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Hero Xtreme 250R Review: An Xtremely Potent Challenger Arises
In 2023, Hero Motocorp decided that the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan was the perfect place to show off its aggressive plans for the future. The biggest shocker from that November day in Italy was a bike that was dubbed the Concept 2.5 R Xtunt.
A year later, that mad concept dropped some of its extreme design kinks and angles and we got the Hero Xtreme 250R, the most powerful naked motorcycle from the nation's largest two-wheeler manufacturer. We recently got the chance to ride this new Hero flagship in and around the City of Lakes - Udaipur and what follows are our thoughts after a day in the saddle of the all-new Hero Xtreme 250R.
Hero Xtreme 250R Review: Design & Features - Xtreme Be Thy Game
The Hero Concept 2.5 R Xtunt was as extreme as a naked bike design could get, though it felt made for the race track due to the absolute lack of any sort of lights, active aero and the slick tyres. As the production-spec version of the 2.5 R Xtunt, the new Xtreme 250R looks slightly less aggressive than its concept guise but that doesn't mean it is any less mad looking.
At the front, the triangular automatic headlamp unit looks quite aggressive and features an H-shaped DRL integrated into it. Sitting behind this are the golden USD front forks which drop down to a 17-inch alloy wheel above which sits an angular front fender.
From the side, the most dominant feature in terms of the design of the Xtreme 250R is that muscular fuel tank that just takes the aggression to a whole new level. The Xtreme 250R also features an LCD display with all the riding details and Bluetooth connectivity to help you stay connected on the go. Also seen on the fuel tank section is a USB charging port.
The angular tank extensions add to that aggression as does that two-piece seat and the stubby exhaust that vents the bike's throaty soundtrack to the world. Also seen at the rear is the LED rear lighting setup and the wide rear tyre draped across the 17-inch alloy wheel.
Hero Xtreme 250R Review: The Mechanical Bits - Big New Powerplant
The Hero Xtreme 250R is powered by the firm's 250cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, DOHC, single-cylinder engine that pushes out 30bhp at 9,250rpm and 25Nm of peak torque at 7,250rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox with a slipper and assist clutch.
The Xtreme 250R sports a steel trellis frame suspended off a 43mm USD front fork and a gas-charged monoshock with 6 steps of preload adjustment. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm petal disc at the front and a smaller 230mm petal disc at the rear that are aided by switchable dual channel ABS. The Xtreme 250R rides on 17-inch alloy wheels draped with 110/70 (front) and 150/60 rear tyres.
The Xtreme 250R measures 2,023mm long, 828mm wide and 1,062mm tall and features a 1,357mm long wheelbase. The seat height is 806mm, and the ground clearance is 167mm. The Hero Xtreme 250R tips the scales at 167.7kg and has an 11.5-litre fuel tank.
Hero Xtreme 250R Review: Riding Impressions - Mad Performance With Surprising Everyday Rideability
On the go, the all-new Hero Xtreme 250R really does stand out thanks to its design attracting eyeballs galore thanks to its properly mad looks. Thankfully, Hero hasn't skimped out on the performance side of things and this naked streetfighter is more than capable of taking the fight to its rivals.
The Xtreme 250's 250cc engine is refined and very torquey and can sprints off the line like a scalded cat. The first gear is short but punchy and the performance continues as you shift through the gears with ease and watch the speedo numbers rise.
The Xtreme 250R's sixth is ideal for cruising on the highway and the bike can easily cruise at triple digit speeds without stressing out its powerplant. However, we did find a slight flat spot in the mostly linear power delivery at around the 4000-5250rpm mark.
The Xtreme 250R's suspension setup is well-calibrated and the bike absorbs potholes and rides over rough roads with ease. The well-padded seat and relaxed riding position add to the comfort levels and make long rides a breeze.
Hero claims that the Xtreme 250R has a 50:50 weight distribution and on the go, the bike feels lighter than its kerb weight would suggest. And while the bike smoothly cuts through corners your confidence at the limit is hampered by the MRF Zapper tyres, the Xtreme 250R comes equipped with.
The brakes are sharp and effective, especially when you have track mode enabled. While the track mode does allow you to have some fun when coming to a halt, in Road mode, the dual-channel ABS setup intervenes a bit too early for us, which may have something to do with those damn tyres. Another bugbear is the fact that you can't switch the ABS between the two modes while on the go.
Hero Xtreme 250R Review: Verdict & Final Thoughts - An Xtremely Capable Challenger Arises
The Hero Xtreme 250R sees Hero hit the 250cc naked motorcycle segment with a sledgehammer as it looks to steal a march over already-established rivals from KTM, Bajaj and Husqvarna. After a day in the saddle of the Hero Xtreme 250R, we think that Hero may have cracked the 250cc game rather nicely.
The Hero Xtreme 250R features a distinct design and comes packed with a load of tech and performance that make it a bike that is hard to ignore if you're stepping up to the 250cc segment. Just try and add a tyre upgrade to your purchase list when you head to the showroom and choose yours.
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