Hero Xtreme 125R

The Hero Xtreme 125R excels in design, boasting a bold and aggressive stance that makes it look larger than most other 125 cc motorcycles. The front features a striking angry-looking LED headlamp, complemented by a muscular fuel tank and sporty split-seat setup. The tank extensions and dynamic side profile give the bike a unique appeal, making it a head-turner, especially for younger riders. The dual-tone color schemes further enhance its sporty appeal.

The fit and finish are generally good, although the paint quality could have been improved for a more premium look. The front end design, while unconventional, grows on you and adds to the bike's charm. The all-LED lighting is a nice touch, giving the Xtreme 125R a modern look, but the negative LCD instrument cluster can be difficult to read under harsh sunlight.

The Hero Xtreme 125R is powered by an all-new 124.7 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing 11.4 bhp at 8250 rpm and 10.5 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. This engine is exclusive to the Xtreme 125R and delivers a smooth, refined performance.

 One of the highlights is the mid-range power, which ensures the bike pulls strongly in city traffic and handles daily commuting with ease. However, it could benefit from better low-end grunt, as riders will find themselves shifting gears more frequently in congested traffic.

The 5-speed gearbox is slick, and the light clutch action makes gear shifts effortless, especially in stop-and-go conditions. The bike can comfortably cruise at 70-75 km/h, with enough power left for overtaking at higher speeds. It feels stable at these speeds, making it suitable for city and short highway runs.

In terms of riding and handling, the Hero Xtreme 125R strikes a good balance. The suspension setup is tuned slightly on the stiffer side, which helps maintain stability around corners and delivers good feedback on smooth roads. However, on rougher surfaces, larger bumps and potholes can make the ride feel a bit jarring. Despite this, the bike is light and easy to handle, making it perfect for navigating through city traffic.

The MRF Nylogrip Zapper tires provide excellent grip, enhancing confidence when leaning into corners or filtering through tight spaces. The 276 mm front disc brake with single-channel ABS delivers reliable stopping power, though the rear drum brake could offer better bite. The front brake’s progression and feel are adequate, but improvements to the rear brake system would enhance overall braking performance.

The Xtreme 125R scores well on comfort, offering a comfortable and upright riding position. The wide handlebar and mid-mounted footpegs provide a natural seating posture, ensuring riders won’t experience fatigue on longer rides. The split-seat design is well-padded and offers adequate support, though the pillion seat is slightly cramped for larger passengers.

At 794 mm, the seat height is manageable for riders of varying heights, making it easy to plant both feet on the ground when stationary. The bike’s kerb weight of 136 kg ensures that it feels light and nimble, further enhancing its maneuverability in traffic.