output is 14.2bhp generated at 8,500rpm, with peak torque of 1.3kgm coming in at 6,500rpm. The Xtreme

retains a 5-speed gearbox, engaging with a smooth yet precise feel in a 1-down, 4-up shift pattern. The new Hero also offers improved clutch feel. The engine feels smooth with good low-end power, revs building quickly. It feels at home when cruising at speeds of up to 80kph.

An upright riding position is carried forward on the new Xtreme, providing relaxed ergonomics with a well padded saddle and nicely positioned footrests. The motorcycle handles well, with good straight-line stability and surefooted cornering manners. The Xtreme brakes quite well, and feel is progressive at the levers, with an optional rear disc available. The tyres offer sufficient grip.

Overall, Hero’s new Xtreme is a well designed, handsome motorcycle that comes loaded with helpful features. The bike makes a value-for-money package for riders looking for up-to-date looks, a reliable engine, comfortable ergonomics with overall good quality, making this a decent all- round package.

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