Looking for a motorcycle that injects some excitement into your daily commute? The Hero Xtreme 125R might just be the perfect fit. This sporty commuter motorcycle breaks the mold of boring, utilitarian bikes, offering a stylish design, comfortable ergonomics, and a peppy engine – all without burning a hole in your pocket. But is it all sunshine and rainbows? Let’s delve deeper into this review and find out if the Xtreme 125R lives up to the hype.
Head-Turning Looks and Decent Build Quality
Forget the days when commuter motorcycles looked like they belonged on a grocery run. The Xtreme 125R throws those notions out the window with its bold and aggressive styling. The low-slung LED headlamp, sharp cuts and creases across the bodywork, and vibrant color options create a sporty aura that’s sure to turn heads. This motorcycle is a perfect choice for young professionals and college students who want a stylish two-wheeler that doesn’t break the bank.
While the design is a winner, the build quality is a bit of a mixed bag. The fit and finish are generally good, with minimal panel gaps and switchgear quality on par with the segment. However, the paint quality could be a notch higher. It doesn’t quite feel premium and might show minor scratches more easily.
Comfort Reigns Supreme: Perfect for Daily Rides
A comfortable ride is paramount for a commuter motorcycle, and the Xtreme 125R delivers in spades. Unlike its sportier sibling, the Xtreme 160R, the 125R offers a neutral riding triangle with an upright handlebar and centrally positioned footpegs. This translates to a relaxed posture that’s perfect for long commutes.
Soft Seat? Great for Short Trips, Not So Much for Extended Journeys
The cushioning on both the front and rear seats is wonderfully soft, making short commutes a breeze. However, if you plan on spending more than a couple of hours in the saddle, the softness might work against you. The plushness can lead to a sore backside on extended rides. A slightly denser seat with more support would have been ideal for long highway stretches.
Performance Punch: Refined Engine with a Mid-Range Kick
The heart of the Xtreme 125R is an all-new, 124.7cc, air-cooled engine. This motor pumps out a healthy 11.4bhp at 8,250rpm and 10.5Nm of peak torque at 6,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox.
Refinement at All Speeds: A Buzz You Can Ignore
Fire up the engine, and you’ll be greeted by a surprisingly refined motor. Even at highway speeds nudging 80-85kmph, the engine remains smooth with minimal vibrations. There’s a slight buzz felt on the footpegs, but it’s nothing intrusive and easily fades into the background.
Early Torque Could Be Better: Patience is Key in Stop-Go Traffic
While Hero claims that 90% of the torque is available in the lower rev range, real-world experience suggests otherwise. The motor could definitely benefit from a stronger bottom end, especially when navigating through stop-go traffic situations. You might find yourself working the gearbox a bit more in these scenarios. However, once you get past the initial crawl, the mid-range offers enough grunt to comfortably maintain highway speeds.
Slick Gearbox, Brakes Leave Room for Improvement
The five-speed gearbox is a delight to use. Shifts are smooth and precise, with no false neutrals to mar your riding experience. The clutch lever also feels light and easy to pull, making frequent gear changes effortless. However, the brakes are a bit of a letdown. The front disc brake lacks bite and initial feel, requiring a firmer squeeze to bring the motorcycle to a halt. The progression is also just average, making it difficult to modulate braking power effectively. Thankfully, the rear drum brake performs well and offers adequate stopping power. The single-channel ABS is a welcome safety feature and functions seamlessly without being overly intrusive.
Fuel Efficiency: Hero’s Mileage Claim Holds True
One of the biggest advantages of commuter motorcycles is their fuel efficiency, and the Xtreme 125R doesn’t disappoint. During our test ride, the motorcycle consistently delivered a fuel economy figure in the range of 60-65kmpl, which is quite impressive for a 125cc motorcycle. This translates to
