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.

The Hero Xtreme 125R is equipped with an all-digital negative LCD instrument console, which includes essential information such as speed, fuel level, trip meters, and gear position. While the layout is clean, the display can be hard to read in bright sunlight, which may pose an issue for riders in areas with strong daylight.

The bike also includes single-channel ABS, a feature not mandated in the segment but one that adds to its safety credentials. The LED headlamp, taillight, and turn indicators give the bike a modern touch, ensuring good visibility during night rides. However, the instrument cluster could have benefited from more advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, which is becoming common in this segment.

Fuel efficiency is one of the Hero Xtreme 125R’s strongest attributes. During real-world testing, the bike returned an average mileage of 57 kmpl, which is quite close to the claimed figure of 66 kmpl. With a 10-liter fuel tank, riders can expect a range of over 550 kilometers on a full tank, making the Xtreme 125R a practical choice for daily commuting and longer rides alike.

At ₹95,000 for the IBS variant and ₹99,500 for the ABS variant, the Hero Xtreme 125R offers excellent value for money. It competes directly with popular models like the TVS Raider 125, Honda SP125, and Bajaj Pulsar NS125, all of which are priced similarly.

The Xtreme 125R stands out with its bold design, decent performance, and impressive fuel efficiency, making it a solid option for riders looking for a commuter motorcycle that doesn’t compromise on style or practicality.

Hero MotoCorp is renowned for its extensive after-sales service network in India, ensuring that Xtreme 125R owners will have easy access to maintenance and repairs. With affordable service costs, readily available spare parts, and a well-established service infrastructure, the Xtreme 125R benefits from the brand’s reputation for reliable and cost-effective service.

The Hero Xtreme 125R competes with the TVS Raider 125, which offers similar performance but comes with a sportier design and slightly better handling. The Honda SP125 provides superior refinement, but it lacks the bold styling of the Xtreme 125R. The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is another worthy competitor, offering a more aggressive riding experience but at the cost of slightly lower fuel efficiency.

Each of these motorcycles brings its strengths to the table, but the Xtreme 125R stands out for its combination of good looks, real-world performance, and fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for young riders looking for a stylish and reliable commuter.

The Hero Xtreme 125R offers an appealing package for riders looking for a 125 cc commuter bike with a touch of sportiness. It blends attractive design, solid performance, and good fuel efficiency, making it a strong contender in the segment. While it could benefit from a few upgrades, such as a more advanced instrument cluster or better rear braking feel, the overall package is hard to fault, especially at this price point. If you’re in the market for a commuter bike that looks good, performs well, and doesn’t break the bank, the Hero Xtreme 125R should definitely be on your list