Hero Xtreme Sports: Just another Hero?

At Rs 72,625 (single disc) and Rs 75,725 (rear disc) (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hero Xtreme Sports does not package itself as a value for money proposition. What the bike really needs is some weight reduction and a new design.

The latest Xtreme from Hero MooCorp gets a spirited heart but carries over everything from the last decade when compared to modern competition, says Faisal Ali Khan of Indian motoring website MotorBeam.

The 150cc performance motorcycle segment is really the best place for manufacturers and customers to be in at present, offering performance and practicality in a very compelling package. No wonder then that most bike makers have found solace in this space, save for Hero MotoCorp who has been struggling to gain ground with not one but four products. With neither having been able to spin its magic on the target audience, the largest two-wheeler maker in India plans to correct the wrongs with its newest offering the 'Xtreme Sports'. So, does the "all-new" Xtreme Sports stand up against the competition or pass off as just another Hero? Let's find out.

On the outset, the 2015 Hero Xtreme Sports isn't 'all-new' as the brochure puts it so eloquently. In a bid to invoke some nostalgia, the design language from the 2011 Xtreme has been carried over to the new Xtreme Sports which neither feels classic nor nostalgic. What it does come out as is old and does not really fit in when compared to the other offerings in the segment. The bike features the same alloy wheel design, body panels, exhaust, split seats and tail section as the older model. There is the new 'wolf shaped' headlight and an engine cowl but that does little to induce some fresh appeal into the otherwise bland looking motorcycle.

The reminiscence with the older model does not just end at the design, the instrument cluster too comes from Hero's existing bin of parts. The digital-analog console is a familiar unit and isn't as exciting as one would hope. It misses out on a host of novel features that are available on the lesser priced Xtreme including the illuminated key ring, service due indicator and an under seat mobile charging port. What you do get though is a side stand indicator. What we can't fathom though is the reason behind the oddly positioned key ring placed above the front fork, like on a cruiser. With the engine kill switch absent and the key ring kept out of hand's reach, switching off the bike at signals is a hassle.

Coming to the biggest update of all, the Hero Xtreme Sports boasts of more power, courtesy of the increased compression ratio. The 149.2cc Honda sourced engine now produces 15.2 BHP of power at 8500 RPM and 13.5 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM (1 PS and 0.7 Nm more than the regular Xtreme), paired to a 5-speed gearbox that offers good shifts. The motor is extremely refined and smooth with power coming minus the vibrations. The bike is at its best in the mid-range and does feel punchy at low revs due to the narrow rear tyre. With the added power, the Xtreme Sports is faster than the regular Xtreme by a couple of seconds, but at 147 kgs (dual-disc version) it is also the heaviest bike in its segment making it slower than its rivals.

Outright acceleration isn't really one of the Xtreme Sports' key virtues; while the 18-inch wheels wrapped in small tyres and a 5-step spring-loaded suspension don't offer exciting riding dynamics either. The bike does offer good feedback in congested city conditions along with good straight-line performance but won't offer high-speed stability or much confidence around corners. Moreover, you do feel the vibrations on the foot pegs during high speeds.

Despite the 'Sports' moniker, the Hero Xtreme Sports offers an upright seating position which makes it comfortable for the rider. The ergonomics though aren't as effective, as the high seat causes a hindrance to tall riders with their thighs and short riders with their height. Nonetheless, the front suspension is soft and absorbs the bumps quite well. Available in two versions, the base variant gets a front disc and a drum brake at the rear that feels spongy, but it is the top variant with dual discs that is much more confidence inspiring.

In conclusion, we decipher that the Hero Xtreme Sports is not the fastest, dynamic, sporty or the most beautiful bike in its class. In contrast, the Japanese rivals are well equipped and way better on several accounts while also costing the same.

In fact, the lower-priced regular Xtreme comes off as a better alternative to the Xtreme Sports with reasonably fresh equipment on offer.

At Rs 72,625 (single disc) and Rs 75,725 (rear disc) (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Xtreme Sports does not package itself as a value for money proposition. What the bike really needs is some weight reduction and a new design.