Hero Xtreme 125R

Hero Xtreme 125R is Hero MotoCorp's game-charger bike in the sporty 125cc segment. It's designed to thrill the commuter bike category, that is usually focused on ride ease and fuel efficiency. Unlike classic commuter bikes, the Xtreme 125R has combined sharp looks with a sporty feel. It offers features including a light clutch, a comfortable position for riding, and better handling, which makes commutes enjoyable.

At first glance, the Hero Xtreme 125R looks bold and aggressive. Its low-slung LED headlamp, sharp lines, and vibrant colours grab attention. The sporty styling appeals to young professionals and college students who want a stylish ride within a dedicated budget.

From the Front, its design feels muscular, with a wider tank cowl and thick tyres. The front design appears very aggressive, with the tank positioned slightly higher and the headlights angled slightly downward. Hero’s designers deserve credit for giving it a proper naked-bike vibe. Even though it’s a 125cc bike, it looks like a 160cc machine. This adds a premium touch to an affordable segment.

That said, there’s room for improvement in terms of fit and finish. However, the paint quality feels average and doesn’t match its premium look. The panels align well, and the switchgear quality is good for the price. 

The Xtreme 125R is powered by an air-cooled, 124.7cc engine. Hero claims it to be a new one and develops 11.4bhp at 8,250rpm and 10.5Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. It features Sprint EBT technology, which enables this motorcycle to cover 0-60 kmph in merely 5.9 seconds.

While testing, starting the engine feels refined. The bike delivered a smooth experience even at higher speeds of 80-85 kmph. There’s a mild buzz on the footpegs, but it’s not bothersome. The mid-range torque is solid, which makes highway cruising a breeze. However, the low-end grunt could be better. In stop-and-go traffic, you’ll find yourself shifting gears often.

The five-speed gearbox is slick and precise. No false neutrals and the light clutch makes the ride experience lovely. Hero has perfected the engine refinement, which is great for urban or highway use. Fuel efficiency is the key factor for commuters, and the Xtreme 125R does quite well, delivering 55-60 kmpl in the city, and you can travel over 550 km on a 10-litre tank. These numbers make this bike very efficient in its class.

When it comes to comfort, the Xtreme 125R does a solid job for a commuter bike. The riding posture is sporty but not overly aggressive. While riding, you lean forward slightly, and the centrally positioned footpegs hit the sweet spot for balance. The seat is soft and great for short city rides. But on longer trips, the softness becomes a problem. This makes it uncomfortable after a couple of hours. A firmer cushion would have made it better for extended rides.

The handlebar position is comfortable so that you won't hurt your wrists. The clutch is also light, making it easy to ride in traffic. The Xtreme 125R is very smooth to handle. The frame is well-made, so this Hero bike is quick and very easy to control. The company has clearly used the great handling from the Xtreme 160R and added it to this smaller model.

The suspension setup includes 37mm telescopic forks up front and a Showa monoshock at the rear. The ride is smooth over small bumps and uneven roads. But if you hit a sharp pothole, the rear suspension can feel a bit harsh. For city rides, the suspension is perfectly tuned. On highways, it stays stable and doesn’t wobble, even at higher speeds. Hero has nailed the balance between comfort and control here. This makes the Xtreme 125R a pleasure to ride.

Hero Xtreme 125R comes packed with segment-first features. This bike is an excellent choice for Indian road conditions as it offers impressive safety features. It offers single-channel ABS, a fully digital instrument cluster, full-LED lighting, and a hazard light function. The wide 120-section rear tyre provides extra grip and adds to its sporty look.

It has Bluetooth connectivity, which is a good feature for a bike priced below 1 Lakh. Hero Safety Tech for the saree guard is a bright move with a focus on safety. It brings in useful and stylish without messing with the sporty design of the bike. It does not have a turn-by-turn navigation facility, which was surprising because this cheaper Hero Glamour Xtec does offer it.

The Hero Xtreme 125R is more than just a commuter. It’s sporty, stylish, and fun to ride. It’s practical for daily use and efficient enough to keep running costs low. The refined engine, nimble handling, and premium features make it a standout choice in the 125cc segment.

It does have minor drawbacks, like average paint quality and front brake feel. However, these are overshadowed by its overall performance and value for money.