Hero has launched its new fully-faired motorcycle, the Xtreme 200S in India. Priced at Rs 98,500, this motorcycle is based on Hero’s naked offering, the Xtreme 200R. At this price point, the motorcycle comes across as an appealing package, thanks to its sporty design, modern features and a 200cc motor. However, the Indian market offers more options in this ballpark and we take a look at them.
The Xtreme 200S faces competition from the Suzuki Gixxer SF in terms of pricing as well as styling. The latter carries a price tag of Rs 98,076. It boasts of a faired design accompanied by dual-barrel exhaust and it also features a fully-digital instrument cluster. However, the engine is smaller as compared to the Xtreme 200S as it gets a 155cc, air-cooled motor which makes 14.6bhp and 14Nm. Meanwhile, for someone who wants a motorcycle with a higher displacement engine can opt for Bajaj’s one of the most popular offerings, the Pulsar 220F. Adorning a quarter fairing, its 220cc, air-cooled motor produces 21bhp and 19Nm. It can be bought for Rs 1.06 lakhs.
Stepping away from the faired motorcycles, this segment also consists of some muscular naked street bikes. First up is the Honda Hornet 160R which gets an aggressive design comprising of chiseled body panels, snazzy graphics and a chunky rear wheel. It also packs in features such as a fully-digital instrument cluster and LED headlamp. As for the pricing, the Hornet 160R is around Rs 5,000 cheaper than the Xtreme 200S. Furthermore, if you want something newer than the Hornet, Yamaha recently introduced the FZ V 3.0 and its fancier version, the FZ S V 3.0. The motorcycles have recently received a major cosmetic makeover which make them look fresh. While the FZ retails at Rs 95,680, the S version is costlier by Rs 2000.
Moving a notch higher in terms of budget, you can get your hands on the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V which comes with a sticker price of Rs 1.11 lakhs. Similar to the Xtreme 200S, the motorcycle features a 200cc mill but it boasts of a four-valve layout and flaunts higher power figures; 20.7bhp of power and 18.1Nm of torque.
On contrary to the aforementioned bikes, if cruising is on your agenda then the Bajaj Avenger Street 220 and the Cruise 220 should fit your bill. While the former is a blacked out modern-looking cruiser, the latter is more on the retro side with its spoke wheels, swept back handlebar, tall windscreen and chrome-finished components. Both the iterations of the Bajaj Avenger 220 retail at Rs 97,171.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
