New Delhi
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V Review: Looks And Rides Better Than Before
Reviews by Team Drivio | 29 Jul 2023
After the XPulse 200 4V and the XPulse 200T 4V, the Xtreme 200S is the third bike to get this 199.5cc air-cooled engine.
- In terms of looks, the Xtreme 200S 4V is still as good as ever.
- Its 199.6 air-cooled engine makes 19.17PS and 17.35Nm.
- The bike’s rivals include the Bajaj Pulsar 220F, Suzuki Gixxer SF and the Bajaj Pulsar RS200.
Hero MotoCorp has certainly been making significant strides in bolstering its high-end product lineup in recent years. About a year and a half ago, the XPulse 200 marked the company's reentry into the premium market, and so far, the Xtreme 200R has been their sole offering in this segment.
However, things took an unexpected turn at the launch event today when Hero introduced not just the XPulse 200 and 200T for sale, but also unveiled yet another motorcycle, the Xtreme 200S 4V. We rode it around BIC and here’s what we felt about it:
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V Review: Design & Features
The Xtreme 200S brings a breath of fresh air with its sleek lines and uncluttered design. Hero has made a conscious choice to steer clear of excessive decals, resulting in an impressive and clean appearance. The sharp character lines add to its appeal, and we particularly admire how seamlessly they flow from the fairing and continue onto the fuel tank.
We also appreciate the slim fairing design; Hero wisely refrained from making it overly wide just to create an illusion of a larger bike. The all-LED headlamp unit on the Hero Xtreme 200S is strikingly attractive, thanks to its sleek and appealing design.
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V Review: Engine
| Specifications | Hero Xtreme 200S 4V |
|---|---|
| Engine | 199.6cc single-cylinder air-cooled 4-valve SOHC |
| Maximum Power | 19.17PS |
| Maximum Torque | 17.35Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
The 200S shares its foundation with the Xtreme 200R, featuring the same chassis, suspension, gearbox, wheels, and tyres. Its 199cc engine produces approximately 18bhp and 17Nm of torque, displaying a relatively refined and smooth revving performance. The five-speed gearbox offers slick and seamless shifts, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Continuing the suspension setup, the bike retains telescopic forks at the front and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear, providing a balanced ride. Like its counterpart, the 200S is equipped with 17-inch wheels on both ends, wrapped in grippy MRF rubber. The braking system remains unchanged, featuring single-channel ABS for added safety on the road.
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V Review: Chassis
| Specifications | Hero Xtreme 200S 4V |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | 37mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Gas-charged monoshock |
| Front tyre | 100/80-17 |
| Rear tyre | 130/70-17 |
| Front brake | 276mm petal disc |
| Rear brake | 220mm petal disc |
| ABS | Single-channel |
While the XPulse models have their distinct chassis and suspension designs, the Xtreme 200S adopts all the underpinnings from the 200R. This includes the identical frame as well as the 37mm telescopic forks at the front and a 7-step preload adjustable monoshock at the rear.
However, due to the addition of the fairing, the kerb weight of the Xtreme 200S has increased to 149kg, with most of the extra weight concentrated towards the front. As a result, the front suspension dampers have been slightly retuned to accommodate these changes and ensure optimal performance for the 200S.
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V Review: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Hero Xtreme 200S 4V |
|---|---|
| Length | 2222mm |
| Width | 850mm |
| Height | 1258mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410mm |
| Ground clearance | 220mm |
| Kerb weight | 149kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13-litres |
| Seat height | 825mm |
The braking setup of the Xtreme 200S comprises a 276mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, providing satisfactory stopping power. Although the track experience didn't allow for a thorough brake test, it's worth noting that the bike comes equipped with standard single-channel ABS, enhancing safety on the road.
While the chassis may not be considered exceptionally communicative, it aligns perfectly with Hero's intention for the bike. The Xtreme 200S is designed to be a friendly and versatile motorcycle, suitable for daily use, and it won't let you down even on winding mountain roads. Its overall performance strikes a balance between reliability and enjoyable riding experiences.
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V Review: Variants & Price
| Price | Hero Xtreme 200S 4V |
|---|---|
| Ex-showroom Delhi | Rs 1,41,250 onwards |
With its 2-valve variant now discontinued, the Xtreme 200S is now available in only the 4V variant, which has been priced at Rs 1,41,250, ex-showroom Delhi.
Verdict
Priced just above Rs 1.41 lakh, the fully-faired Xtreme 200S offers an excellent value proposition. Its refined and reasonably powerful 200cc engine, coupled with impressive build quality and likeable dynamics, make it a compelling choice.
Moreover, the motorcycle boasts a fresh and appealing design, along with comfortable ergonomics, making it a well-rounded package. This addition not only enhances Hero's lineup but also brings excitement to the entire 200cc segment. While it directly competes with the Bajaj Pulsar RS 200, other 200cc streetbikes like the TVS Apache RTR 200 and Yamaha FZ25 also deserve mention as potential rivals.
