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

What is the source of all the power?

How balanced is the performance and efficiency of Hero Xtreme 200s?

The powerhouse is the same which is present in the Xtreme 200R and the Xpulse duo. It shares the tuning as well which synchronizes its performance characteristics even with the off-roading offerings. Hero has quoted the Xtreme 200s to be a spiritual successor of the famed Karizma. We would have agreed to that if Hero pumped up the performance by adding the already proven 223cc pot instead of this sober one.

Efficiency is a strong point here as it is with any other Hero offering. You can go all out on the Xtreme 200s without feeling guilty about it. The fuel tank capacity is on the lower side due to the compact structure. Fuel Injection would have bumped up the mileage figures but this one still is commendable.

Hero could have gone with a fuel-injected set up to provide a more precise power output but stuck with the carburettor setup. This is the main differentiating factor from its competition. Pricing remains its strong point, still.

Is the acceleration as sporty as the looks?

You are treated to a more attractive intake sound when twisting the throttle. This is because of the different Air-box design. The sleek 5-Speed gearbox treats us with precise gearing and smooth shifts.

The relaxed engine is fatigue-free for longer durations which makes it an easy cruiser. 60 kmph comes up in a calm 4.6 seconds which isn’t quick but still puts a smile on your face. The early surge of torque helps it accelerate with ease and catch up with its more powerful competitors.

The competition has more power and torque which translates to more top speed and quicker acceleration. But Xtreme 200s is not far behind as it manages to keep up with the powerful lot, a little less aggressive though.

How progressive is the brakes?

Xtreme 200s is equipped with disc brakes on both ends which provides a bitey set of brakes. The large front rotors are linear and give you confidence even when hard braking. Brake levers are well-modulated and have an instant reaction which helps newbies adapt to it easily.

Hero Xtreme 200s is equipped with a single-channel ABS unit which helps the motorcycle from losing ground. The grippy MRF tyres along with well-balanced suspension setup also plays an important role as it helps eliminate any jerks during hard braking.

The market has become very competitive because of which we can obtain single-channel ABS units in under Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Hero could have worked on the bite as it slowly creeps in unlike the competition which provides us with a strong and quicker braking experience.

How sporty and comfortable is the handling on Xtreme 200s?

Hero has made a few tweaks to the already similar setup from the Xtreme 200R. The looks might give you the impression of a sportbike but that ends with the looks. But, handling is praiseworthy for a 200cc commuter-friendly motorcycle as it has a well-balanced suspension setup that tends to stay put even in corners.

Seating is comfortable as Hero has not swapped the straight handlebar for clip-on. The rider’s triangle is relaxed and thus can be a very good commuting partner. The compact body shape also helps it easier to change directions.

Hero thought of varying scenarios which can befall during a ride in India and so added a Kicker to its offering, thus providing flexibility. The wide rear tyre on the Xtreme 200s gives it an up-segment feel but the widest one of the lot would be of Suzuki Gixxer SF.

How modern does the 2020 Hero Xtreme 200s look?

There is a lot going on here. We say this because the Xtreme 200s looks a bit like a Ducati, especially in the red colour. We can’t unsee its resemblance with the new-Suzuki Katana as well! Hero has finally let go of the hideous design language which was prominent in the earlier offerings.

The sleek-looking split LED headlamp is an attention seeker along with the vibrant colour options. Hero went with the straight handle-bar from Xtreme 200R instead of the clip-on which would have made it look much more sporty.

Aesthetic Features

• Fully faired

• Dual LED headlamp

• Tank pad

• Front smoked visor

• Split grab rails

The shorter wheelbase helps it attain a compact form factor which also makes it manageable in tight traffic despite the full fairing. The blacked-out mechanical components help it achieve a contrasting look and also has the same muffler as the Xtreme 200R.

What are the safety and class-leading features in 2020 Xtreme 200s?

The Xpulse 200 is laden with a host of advanced features to make riding easier and keep the rider connected at all times. The most unique addition is the Bluetooth connectivity which has its own space on the full-colour TFT display.  Hero has its application, both for Android and iOS which helps a smartphone connect to the motorcycle’s instrument cluster. Once connected, you can navigate turn-by-turn through it, a very needy feature nowadays. Call and message alerts are also displayed which eliminates the need to stop riding.

Hero has taken a modern approach for the Xpulse 200’s safety features. It gets single-channel ABS and disc brakes on both ends. Bluetooth enabled screen on the instrument cluster keeps the rider from being diverted and keeps eyes on the road.

Hero is going all-LED with its offerings and it's turning out to be unique and head-turning ones. A lot of the features are shared with the rest of its line-up including the instrument cluster, engine and exhaust system.

How does the competition stack up against the Hero Xtreme 200s?

Hero Xtreme 200s vs Bajaj Pulsar 200F

Hero Xtreme 200s faces the “Fastest Indian” here. Bajaj Pulsar 220F has become a household name in India because of the affordable performance it provides. Hero tends to tread the same path but it lacks the zeal which was very much present in the Pulsar. In terms of modern design cues and technological adaptations, Hero surely takes the cake but it still can’t beat the Pulsar in sheer driving pleasure for such a price point. But we would go for the Hero Xtreme 200s for the bundle of modern features it has to offer.

Hero Xtreme 200s vs Suzuki Gixxer SF

The Japs have built a very involving ride in the form of Gixxer SF. It is light, nimble and hoon to ride. It is a very good value for a fun ride which neutralizes the handicap in displacement. We vouch for the Xtreme 200s here as it offers similar levels of riding involvement along with the bonus of a very pocket-friendly offering.

Whom is the Hero Xtreme 200s for?

Hero is finally getting its line-up right and sane! The Xtreme 200s offers us with a sporty looking yet comfortable experience which doesn’t sweat even while taking the corners of Buddha International Circuit. Hero offers a flexible motorcycle here which can swap personalities at will and is a very pocket-friendly one too. This will greatly cater to those first-timers who would want to lean more into corners and learn the art of racing and also for the college-goers who would love to flaunt its unique design.