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Hero MotoCorp has unveiled the Xtreme 200S at the ongoing 2016 Auto Expo, taking its first step in the 200cc streetfighter territory. Based on a brand new platform developed in conjunction with its Italian partner, Engines Engineering, the Xtreme 200S hints at Hero MotoCorp’s design approach for its future models.
What’s new?
While the Xtreme 200S might share its name and some styling elements with the Xtreme Sports, under the skin it is a starkly contrasting motorcycle. Taking influence from the sporty character of a cheetah, Hero MotoCorp has styled the Xtreme 200S to give it an aggressive and athletic look. At the heart of the Xtreme 200S is a newly developed 200cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. Given the way Hero is promoting this motorcycle, we would have expected the Xtreme 200S to boast of some intimidating power figures. However, Hero decided to restrict the output to 18bhp and 17.2Nm of torque. In terms of technology, the Xtreme 200S comes with a rear monoshock, ABS and i3S system.
India relevance?
The 200cc segment in India has been seeing a lot of activity since the last couple of years. However, since the Karizma was discontinued, Hero MotoCorp has been missing out on the action from this lucrative market space. The Xtreme 200S will represent Hero’s reentry in this segment, where it will compete with the likes of the Pulsar AS200 and the recently launched TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.
Launch plans?
Given the rate at which the demand for budget performance motorcycles is growing, now seems like the right time for any manufacturer to get into this segment. However, Hero has officially announced that it might be a year before the Xtreme 200S hits the production lines.
