Hero Xtreme 200r 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

How robust is the engine?

How well is the performance and efficiency balanced out?

Hero uses its inbred 200cc engine in the Xtreme 200r which also is shared with the Xtreme 200s and the Xpulse duos. This engine is also tuned the same in all four offerings. The most fun part of this motor is its energetic character due to the beefy low-end grunt. This helps it to whiz through traffic with ease and is linear in putting the power down. It has the generic Hero commuter DNA embedded in it which gives it the composed character despite looking like a performance sprinter.

Efficiency is emphasised in the 200r as the engine is tuned with mileage in mind. Hero is known for this and thus will help you save on fuel. Hero could have gone with a fuel injection system instead of the carburettor as it would have helped increase mileage figures considerably. But the current setup is not half bad and will reward you with a range of 525 km.

Hero despite offering a 200cc motorcycle, still doesn’t cut it with the 200cc competitors. Instead, it fights against the likes of Suzuki Gixxer 155 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V which align in pricing and isn’t much different when it comes to performance and efficiency.

How swift is the acceleration from 0-60?

Acceleration is impressive for a motorcycle that weighs 150 kg. The low and mid-end torque availability of this engine helps it cross 60 kmph in under 5 seconds. It is stable and doesn’t fall out of the way in terms of power delivery.

But the character completely changes after 90 kmph. The engine loses its composure and you start to feel the vibrations. The absence of a 6th gear is a bummer for such an energetic engine. The gears are tall, but you build up RPM quickly which brings you to the end of the road a bit too early and you crave for more.

Xtreme 200r tops out at about 110kmph but we don’t recommend you to scale it. You feel the vibrations everywhere and can hear the engine pleading for mercy. The only factor soothing is the exhaust note that sounds pleasing. But nothing can beat the sheer exhaust note of TVS Apache. Suzuki is subtle in that matter.

How bitey are the brakes on Xtreme 200r?

Brakes are good on the Xtreme 200r as you get discs at both ends. There is ample bite and feedback is spontaneous. You won’t feel the strain of the motorcycle’s sheer weight acting on the brakes and it has a linear feel to it.

Newbies won’t have a hard time getting around it. A single-channel ABS unit takes care of skidding. But then again, a dual-channel ABS unit would have made a much better proposition.

This is a factor as to why this 200cc offering from Hero is compared with the 160cc offerings from other brands. They align perfectly in terms of feature list as well. Suzuki Gixxer 155 is a much better stopper as the brakes provide incredible bite and the lower kerb weight complements it.

How good is the handling and, comfort the seat?

Handling of this motorcycle gives you the commuter vibes. It is deep-rooted in all Hero motorcycles and doesn't evolve despite their tweaks. But it is a boon as people are more content with a motorcycle from Hero that can help you commute all day long.

Hero has infused a sporty character in this offering but is still a commuter at large. The seat is utterly comfortable and handlebar upright. It hesitates to be steady above 90 kmph and is not a highway companion. The pillion is also comfortable despite the seat being raised at the rear.

This is also the first one from Hero to flaunt an adjustable rear mono-shock. The suspension setup is on the softer side and so can win over most of Indian roads with ease. You can fine-tune the setup by adjusting the preload at the rear. A plastic engine cowl helps from stone chippings upto an extent but is mostly an aesthetic addition. The competition offers a much better rider involving experience with a more focused character.

How muscular dose the Xtreme 200r look?

2020 Hero Xtreme 200r looks unlike any Hero product in a few years. It gives us the same vibe as the Hero Honda Karizma R gave during the early 2000s. But that vibe is confined just to the looks! The muscular tank shrouds and contrasting black accents give the Xtreme 200r a rather youthful look. The “Xtreme” decal is laid wide on the tank and is not overdone.

The angry-looking LED DRLs to give it a distinguished frontal fascia along with the blacked-out headlight cowl. The rearview mirrors are also designed in an angular manner to mimic its overall design language.

Aesthetic Features

• Tank shrouds with decals

• LED taillight

• Engine cowl

• LED DRLs

• Alloy wheels

Xtreme 200r has a short wheelbase despite the bulky look and feel. This makes it easy to work in the urban jungle. Suzuki Gixxer aligns dimensionally with the Xtreme 200r and so would fit in the same box. TVS Apache is the longest of the lot due to its sharp lines and edges.

What are the safety and class-leading features available?

Hero has equipped the Xtreme 200r with a single-channel ABS unit that works swiftly in case of slippage. There is no unnatural activation which can make it feel more robotic, that is the case with many motorcycles in the 150-200cc segment. But a Dual-channel ABS unit would have been appreciated more.

There are no segment-wise noteworthy features in this Hero, but it is the first offering that is equipped with a rear adjustable mono-shock. The semi-digital instrument cluster is not much information but makes you nostalgic. It slowly grows on you.

Hero could have equipped the Xtreme 200r with better features to match the competition. But then again, to provide the masses with an under Rs. 1 lakh price tag, corners had to be cut. If we take the competitors into consideration, TVS and Suzuki provide a much longer list of features.

How does the competition stack up against 2020 Hero Xtreme 200r?

Hero Xtreme 200r vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

TVS has always been on the racetrack before bringing out a motorcycle. It thus carries a tinge of racing pedigree in it. The Apache RTR 160 4V also does and is a hoon to ride. There was a time when 160cc motorcycles were mere commuters but now times are changing and TVS is a part of this change. The Apache offers a much better proposition in terms of an overall riding experience. It might be low on performance figures when compared to Hero but compensates for it in handling and sheer riding pleasure for a marginal premium. The Apache is the one here.

Hero Xtreme 200r vs Suzuki Gixxer 155

Suzuki has refreshed its best selling motorcycle heavily for India and has made it a much better proposition than before. It offers much more in terms of features and outright riding dynamics that has bought it face to face with this 200cc offering from Hero. When it comes to performance commuters, performance matters later. Suzuki also has a well spread out service base and offers cheaper spares. That brings it into Hero’s strong point and thus gives it a tough time. We choose the Gixxer here for its strong history and a much pocket-friendly yet cool character.

How does the 2020 Hero Xtreme 200r fare?

Hero has finally come out from its dilemma of producing overdramatic motorcycles and now offers a more on-point portfolio. Xtreme 200r is a fresh offering from Hero which is backed with a fuel-efficient and torquey engine. It looks the part as well but still doesn't cater to its tag of a “performance commuter”. TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Suzuki Gixxer 155 are much better offerings when it comes to overall performance. We will give Hero time to figure it out and until then the competitors are our best bet.