Hero Xtreme Sports

The 150cc class is the most popular and most remunerative class in Indian motorcycle industry. It is one particular segment which has players from all major brands. Hero has been one of the leading bike maker in this segment along with the likes of Honda, Bajaj and TVS. Hero Xtreme Sports is the latest and much refined version of the older CBZ Xtreme. Hero has imposed many mechanical and cosmetic updates to this machine in order to put out a real fight with other giants in the market.

The Engine Side
One of the desired feature of this bike is its powerful 150cc engine, which is more powerful than ever before. The 149.2cc, single cylinder, air-cooled engine delivers out a maximum power of 15.7 PS @ 8500 rpm and 13.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm, which is 1.5 PS more than Xtreme. So far, Xtreme Sports is the most powerful 150cc motorcycle available in the market. It can go from 0 to 60 kmph in 4.7 seconds. Hero uses advanced microprocessor ignition system for efficient performance and mileage. Hero engineers have worked a bit to improve the NVH levels of the Xtreme Sports. Engine is then mated with a 5-speed gearbox to transmit the power to rear wheels.



Design and Features
Hero Xtreme is one good looking 150cc bike with a masculine nature. After all, it is entirely a new bike but has a basic design structure from the Hero Xtreme, but this bike is cosmetically rich as compared to other bikes. Starting from the front, the wolf eyed headlamp profile steals away the first glance.





It has a LED pilot lamp that looks splendid along with the smoked windscreen. In the Xtreme Sports version fuel tank gets an extra shrouds to enhance its cosmetic appeal. Hero has used a newer graphics to give a street fighter looks to this motorcycle.

Other features includes split seats, rear grab rails, belly pan, exhaust muffler, wider handle bar and new stylish instrument cluster. A rugged sporty looking LED tail lamps are also featured in this model. The advanced instrument console displays features like service reminders and side stand indicators. Moreover, illuminated key hole and engine immobilizer too are present in this model. Sadly, this one doesn't have an engine kill switch and also an under seat mobile charging socket, which is featured in the elder sibling. The switch gear and hand grips of the bike is extremely good.



Suspension, Braking and Performance
This bike features telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers upfront and rectangular swing arm with 5 step adjustable gas reservoir suspension is used at the rear. It provides excellent ride quality as it absorbs impacts from bumps and potholes on the run. The stopping force of the bike relies on 240mm disc brake at the front and 130mm internally expanding shoe brake at the rear. An optional 220mm disc brake is also used at the rear. The diamond type frame endows the motorcycle with decent handling and dynamics. One of the main drawbacks on riding this vehicle is, it seems bit heavier and shedding down of weight should have improved the performance of the bike in streets and crowded lanes.



Verdict
Hero Xtreme Sports is one of the mot advanced model from the country's largest two-wheeler maker. The Xtreme Sports has the DNA of the famous and legendary Hero Honda CBZ. From the elder sibling Hero Xtreme, it has more power and refinement, but the kerb weight blocks the bike from exploring power gains. Styling of the bike is disappointing in some areas. The headlamp cluster along with LED pilot lamps has benefited the bike to enhance its looks, but it too sticks to their own odd looking trapezoidal format. One of the major drawback of high end Hero motorcycles are their design and styling principles. They hadn't evolved much in terms of designing their vehicle like othe brands. The Xtreme Sports has mash up of old and new, which has resulted in flawed ergonomics and cannot be tagged as a modern motorcycle. To be precise, its much improved and much refined Hero motorcycle, but it is not as good as its rivals in terms of styling and performance.