Hero Xtreme 200R officially launched across India

For Hero Motocorp, the Xtreme 200R becomes a spiritual successor to the Hero Karizma. 

After accidentally revealing the prices of their newest offering online a few weeks ago, Hero MotoCorp has finally launched the much-awaited Xtreme 200R motorcycle in India at a price tag of ₹89,900 (Ex-showroom, Delhi). Hero MotoCorp had first revealed this 200cc bike to the public at the 2018 Auto Expo. Immediately, the bike became the talk of the town by grabbing everyone’s attention. Last month, before its pan-India launch, Hero MotoCorp had already started deliveries of the bike in the Northeast states of India. Now available across India, factories will start dispatching the 200R units to dealerships by the end of the week.

The Xtreme 200R, without a doubt, is an important launch for Hero, as it marks their re-entry into the premium motorcycle segment since they launched the Karizma back in 2003. Now, the 200R will compete with the likes of the highly praised TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS200. Despite bringing a worthy competitor to the playing field, we do feel that Hero's entry into the 200cc segment might have been a bit too late in terms of recapturing a significant market share of the segment.

Fitted with a new BS-IV compliant 200cc air-cooled motor, it churns out a decent 18.2bhp at 8,000rpm and produces 17.1Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, allowing it to do 0 – 60 km/ in 4.6 seconds. All this power is sent to the wheel through a 5-speed gearbox. While the Xtreme 200R also features an all-new chassis and a new rear sub-frame, the engine features a balancer for smoother power delivery. A seven-step adjustable rear Mono-shock reiterates the bike's performance centric build. The bike gets ample stopping power with disc brakes at both ends and also a single channel ABS unit as standard fitment, becoming the only bike in its segment to offer ABS as a standard safety feature. The Hero Xtreme 200R will be available in five dual-tone colour schemes.

Pawan Munjal, Hero MotoCorp’s MD & CEO, presented his views and explained how this bike would place the brand by saying, 'For us, the Xtreme 200R is not just any other product launch – it will catapult us to where we have been earlier – the premium segment. It is, therefore, our re-entry into a segment where we had a sizeable presence and market share not too long ago. Designed specifically for the youth, the Xtreme 200R is an expression of our serious intent in a high growth segment. We will also soon commence sales of the Xtreme 200R in our global markets as well.'

As mentioned earlier, the Xtreme 200R is definitely in the running with its competitors to regain the top sales spot in the 200cc segment. However, in terms of sheer performance, it does not match up to its rivals. To know more about this, check out this first ride report of the Xtreme 200R.

Keeping in mind that the prices for the NS200 and the RTR 200 4V start at ₹1 lakh and ₹ 96,730 respectively (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi), Hero has positioned the bike strongly against its rivals. So, it all comes down to whether brand loyalists will keep the ship afloat or will it sink due to the brand's late entry to the party.