It has been seven years since Hero MotoCorp split with its long-term joint venture partner, Honda. Since then, Hero has been busy trying to shake off its dependence on Honda’s technology and develop new products from ground up. The latest in this line is the Xtreme NXT, a premium commuter which will be unveiled on 30 January. We take a look at what we can expect from this premium commuter bike.
Revised styling
The Xtreme NXT is the production version of the Xtreme 200S concept which made its debut at the 2016 Auto Expo. While the Xtreme Sports is a conservative looking motorcycle, the Xtreme NXT will feature an aggressive and sporty look. The sculpted tank, shrouds and edgy tail section give it a muscular look that has become a norm in this market space. It is interesting to note that the Xtreme NXT does retain a few styling cues like the headlamp shape.
New platform
While the Xtreme NXT might share its name and a few styling elements with the Xtreme Sports, under the skin it is a starkly different motorcycle. The chassis was developed in conjunction with Engines Engineering, an Italian design firm. It also happens to be the only Hero motorcycle after the Impulse to ride on a rear monoshock.
New engine
At the heart of the Xtreme NXT is a new 200cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 18.4bhp and 17.2Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox. There isn’t anything radical about this engine, and even the power output is lesser than the competition. However, this means that the engine might have an edge in terms of fuel efficiency.
More features
The Xtreme 200S might have seemed glamorous back in 2016, but in today’s age, the competition has gone a step ahead. The Xtreme 200S featured a part analogue part digital instrument console and Hero’s proprietary i3S technology. While the Xtreme 200S featured ABS, there is no word on whether the Xtreme NXT will get this safety feature. Even if it does, chances are that it will be offered as an optional extra.
Competition and Price
Of late, the 200cc segment in India has been seeing a lot of activity, although Hero has been missing out on the action ever since it discontinued the Karizma. The Xtreme NXT now represents Hero’s re-entry in this segment, where it will compete against the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Yamaha FZ25. We expect it to be priced competitively between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
