Hero Xtreme 200S vs rivals: Price, specifications comparison

    The Hero Xtreme 200S offers a fair amount for its price, but how does it compare to other entry-level fully faired motorcycles?

    Published On May 03, 2019 04:57:00 PM

    40,715 Views

    Hero Xtreme 200S vs rivals: Price, specifications comparison

    At the launch of the new XPulse motorcycles, Hero also launched a third motorcycle called the Hero Xtreme 200S. Essentially a fully faired Xtreme 200R, the 200S shares its powertrain and chassis setup with its naked counterpart. While its styling might suggest otherwise, Hero has said that the Xtreme 200S is targeted at riders looking for character and comfort on daily city rides and that it is not an all-out sports motorcycle. The Xtreme 200S then, is much like its direct rival, the Gixxer SF. We’ve also added another entry-level fully faired motorcycle, the Yamaha R15 S to the comparison. We chose not to add the R15 V3.0 as it costs significantly more than the Hero.

    Despite having a 200cc engine, the performance figures of the Xtreme 200 are on par with most 160cc motorcycles in the country and it is for this reason that we haven’t compared it to other 200cc motorcycles like the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 that not only produces considerably more power but also costs a fair bit more.

    Price
    Hero Xtreme 200SSuzuki Gixxer SFYamaha R15 S
    Price (ex-showroom Delhi)Rs 98,500Rs 98,076Rs 1.17 lakh

    Powertrain

    The Hero Xtreme 200S uses a 199.6cc engine that makes 18.4hp and 17.1Nm, which are the highest numbers here. The R15 and the Gixxer don’t make as much power or torque but they weigh lesser than the Xtreme, which means their power-to-weight ratios are closer than expected. For instance, the R15 S makes nearly 2hp less than the Xtreme, but a weight difference of 15kg means it has a slightly higher power-to-weight ratio. The Hero and the Suzuki are equipped with a 5-speed transmission, while the Yamaha gets a 6-speed gearbox. The Yamaha also has much more advanced tech in the form of a liquid-cooled engine compared to the air-cooled setup of the other two bikes. This means that the Yamaha is the most rev-happy of this lot and also offers the best top-end performance.

    Powertrain
    Hero Xtreme 200SSuzuki Gixxer SFYamaha R15 S
    Engine199.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled154.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled149cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
    Power18.4hp at 8000rpm14.8hp at 8000rpm16.58hp at 8500rpm
    Torque17.1Nm at 6500rpm14Nm at 6000rpm15Nm at 7500rpm
    Power-to-weight ratio123.48hp/tonne105.71hp/tonne123.73hp/tonne

    Design and styling

    While all three bikes are fully faired, it is the Xtreme 200S that has the most standout design. At first glance, the most noticeable aspect of the Xtreme 200S is its new full-LED headlamp. While its likeability is debatable, what we can agree on is that this is a well-designed motorcycle overall. It isn’t disproportionate like some of the manufacturer’s previous fully faired offerings – the Hero ZMR, for instance – and is definitely better styled than the Xtreme 200R that it is based on.

    The Hero features sharp lines and this can also be seen on the Gixxer SF. The Suzuki also has the brightest colour schemes here and comes with a lot of graphics on the fairings, unlike the rather clean look on the Hero. The R15 S, on the other hand, is designed more along the lines of a scaled-down sportbike and is the only one here with clip-on handlebars.

    The Yamaha’s tail section, however, isn’t quite as aggressive, but it definitely has the most aggressive riding position. Meanwhile, both the Suzuki and the Hero have nice and upright riding positions that make them more comfortable over a daily commute. Another thing the bikes have in common is a single-seat design that also takes pillion comfort into consideration.

    Chassis

    The Xtreme 200S uses the same frame as the Xtreme 200R and also borrows its 37mm telescopic fork and monoshock from the bike. The rear monoshock is a 7-step pre-load adjustable unit and this level of adjustability is also available on the Suzuki Gixxer SF. The SF, meanwhile, gets a thicker front fork that is 41mm wide. The R15 S also uses a telescopic fork and monoshock set-up. A key advantage here is the use of Yamaha’s signature ‘Deltabox’ perimeter frame. While the Xtreme 200S and the Gixxer SF come equipped with single-channel ABS, the R15 hasn't received the update, yet. Existing stocks of the non-ABS version, however, are still on sale.

    Chassis
    Hero Xtreme 200SSuzuki Gixxer SFYamaha R15 S
    Wheelbase1337mm1330mm1345mm
    Seat height795mm780mm800mm
    Kerb weight149kg140kg134kg
    Brakes (f)276 mm discDisc320mm disc
    Brakes (r)220mm discDisc220mm disc
    Suspension (f)37mm telescopic fork41mm telescopic forkTelescopic fork
    Suspension (r)MonoshockMonoshockMonoshock
    Tyres (f)100/80-17100/80-1790/80-17
    Tyres (r)130/70 R17140/60 R17130/70 R17
    Fuel capacity12.5 litres12 litres12 litres

    Features

    Considering the price point these bikes are at, you don’t expect to find a lot of high-end features. However, Hero has managed to equip the 200S with an all-new TFT digital dash that is also Bluetooth compatible. While it may not be revolutionary tech, it offers Google Maps assisted turn-by-turn navigation, which is a first in the segment. The Suzuki Gixxer SF also gets a digital unit but it isn’t as advanced as the Hero's. The Yamaha features the most conventional setup with an analogue-digital combo. The Hero Xtreme 200R also gets a full LED headlight and tail-light, while the other two bikes use halogen bulbs.

    Summing it up

    At Rs 1.17 lakh, the Yamaha R15 S costs a fair bit more, but it offers liquid-cooling, a more advanced chassis and a much more sporty riding position in general. The Hero is much cheaper than the Yamaha and offers more than the Xtreme 200R with a full-LED headlamp and a TFT display.  Meanwhile, the Suzuki Gixxer SF is its most direct rival and costs almost exactly the same, but the Xtreme’s additional value is impossible to ignore. However, this is not the final story as the Gixxer is due for an update later this year, and that could swing things back in the Suzuki’s way.

    Also see:

    Hero Xtreme 200S review, test ride

    Hero MotoCorp Bikes

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Bike Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    18.44%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.29%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    29.42%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    7.86%

    Total Votes : 1540
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe