Hero Xtreme 250R

Hero’s all-new Xtreme 250R seems tempting, especially given its Rs 1.8 lakh price tag. Furthermore, Hero claims that the new Xtreme 250R is the fastest 250cc bike in India. Add the muscular styling and healthy feature list on offer, this motorcycle seems like the perfect upgrade from your 125-150cc bike.

• 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 gives 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. 

• The Xtreme 250R’s LCD instrument cluster has a simple layout and is easy to read even under sunlight. I feel Hero should have provided a full color display.

• ABS modes are available which can be used to change intensity of ABS intervention.

• Apart from all-LED lighting and a USB charger - the Xtreme gets no other features like traction control or ride modes. 

• The wide handlebar 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 on the motorcycle especially while muscling the bike through traffic.

• And since this riding posture is still relaxed, highway touring remains comfortable for long distances. 

• Hero’s all-new 250cc liquid-cooled engine’s best aspect is its refinement and a 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.

• There’s enough power for highway rides where cruising at 100kmph feels relaxed, and the bike can still get to an indicated 150kmph. Hero claims that the Xtreme 250R top speed is 148kmph.

• 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. 

Braking

• I felt confident while braking hard and the bike remained in control. The initial braking effort is relaxed, but it comes in strongly once you pull the lever further in for more aggressive braking. 

• Newer riders will feel confident while pushing the Xtreme 250R around corners. It leans in happily, feels very stable and lets you have fun!

• Despite its sporty setup, the Xtreme 250R handles broken roads well. I felt the surface, but was never uncomfortable.

• Inside the city, over speedbreakers or level changes - the bike absorbs impacts quite well and feels very well settled. 

• 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.

• The value for money quotient is 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. 
  
  
• Hero started accepting bookings for the Xtreme 250R from March 20, 2025 onwards, and it will be available exclusively through the company's Premia showrooms.