Best Bike Under 1 Lac - Hero Xtreme 125R First Ride | ICN Studio

Summary

The script provides an overview and review of the Hero Xtreme 125R motorcycle. It highlights the bike's new 125cc engine, called 'Sprint', which aims to provide smooth power and instant torque. The host praises the bike's sporty, aerodynamic styling, premium features like LED lighting and monoshock rear suspension, and claims it has the widest front tyre in its segment. After briefly test riding the bike, the host says it has good low-end torque and is comfortable up to around 95kmph. He notes the gearbox needs refinement and the exhaust note could be better, but concludes the Xtreme 125R offers a good combination of features and pricing that should attract young audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hero Xtreme 125R is a new 125cc motorcycle from Hero MotoCorp with a focus on speed and performance
• 🚀 It has a new 125cc engine called 'Sprint' engine designed for smooth power delivery and instant torque
• ⚡ The bike can accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 5.9 seconds making it one of the fastest in its segment
• 🔧 The engine offers a maximum power output between 10.7 - 11.7 bhp depending on the source, and max torque of 10.6 Nm
• 👀 It has a sporty and sharp design language with features like LED lighting, split seats, tubeless tyres
• 🛠 It gets advanced hardware like 37mm front fork, monoshock rear suspension, 260mm front disc brake and single-channel ABS
• 💺 Rider seating position is aggressive while pillion seat space is limited
• 📈 The bike offers good low-end tractability, ideal for city rides. Vibrations start beyond 6000 rpm so keep revs low for comfort
• 🔃 The slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox needs refinement especially in 1st gear
• 💰 With a price tag of around Rs 1 lakh, the Xtreme 125R offers a sporty 125cc experience targeting young audiences

Q & A

What is the full form of 'Sprint' in the context of the Hero Xtreme 125R motorcycle?

The full form of 'Sprint' is Smooth Power Refinement and Instant Torque. This refers to the goals Hero had when developing the engine for improved performance.

What is the power output of the Hero Xtreme 125R?

There is some confusion around the exact power output figures. The press release states 11.7 bhp, the presentation mentions 11.5 PS (around 11 bhp), but 10.7 bhp is also written on the board. The final exact power output is unclear.

What suspension and brakes does the Hero Xtreme 125R use?

The Xtreme 125R uses a monoshock rear suspension and 37mm diameter front telescopic forks made by Showa. It has a 260mm front disc brake with single-channel ABS and a drum brake at the rear.

What design elements make the Xtreme 125R look sporty?

Sharp styling lines, aerodynamic panels, split seats, alloy wheels, and a slightly aggressive riding stance all contribute to the sporty aesthetics.

What is the top speed and sweet spot for the Xtreme 125R?

The motorcycle is comfortable up to 100 kmph but the sweet spot is around 90-95 kmph, beyond which vibrations start to be more apparent.

How is the tractability and low-end torque of the engine?

The tractability is very good, able to pull smoothly from low rpms without needing many gear changes. The low-end torque aids this drivability.

What issue was noticed with the gearbox during testing?

There were some problems getting into first gear consistently. The gear shifts were not fully refined.

How does the Xtreme 125R perform around corners and turns?

The lightweight design and geometry of the chassis allows it to flick into corners with agility, meeting the expectations of younger riders.

What competitive advantage does the Xtreme 125R have?

It offers strong performance, features and suspension components at an affordable pricing point compared to rivals.

What areas could be improved on the Xtreme 125R?

Refinements to resolve the first gear issue, reducing vibrations at high rpm, and a better pillion seat for comfort.

Outlines

00:00

😊 Introducing Hero Xtreme 125R Motorcycle

Introducing the Hero Xtreme 125R motorcycle's key features - a new 125cc engine called 'Sprint' designed for speed and power, sharp sporty design, Showa suspension, widest front tyre in the segment, full LED lights. Praised for good low-end torque, 0-60 acceleration, comfortable up to 95kmph. High vibes post 6000rpm. Overall a value for money sporty 125cc motorcycle targeting young audiences.

05:02

👍 Who is Xtreme 125R Best Suited For

The Xtreme 125R can serve both city and highway riding needs - no committed seating position allows relaxed as well as engaged riding. Phenomenal tractability with no frequent gear changes required. Comfortable solo ride up to 100kmph with sweet spot at 90-95kmph. Young audiences looking for some flair and performance in a 125cc motorcycle at a reasonable price will be attracted to this.

Keywords

💡Styling

The styling refers to the overall visual design and shape of the motorcycle. The video says the Hero Xtreme 125R has sharp angles and edges giving it a sporty, aerodynamic look, positioning it as a premium offering compared to other 125cc bikes.

💡Engine

The 125cc engine is all new, branded as the 'Sprint' engine by Hero. It aims to provide good low-end torque for city riding along with adequate power for short highway stints. However, vibrations set in past 6000 rpm diminishing high speed comfort.

💡Hardware

By hardware, the presenter means the core mechanical components of the bike - engine, suspension, brakes etc. He appreciates the suspension and braking hardware as being the best in class, enabling good handling and control.

💡Instrument Cluster

Modern bikes aim to provide rich digital instrument clusters with information and features. The Xtreme 125R packs a multifunctional instrument cluster that is appreciated as better than even Hero's 400cc flagship.

💡Pricing

Affordable pricing is key in the 125cc segment targeted at young buyers. The presenter feels Hero has packed the bike well with features and hardware justifying its showroom price of around ₹1 lakh.

💡Young Audience

Multiple times the video mentions how certain design and performance aspects make the bike relevant for the youth, the target consumer segment for 125cc motorycles in India.

💡Flickability

This refers to the bike's ability to quickly change direction or 'flick' on tight turns. Good flickability amplifies riding enjoyment and is appreciated in sports bikes.

💡ABS

Anti-lock braking system helps retain control when braking hard. Single-channel ABS is a highlight safety feature in the context that most 125cc bikes still lack it.

💡Low-end torque

Generating good acceleration from low engine rpm is crucial for city rides. The video appreciates Xtreme 125R's tractability that avoids frequent gear changes in urban stop-go traffic.

💡Competition

The presenter references rival bike makers like TVS and Yamaha to compare and benchmark the Hero bike's design and engineering aspects.

Highlights

It has a brand new engine named Sprint which stands for Smooth, Power, Refinement and Instant Torque

It does 0-60 kmph in 5.9 seconds making it one of the fastest 125cc bikes

It has a balancer shaft and silent cam chain for improved refinement

The exact power output is unclear but seems to be around 11 bhp and 10.6 Nm torque

The design is sharp and aerodynamic like sports bikes

It has full LED lighting and a monoshock rear suspension

It has the widest 37mm front suspension in the segment made by Showa

It has a sporty, slightly bent riding stance like Yamaha R15

It has split seats - one for rider and one for pillion

The wide 120/80 17-inch rear tyre is the widest in segment

Top variant has single-channel ABS but lower ones have combined braking system

It has good low-end torque and tractability, comfortable up to 100 kmph

Vibrations start above 6000 rpm so better to ride below that speed

Brakes, especially front disc, work very well with ABS assistance

At the price, it offers good mix of power, handling and features for young riders

Transcripts

Hero has shown not just one or two, but many bikes and scooters today

But they have shown two motorcycles,

One is Maverick 440, which is his flagship motorcycle

which shares its engine and chassis with the X440

But I like this one better,

which is a 125cc motorcycle

In terms of styling, technology, hardware,

This is better, in fact

I'm going to tell you why I'm saying this in this video

Namaskar! My name is Vikas Yogi,

you are watching ICN Studio and

here is everything that you need to know about

The Hero Xtreme 125R

By the way, Hero makes a lot of 125cc motorcycles,

But its engine is completely different,

it is a brand-new engine

which is named Sprint and it has a full form

Sprint means to run fast,

to sprint,

0-100 sprint

But we will talk about 0-100 later,

but the point is, what is the full form of Sprint?

Smooth, Power, Refinement and Instant Torque

This is what they have said,

That means they have tried to make it position more premium.

Response-wise, it does 0-60 kmph in 5.9 seconds,

which makes it one of the fastest

And what has been done to increase the refinement?

Basically, they've given a balancer shaft with a silent cam chain,

Which will try to improve the overall refinement

But what are the power output figures?

there is confusion

The press release that they have shared with us, it says 11.7bhp

In the presentation, it was 11.5 PS,

if it is 11.5 PS,

that means it will be around 11bhp

But 10.7 bhp is written on the board,

I will mention the exact figure here,

if there is no confusion,

then you will also have it like me

The torque is 10.6Nm,

Also design wise it feels like the bike is a bit fast

i.e. Sharp angles and sharp edges,

Which we usually see on sporty bikes

These extensions that you are seeing,

they are different

The tank is looking more sleek,

Such aerodynamic proper design has been given to you

In fact,

there is a full LED headlamp, LED blinkers, LED tail lamp,

everything has been given to you

It has got a monoshock, by the way,

are you seeing the suspension?

Monoshock suspension has been given to it,

which is not even in their flagship Maverick

It has dual shock absorbers

You get a 37mm diameter front suspension,

which is the widest in terms of diameter in its segment

And it has been made with Showa

When Showa comes on board,

that means the suspension tuning will be done in a sporty way

And they have tried to give the same stance

You will get a slightly bent stance

Which you usually see in Yamaha R15 and all these motorcycles

They are trying to do it 125cc segment

Because Raider is doing it very well

So, if you want to ride Raider,

then you will have to do something like this

In fact, the seats have been designed as split seats.

One is for the pillion,

which will sit on the first floor in such motorcycles

And for the rider, you are getting just a wide seat

And you get the widest tyre in the segment with this bike,

it is of 120/80 section

Of course, it is 17 inches, but it is quite wide,

So, they have tried to give a sporty look

You have got drum brakes at the rear

not disc brakes

Because it is a 125cc motorcycle,

So, single-channel ABS has been given

The front tyre is of course, a little smaller,

It's of 90/90 section, although it is 17 inches

Disc brakes have also been given at the front

Which is quite big,

I think its disc brake is of 260mm

Also, you can see alloy wheels,

You get tubeless tyres,

this is a top-end variant

Now see, in the standard variant,

you will not get ABS

And for motorcycles up to 125cc,

You've the option that you will get a combination braking,

i.e. if you press one brake, then both will be pressed

You will get that braking,

but the good thing is that in the top -variant, you get single-channel ABS

Giving a single-channel ABS is also a positive aspect of the segment, considering the pricing.

Alright, so I have got 10 rounds of this bike on the track of Hero CIT

So it's not an extensive sort of road test

But some things that are definitely clear after riding this bike are

For a 125cc, it's got the punch,

It has the low-end power as well

Because when you are going at 125cc,

which is a bike of around Rs 1 lakh per showroom price

So, you need a bike that will do a lot of your work.

Say, for example, if you want to go ride it in a city,

whether it is comfortable or not

So, you don't have a very dedicated or committed position

But if you want to have a little bit of fun on an open road,

You can do that as well

So, if you don't want to be in a very committed position and prefer to ride relaxed at times,

you can do that

Also, the tractability of the bike is actually very good

I was literally riding it in 4th gear for almost 18-20 kmph,

Which is phenomenal

Because when you're in a stop-and-gap situation,

When you've ride a bike in the city

So at that time, you need a motorcycle that doesn't require a lot of gear changes

So, the low-end torque is actually good

Also, when you start pushing it,

You can say it is comfortable till about 100 kmph

Although the sweet figure is around 90-95 kmph

Where there is not much buzzing anywhere,

you won't feel vibrations anywhere

But when you start pushing it,

Say, if you have gone around 6000 rpm

So, at that time, you start feeling the proper vibrations in this motorcycle

If you try to go above that,

Of course, say 6000 -7000- 8000

So, around 8000 rpm,

Of course, you can feel everything because the redline goes around 9000

So better you keep it below 6000 rpm

Ride it till 90-95 kmph, don't try to go above that

Otherwise, it is not that you won't be able to ride the motorcycle

But if you like the feel of that vibration,

then it is a different thing

But if you want to ride it relaxed, so just keep it below that

It is a comfortable position,

However, if the pillion sit in the back, then you won't get much comfort

Although you have been given grab handles and all

But if you ride it alone as a rider,

then it makes a lot of sense

Although you have a single-channel ABS,

A single disc is also given to you

Drum brakes have been given to you on the back

and disc brake on the front

But when you ride on the track,

you use the front disc and front brakes a lot

And they work phenomenally well

So, there is no problem in braking time

For example, if I am suddenly braking at 80-85-90 kmph

So the ABS intrusion is not unnecessary

If I have to simply brake a little and then leave,

So, the transition is very comfortable

So that thing is definitely good in this motorcycle

Also on turns

There was a time when Hero used to make just commuter motorcycles

They still make commuter motorcycles

Hero Splendor is the most-sold motorcycle in the world

And they make Passion and all these motorcycles

But a motorcycle that targets a little young audience

If there are some corners, some sharp turns,

then the flickability should be very good

And they have achieved that with this motorcycle

With this price range,

I think they have done a justice to what they have offered

I have talked about tractability

But one problem that some people have is that

the first gear does not work suddenly

You will miss something every time

Sometimes it will work, sometimes it will not

So, that should have been slightly more refined, gearbox specifically

And the exhaust also

Maybe I haven't made you hear

Let me rev it

Of course, TVS does a little better here

Because whenever TVS launches its 125cc or 100cc motorcycles

Their exhaust is slightly bassy and thumpy tone.

Its sound is closer to R15

Because it screams more

Because it's a high-revving engine a free-revving engine

But I think people will still like it

Because when you are riding fast

Many people like that kind of sound

Also, the instrument cluster is actually very good

In fact, the flagship they have recently launched is the Maverick 400.

Its instrument cluster is better than that

Its hardware is better than that

As far as suspensions are concerned,

Honestly, I have ridden on the track.

I can't comment on this

However, Showa has made suspensions.

Usually, they make some really good suspensions

But we will get to know the real challenge

When you are actually riding in the city

Or you are actually riding in the potholes

But I didn't get a chance here

It was just a track ride sort of an experience

And according to that

What young audiences want

It is catering everything at a very reasonable price

So, this is something about this bike

I think it is a sweet spot

In terms of pricing and everything

It's the perfect combination

In this price range

Which should attract the young audiences!