Hero Xtreme 250R

Back in 2023 at the EICMA motor show, Hero showcased the Xtunt 2.5R concept. While it was clear that this would turn into a 250cc motorcycle from Hero - no one would have expected it to look as aggressive as the concept itself. Also, it was a significant announcement because at that time, this was to be the most powerful bike Hero had in Hero’s stable - making their entry a premium bike space which has been dominated by foreign brands for a very long time. 

And when they finally launched, it turned a lot of heads because they launched the bike at a very affordable price. Furthermore, Hero likes making claims - especially the ‘fastest in the segment’ one. They have done it again with the Xtreme 250R. What it has going for it are the hot streetfighter looks borrowed from the Xtunt 2.5R concept and an attractive price tag of Rs 1.8 lakh. On paper, this motorcycle seems like the perfect upgrade from your 125-150cc bike. Is it really? I rode it extensively in the city and on highway roads to find out.

Design

Hero went for the streetfighter look and nailed it. The visual mass of the motorcycle is the highlight here, and it can easily be mistaken for a 400cc bike. The sharp lines all across the body, and especially, the sharp headlamp give it a very aggressive look. The fat and tall fuel tank’s forward slope cohesively merges with the headlamp adding to its aggressive stance. The tank extensions on the side and the fat USD fork also add a lot to the front visual mass. 

The rear section is rather lean. The split seat setup narrows at the back and the mudguard is also mounted lower to the swingarm and not the tail. This gives it a very clean look at the back. I wish Hero kept the graphics on the Xtreme 250R simple. It looks too busy, especially considering the copper and satin finish on the engine and exhaust respectively. A cleaner and less busy paint scheme, given that the design itself is so aggressive, would have suited the bike more. 

Colours

The Hero Xtreme 250R comes in three colours - Firestorm Red, Neon Shooting Star and Stealth Black. My personal pick is the Stealth Black because it has the least amount of flashy bits and graphics. It looks subtle and ready to pounce like a Panther in the night. The other two colours are flash and grab attention quite easily. If you are someone who likes their bikes to be bright coloured and get noticed in an instant, the Neon will do that very easily. 

Wheels

The alloy wheels on the Xtreme 250R look fantastic. The multi-spoke design suits the sharp styling of the bike quite well. They even machine-finished bits towards the ends which ensures that the design does not get hidden while parked at night. These 17-inch alloys are wrapped in 110/70 front and a fat 150/60 rear rubber. Overall, the thick tyres suit the overall muscular bike quite well. 

Quality

Fit and finish are impressive and especially good for the price. The paint quality on the bike is glossy and should not get scratched easily. The plastic panels feel sturdy and are well put together with consistent panel gaps and joints. Even the switchgear feels very tactile making the overall experience with the bike very reassuring that it is built to last. 

Safety Features

The Xtreme 250R comes with disc brakes on both ends and dual-channel ABS. Furthermore, it has Road and Track ABS modes. These modes change the intensity of intervention depending on what you are looking to do. In the Road mode, the ABS intervenes early to make sure you do not lock up the wheels and in the Track mode, the system allows you to brake much harder and even pull stoppies and stunts. But, the bike misses out on a lot of electronics like traction control, ride modes, or cornering ABS, which are available in some of its rivals - though at a higher price. 

Convenience Features

There aren't many features in the Xtreme 250R which is a conscious decision to keep the price low. The LCD instrument cluster, for example, feels a bit old and out of place. While it is clear to read and well laid out, some of the fonts are just too small and the black background does not look premium. This also causes problems when you are viewing it under direct sunlight as a lot of reflections make it harder to read. The Xpulse 210’s TFT cluster would have been a nice addition here and Hero should have offered it, at least in a higher variant. However, you do get smartphone connectivity. You can pair your phone to have call and SMS alerts, control music and have turn-by-turn navigation. 

Rider Comfort

Like a true street fighter, you sit on the Xtreme in a slightly aggressive posture. The wide handlebars and the mid-set footpegs allow the rider to sit with a slightly forward stance. This is the right posture to be in to have good control of the motorcycle especially while muscling the bike through traffic and leaning into a corner. But what HEro has done very well is that they have not made the posture too aggressive. So it will not become a bother in stop-and-go traffic. And since this riding posture is still relaxed, highway touring remains comfortable for long distances. The seat height is quite accessible as well and anyone over 5’5” should be easily able to ride it without feeling nervous. 

Pillion Comfort

A streetfighter is not a great format for pillion riders. The narrow and tall rear seat, no grab rails and slightly tall footpeg position mean the pillion will feel cramped. However, the seat is well-padded so taking friends along in the city is not going to be an issue. However, if you plan on touring with a pillion, then they will ask for frequent stops.

The Xtreme 250R is powered by Hero’s new 250cc liquid-cooled engine which makes 30PS power and 25Nm of torque. The highlight of this engine is its ability to rev high. Open the throttle and the bike easily climbs to speeds with an impressive power delivery. You don't feel the bike is struggling even at triple-digit speeds which is very reassuring. Paired with a 6-speed transmission, this makes for a very capable powertrain. Hero even claims that this is the fastest bike to hit 60kmph, a claim we will put to the test via a VBox when we get the bike for a full Road Test. 

City Performance

Hero’s all-new 250cc liquid-cooled engine’s best aspect is its refinement and smooth power delivery. Acceleration in lower gears is strong, which makes going past traffic in the city very easy. You don't have to shift often, and riding in a higher gear won't cause the bike to stutter or stall. 

Highway Performance

There’s enough power for highway rides and cruising at 100kmph feels relaxed. Push the motor and the bike can still get to an indicated 150kmph. I felt the engine does get buzzy at higher rpm but these don't ever become a bother. At best - it feels like a feedback of pushing the bike towards the limit, which is reassuring.

Gearbox

The 6-speed shifter is quite slick. The shifts are reassuring and false neutrals are not a problem. The clutch is light so traffic jams won't make the fingers sweat. However, there is no quickshifter which, at this price point, seems justified. 

Mileage

The 250cc liquid-cooled engine is a refined one and should return 32-35kmpl in the city, and up to 40kmpl on the highway. With an 11.5-litre fuel tank - expect a full range of about 400km. 

City Handling

The Xtreme 250R feels very light on its feet. Manoeuvring through tight spaces and traffic feels easy and the riding posture helps get good leverage on the handlebars as well. Combined with the peppy performance, this motorcycle is fun to handle in the city and can pass slow-moving traffic quite easily. 

Highway Handling

The Xtreme 250R offers excellent high-speed stability. The bike remains planted and composed even above 120kmph. Even at a higher speed, quick lane changes and overtakes are possible which only adds to its ability as a tourer. What makes touring even better is the fact that you can sit at 100-110 kmph easily without the engine feeling stressed or unrefined. 

Brakes

With a dual disc setup, the Xtreme 250R brakes with confidence. And the two ABS modes actually make a difference and are not just gimmicks. The Road mode is well tuned for regular rides and the Track mode allows much harder braking with wheels being able to lock just enough for expert riders to have better control. Though I wish the lever had a stronger bite from the start and not only towards the end.

Cornering

Cornering is a key highlight for the Xtreme 250R. It leans in with poise and because it is not too quick, it's reassuring. Newer riders will feel confident while pushing the Xtreme 250R around corners. It leans in happily, feels very stable and lets you have fun! However, if you are serious about improving your silks and eliminating any chicken strips, we do suggest an upgrade to the tyres. 

Ride Quality (4/5)

Despite its sporty setup, the Xtreme 250R handles broken roads well. I felt the surface, but was never uncomfortable. While you do have to slow down for sharper bumps, the bike absorbs them better than expected. Inside the city, over speed breakers or level changes - the bike takes impacts quite well and feels very well settled. Even at higher speeds the bike absorbs level changes and broken roads well. These elements don't unsettle the motorcycle and the rider can continue with confidence. If you want to fine-tune the comfort to your liking, you even have the option to do so with a 6-step adjustable monoshock at the back.

The Xtreme 250R is a very Hero-like bike. What that means is that it understands what the customer wants and delivers exactly that. With ample performance, attractive looks, and a very well-balanced ride and handling package - the Hero Xtreme 250R is a great upgrade over a 125 or 150cc motorcycle. And at Rs 1.8 lakh ex-showroom, it has brought the 250cc segment to the masses. 

While it is not the most feature-loaded or powerful bike out there in the segment, it's the overall balance of the Xtreme which will make new riders feel more confident to upgrade. The value for money quotient is also very high, especially considering it is Rs 18,000 cheaper than a Suzuki Gixxer 250, and Rs 47,000 cheaper than a KTM Duke 250. If you are not keen on buying a motorcycle full of tech, the Xtreme 250R makes a strong case for itself. 

Suzuki Gixxer 250

The Suzuki Gixxer 250 offers similar power but slightly less torque. The Engine will offer better refinement and a premium feel, but it is tuned for smoother acceleration which is not as fun or aggressive as the Xtreme. However, it will cost about Rs 18,000 more which is hard to justify.

KTM Duke 250

KTMs are known for their excellent performance and the KTM 250 Duke is no exception. It has a more aggressive power tune, sharper handling characteristics and a much better feature package with a larger TFT instrument console and ride modes. However, all of this comes at a cost - which is Rs 47,000 more than the Xtreme. If you are not budget-conscious and can afford the KTM, I would say go for it. It will offer a more thrilling ride but be ready to deal with a stiffer suspension.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z  is a very tempting motorcycle because of its price tag. Starting from Rs 1.85 lakhs, it has made performance affordable to everyone in the country. It will offer better acceleration, more relaxed touring ability and more premium features like a slipper clutch and ride modes. However, the Pulsar lacks in terms of quality as compared to the Xtreme and it will be a lot less fuel efficient.