Juggling is tricky but there are some who do it well. How good is the Xtreme 125R at this?
All motorcyclists who live in cities share the same problem these days. Riding around town is not as easy as it once used to be. Traffic congestion and high cost of fuel are foremost among the reasons responsible for this predicament but the world has not come to a standstill. On the contrary, the pace of life only seems to be increasing. Regardless of all the hurdles, we need to be punctual to work, fulfil social commitments, and make the most of each day. Obviously, a motorcycle is the solution because it is the fastest mode of transport through traffic, but which one?
Be it someone who owns multiple motorcycles or just one, for those who ride mainly in the city, a light, efficient, and comfortable machine is the right choice. Not only does the Hero Xtreme 125R have what it takes to live up to that role but it also delivers on other fronts as well and we lived with it for a few days to explore its versatility.
In many ways, 125-cc motorcycles are the new 110s but instead of being limited to the expectations one would have from a commuter, the Xtreme has broadened the spectrum of what one can expect from a 125. It stands out as a capable all-rounder that can do many things well.
The first revelation came in the morning when deciding what to ride to work. Despite having multiple motorcycles at our disposal, the Xtreme 125R was the sensible choice because it was the most manoeuvrable and easily the most efficient: two traits which are crucial to survive the chaos of the urban jungle. Manoeuvrability is key to place oneself in the right place at the right time to filter through traffic in the quickest way possible. The motorcycle’s ability to switch lanes and overtake quickly has often helped us avoid a few minutes of delay and avoid missing the green lights.
Efficiency is crucial in this day and age because not only are fuel costs increasing by the day, fuel itself is running out. In such a situation, burning this precious resource while being stuck behind other vehicles feels like a crime. The Xtreme does an incredible job of taking away a lot of that guilt because it returns in excess of 55 km/litre.
The performance of the 125-cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine only complements the motorcycle’s agility, so taking advantage of a gap in traffic is quick and intuitive. With 11.4 hp and 10.5 Nm of peak torque to play with, Hero’s engineers have done well to optimize the gear ratios of five-speed transmission because it offers the kind of flexibility one needs to tackle everyday riding. Through the week, we were able to get to work in good time while fuel stops became less frequent.
More importantly, the Xtreme played a big role in our social life after work too. In addition to ensuring that we made the best of the traffic situation, the motorcycle allowed us to do many things without burning a hole in our pocket.
To explore its sporty side, we introduced the Xtreme to our favourite hunting ground, a twisty ribbon of road that stretched along the hillside. From an urban hustler, the Xtreme became transformed into a fun package within seconds. Hero’s decision to equip this motorcycle with a monoshock suspension at the rear was wise and exactly what enthusiasts want. In town, it offers one a pliant ride over poor surfaces and in the twisties, it enables this motorcycle to tackle corners with poise and confidence. With peak power coming in at a reasonably high 8,250 rpm, this is an engine that enjoys revving freely, bringing with it a sporty and thrilling exhaust note from the compact muffler.
Although it is part of the Xtreme family, the 125R stands apart thanks to its unique styling. It is easily the most aggressive design in the line-up and its all-LED set-up does well to complement its sharp lines. By following that up with vivid colours and an enticing palette of graphics, Hero have a head-turner on their hands.
Juggling is tough. It takes some skill to keep one’s eye on many things at the same time without dropping any of them. That is why the Hero Xtreme 125R stands out for us. It is a motorcycle that caters to the needs of a budding enthusiast who has bought his first-ever motorcycle while also understanding exactly what an experienced rider needs to manage traffic everyday. If one wants to make the most of city riding and needs the potential to have fun on weekends, the Xtreme 125R is a good bet.
Also Read: Hero Mavrick 440 First Ride Review
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