Alongside the Xpulse 210, Hero also unveiled two different new models – the Xtreme 250R and the Karizma XMR 250. The former is the production-spec version of the Xtunt 2.5R concept from last year’s EICMA and the latter is a 250cc version of the Karizma.
- 250cc motor is a stroked-out version of the 210 engine
- Makes 30hp, 25Nm on both bikes
- Both get switchable ABS modes
Hero Xtreme 250R, Karizma XMR 250: power, features, launch details
At the heart of both these new bikes is a brand-new 250cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, making 30hp and 25Nm of torque. The new 250cc engine is derived from the existing 210cc mill first seen in the reincarnated Karizma. Hero has lengthened the stroke by 7mm to achieve this capacity increase. The head is the same, but the crank cases are different on the 210cc and 250cc engines.
Nestling this new mill is a steel-trellis frame, suspended by a USD fork and monoshock on both, the Xtreme 250R and the Karizma XMR 250. Hero claims the Xtreme 250R can manage the 0-60kph sprint in 3.25 seconds. Both bikes also have switchable ABS modes.
While the underpinnings are largely similar between the two, the styling and bodywork is very different. In typical sport bike fashion, the Karizma XMR 250 has a sharp, fully-faired design with the in-fashion winglets flanking the headlight. How much these aerodynamic aids will help on a 30hp bike is questionable at best, but they do add some visual mass. Despite the fully-faired design, the Karizma 250 appears to be a reasonably comfortable machine and it also gets height-adjustable clip-ons.
Where the Karizma is a familiar-looking thing, the Xtreme 250R is all-new. It has a typical aggressive streetfighter stance with sharp cuts, a stepped-up pillion perch and angular tank extensions. The rear number plate mount on the Xtreme 250R is also mounted on the swingarm, like some large-capacity European bikes.
Vida Z: New Hero e-scooter for Europe
The Xtreme 250R and Karizma XMR 250 are among the models that Hero MotoCorp leads its charge into Europe with, along with the Vida Z electric scooter. Very little is known about the Z, but it still gets removable batteries like the V1 models sold in India. What has changed on the Z compared to the V1 is the design, which is now more rounded and has more rounded edges and creases. Hero says the Vida Z has a modular architecture and is capable of having a battery capacity from 2.2kWh to 4.4kWh.
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
