Hero MotoCorp has always enjoyed a massive presence in the highly competitive 125cc motorcycle market in India due to its trustworthy, fuel-efficient commuters. But this time, by introducing the Xtreme 125R, Hero is not only looking to play on the safer side, but they have their eyes set on the prize and are directly competing with the already established contenders, including the TVS Raider 125. The Xtreme 125R comes with a new aggressive look, segment-first features, and the guarantee of refinement and mileage that Hero offers. Yet does it really deliver the goods and become the new segment leader? So, let us go into a detailed review.
Table of Contents
Design and Styling: Turning Heads on the Street
What immediately attracts you to the Hero Xtreme 125R is the fact that it looks bold, it looks aggressive and it looks absolutely nothing like a traditional Hero commuter motorcycle. The 125R takes design cues as well as its older brother, the Xtreme 160R, with sharp lines, tank shrouds, and an aggressive LED headlamp that looks like it belongs on some larger-capacity naked bikes. Muscular fuel tank and the split-seat arrangement also add to its sportiness and it appears far bigger than a standard 125cc motorcycle.
Engine and Performance: The Perfect Balance?
At the heart of the Xtreme 125R is a recently created air-cooled, 4-stroke, 124.7cc engine. This single-cylinder engine produces 10.5 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm and 11.4 BHP at 8250 rpm. On paper, these may not be the segment-leading numbers, but Hero has worked on ensuring that the power delivery is refined and tractable, particularly in the low and mid-range.
The Xtreme 125R is at its element in the urban riding conditions. Its low-end torque is good, so maneuvering in traffic is not a problem, and fast overtaking is implemented without difficulty. The 5-speed transmission is not the best in terms of slickness but it is responsive and it is possible to have smooth gear changes. To make the experience refined and free of any vibrations, Hero has also added a balancer shaft and a silent cam chain, a trait which is synonymous with Hero bikes. The engine has been lauded by riders to be very smooth even at high RPMs with only small high frequency vibrations felt at full attack speeds.
The Xtreme 125R is more of a city commuter, though.Though it can easily cruise at up to 80 kmph on highways, anything much higher can stress the engine a little. It is not a deal-breaker in regards to its target audience but should be noted by people who plan to take longer rides on the highway more often. The peppy nature of Hero in urban conditions is further cemented by its claimed 0-60 kmph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds.
Ride and Handling: Agile and Comfortable
The chassis, 37mm telescopic front forks (with a retuned internals) of the Xtreme 125R are shared with the Xtreme 160R. This is carried over to a nice balanced and nimble feeling motorcycle that is firmly planted and confident in the corners. The 136 kg kerb weight of the bike, though higher than some of its competitors, adds stability to the bike, without affecting the flickability in the city traffic.
A major area of concern by Hero has been comfort, and the Xtreme 125R mostly succeeds in this aspect. Riding position is neutral, as the handlebar is upright, and footpegs are placed in the middle, which makes the ride relaxed and without any fatigue. The cushioning on the seat is also soft making it comfortable on short to medium commutes. On longer rides, however, a few riders have found the softness to be a problem as it causes discomfort after a while and possibly a somewhat denser foam could have been preferred.
The suspension system, which includes the telescopic front forks and a mono-shock, adapted by Showa, at the rear, does a commendable job of soaking up scores and dents, thereby making the ride rather comfortable even on not-so-great roads. The widest (120 sections) rear tire in its class offers great grip and contributes to the stable sensation of the bike.
Features and Safety: Setting New Benchmarks
Hero has added a number of contemporary innovations to the Xtreme 125R, several of which are firsts for the market. Most importantly, it has an optional single-channel ABS, which is a major safety improvement, as it provides more stability during braking, particularly in case of sudden stops, or on wet roads. The ABS version gets a larger front disc brake of 276mm, with a good initial bite and sure stopping ability. The lower trim receives a 240mm front disc that has an Integrated Braking System (IBS) and a 130mm rear drum brake. The front brake on the ABS version is praise worthy though some users have felt that the feel could have been improved and the rear drum brake does not offer the same level of stopping power or feel and is easier to lock up.
The other standard features are fully digital instrument cluster, which displays all important data such as speed, fuel level, and trip data. The big font used to display speeds is a good choice, but the low brightness of the display may become a problem when trying to read the display in direct sunlight. The bike has also been equipped with LED lighting system all around, an engine kill switch and a pass switch to enhance convenience. Another thoughtful touch is that Hero has fitted both self-start and kick-start option, which is usually missing in sporty bikes of this 125cc category, as an additional measure of reassurance. Nevertheless, the Xtreme 125R lacks Bluetooth connectivity (call/SMS alerts), which is present on some of its competitors.
Fuel Efficiency: A Hero Stronghold
Hero bikes are known as the masters of fuel efficiency, and the Xtreme 125R is no exception to the rule. It is also one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in its class with an ARAI-certified mileage of 66 kmpl. The owner claimed mileages of around 55-60 kmpl in city and 63 kmpl on the highway, which is nevertheless quite impressive and helps save a lot of money on a daily commuter. Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system is very instrumental in balancing the combustion and the fuel economy.
Also read:The new “Hero splendor plus xtec 2.0″Comes with Big updates in 2025
Price and Value for Money: A Compelling Proposition
The Hero Xtreme 125R has been priced quite aggressively, so it is a very competitive product in the 125cc segment. Having an ex-showroom price of around 96,425 (ibs variant) to 1,02,100 (abs variant) (the prices may fluctuate depending upon the city and the variant), it gives very good value to money with respect to its styling, features, performance and fuel efficiency. The Xtreme 125R is an immensely attractive offering to riders who want a fashionable, convenient, and affordable motorcycle that they can use to commute daily and have some fun weekends.
Verdict: A Strong Contender with a Sporty Edge
The Hero Xtreme 125R is a versatile vehicle that successfully strikes a balance between practical commuting amenities and athletic appearance.It shows the transformation of Hero MotoCorp in terms of design and engineering capabilities, and it can make pulsating products even in conventionally conservative segments. Its aggressive look, powerful engine that performs well in the low and mid-range, plush ergonomics (on most rides) and segment-first ABS are sharp weapons in its fight with the competitors.
Although the somewhat soft seat padding on longer journeys and the dimness of the instrument cluster are small details that could use some improvement, they are not enough to somewhat spoil the positive impression. And in case you are shopping around a 125cc motorcycle that not only looks good but also rides well, is efficient, and offers a massive safety improvement with ABS, then the Hero Xtreme 125R must definitely be on your short list. It is more than a commuter, it is a stylish, spirited and sensible car that can well become the new king of the commuter category.