The 125cc motorcycle segment in India is fiercely competitive, with brands like Bajaj (Pulsar) and TVS (Apache) dominating the market. But Hero MotoCorp has stepped up its game with the all-Hero Xtreme 125R, Launched, promising 66 km/l mileage, a 95 km/h top speed, and sporty styling.
The big question is: Does the Hero Xtreme 125R have what it takes to outperform rivals like the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and TVS Apache RTR 125?Let’s dive deep into its design, performance, features, mileage, and pricing to find out if it’s the best choice in the 125cc segment.
1. Hero Xtreme 125R Launched: Design & Styling
The Xtreme 125R borrows its aggressive looks from its bigger sibling, the Xtreme 160R, making it one of the most stylish bikes in the 125cc category.
Key Design Highlights:
✔LED Headlamp & DRLs– Sharp, modern look
✔Sporty Split Seat– Comfortable for rider and pillion
✔Muscular Fuel Tank– Adds a premium feel
✔Aero Winglets– Inspired by sportbikes for better aerodynamics
✔Dual-Tone Color Options– Bold and youthful appeal
2. Engine & Performance: 66 km/l Mileage & 95 km/h Top Speed
The Hero Xtreme 125R is powered by a124.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled enginethat produces:
✔11.4 bhp @ 8,750 rpm
✔11 Nm torque @ 6,500 rpm
✔5-speed gearbox
Performance Comparison (125cc Segment)
| Bike | Power | Torque | Mileage (Claimed) | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 125R | 11.4 bhp | 11 Nm | 66 km/l | 95 km/h |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | 11.8 bhp | 11 Nm | 55-60 km/l | 100 km/h |
| TVS Apache RTR 125 | 12 bhp | 11.2 Nm | 55-60 km/l | 105 km/h |
Real-World Ride Experience:
Acceleration:Smooth and linear, best suited for city rides.
Top Speed:Comfortably cruises at85-90 km/h, with a max of95 km/h.
Mileage:Delivers60-65 km/lin city conditions and65-70 km/lon highways.
Verdict:The Xtreme 125Rprioritizes fuel efficiencyover outright power, making it ideal for daily commuters. ThePulsar 125 and Apache RTR 125 offer slightly better performance, but the Xtreme 125R wins inmileage.
3. Features & Technology
Hero has loaded the Xtreme 125R with some impressive features for a 125cc bike:
Key Features:
✔Full-LED Lighting(Headlamp, Taillamp, DRLs)
✔Digital Instrument Cluster(Speedometer, Gear Indicator, Fuel Gauge)
✔Side Stand Engine Cut-Off(Safety Feature)
✔Single-Channel ABS(For Better Braking)
✔Tubeless Tyres(Puncture-Resistant)
Comparison with Rivals:
Pulsar 125offers asemi-digital consolebut misses LED lighting.
Apache RTR 125getsGlide Through Technology (GTT)and afully digital display.
Verdict:TheApache RTR 125 leads in features, but the Xtreme 125R offers agood balance of tech and affordability.
4. Ride & Handling: Comfort vs Sportiness
The Xtreme 125R gets adiamond-type frame, offering a stable ride.
Suspension & Braking:
✔Front:Telescopic forks
✔Rear:Monoshock (Better than Pulsar’s twin shocks)
✔Brakes:276mm front disc + 130mm rear drum (Single-channel ABS)
Handling Comparison:
Hero Xtreme 125R:Well-balanced, comfortable for city rides.
Bajaj Pulsar 125:Slightly stiffer suspension, sportier feel.
TVS Apache RTR 125:Best handling, thanks to itsRTR race-inspired setup.
Verdict:TheApache RTR 125 is the most agile, while theXtreme 125R offers a smoother ride.
5. Price & Variants: Is It Worth the Money?
The Hero Xtreme 125R is priced competitively:
✔Hero Xtreme 125R (Drum): ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)
✔Hero Xtreme 125R (Disc): ₹1,00,000 (ex-showroom)
Price Comparison (Ex-Showroom):
| Bike | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 125R | ₹95,000 |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | ₹90,000 |
| TVS Apache RTR 125 | ₹1,02,000 |
Verdict:ThePulsar 125 is the cheapest, while theApache RTR 125 is the most expensive. The Xtreme 125R sits in themiddle, offeringbetter features than the Pulsarat alower price than the Apache.
Final Verdict:
Buy the Hero Xtreme 125R If:
✔ You wantbest-in-class mileage (66 km/l)
✔ You preferpremium styling with LED lights
✔ You need acomfortable commuter with sporty looks
Choose Bajaj Pulsar 125 If:
✔ You want amore affordable125cc bike
✔ You like thePulsar brand’s streetfighter appeal
Go for TVS Apache RTR 125 If:
✔ You wantthe best performance & handling
✔ You prefera fully digital console & GTT
Conclusion: The Best 125cc Bike?
The Hero Xtreme 125R is astrong contenderin the 125cc segment, offering aperfect mix of style, mileage, and features. While theApache RTR 125 is more performance-oriented, and thePulsar 125 is more affordable, the Xtreme 125Rstrikes a great balance.
Final Answer:Ifmileage and looksare your priority, the Hero Xtreme 125R is the best pick. But if you wantsheer performance, theApache RTR 125is better, and if you’rebudget-conscious, thePulsar 125makes sense.