A new design patent has given us a glimpse of what Hero’s next bike could look like, and it seems like a new 200cc model. The first impression of the design is that it looks like a beefier Xtreme 160R, and perhaps this new bike could fill the void left by the erstwhile Xtreme 200R.

The engine dimensions and the design of the kick-starter bear a strong resemblance to the Xpulse 200 models, and the design of the exhaust system is near-identical to the recently updated Xpulse 200T. If that 4-valve engine ends up being in this model, you can expect roughly 19hp and 17Nm, sent through a 5-speed gearbox to the rear wheel. These numbers would place it almost level with the segment leader, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V.

The design of Hero's expected 200cc bike seen alongside the current Xtreme 160R.

The headlight unit and the shroud around it appear very similar to that seen on the Xtreme 160R, though a little more refined. The shape of the fuel tank, side panels and seat also match quite closely, as do the ergonomics, with a flat, wide handlebar and slightly rearset footpegs. Where it differs is with a wider, more encapsulating belly pan, and wider, sharper panels flanking the rear seat.

But despite these similarities, this new bike might not be called the Xtreme 200R. The grapevine suggests that Hero could instead bank on a little nostalgia to boost the bike’s appeal, giving it an iconic nametag from the past, perhaps something like Hero Hunk 200. Whatever it ends up being called, it will be underpinned by a single-downtube frame suspended on a telescopic fork and a monoshock, with a box-section swingarm. Expect 17-inch alloy wheels and disc brakes at both ends.