Hero Xtreme

The model CBZ of Hero Honda was regarded as one of the best and most desired commuter of the 90s. Unlike other motorcycles of that time, it has a unique headlamp design with an integrated black windshield, which gives a premium sports looks to the machine. Not only that, it was the first Indian bike to use a wider rear tyre. All these things had made this one of the top rated bikes of Hero. After the partition of Hero and Honda, Hero MotoCorp introduced this model as CBZ Xtreme. Later, the motorcycle started bearing a new name badge as Xtreme alone. Now it is available as Xtreme and Xtreme Sports models.





The Engine
The bike is powered by the famous 149.2cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine with OHC system. No technical changes has made to this engine from the CBZ Xtreme version. Engine is mated to a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox. The mill churns out a maximum power of 15.6 bhp @ 8500 rpm and a peak torque of 13.50 Nm @ 7000 rpm. Advanced Microprocessor Ignition System is used in this bike for smooth and efficient operation. The clutch operation and gear shifting of the bike has been smooth and effortless like the older CBZ. But it does lack the engine refinement and bit dull in the pulling.

Design and Features
Starting from the front, the new trapezoidal headlamp has taken a new shape with wider beam angles. More neat and fresh looking visors has taken place in the headlamp casing. Between the visor and headlight a new visor highbrow position lights are placed. Unlike the round and free flowing surfaces of other Hero motorcycles, this one has got many sharp edges and sliced surfaces. This alone could lift the design aspects of this bike to a new extend.



The motorcycle is also filled with some advanced features. The instrument console is made in a special shape with a combination of digital and analog display. The whole unit is surrounded by a thick silver outline which gives a premium feels to the bike. This display unit shows side stand indicator, service due indicator, tripmeter, time and fuel level indicator as well. The blue backlit LCD screen even adds the desirability factor of this bike. The analog part features tachometer. Intelligent key, alloy foldable footrest and underseat mobile charging socket are other main attractions of this bike. While all other alternatives are based on 17-inch wheels, hero uses 18-inch wheels at both the ends.



Suspension, Braking and Chassis
Suspension system of this bike consists of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and rectangular swingarm with 5 step adjustable gas reservoir suspension system at the rear. This same system is featured in the Xtreme Sports version. Stopping force of the bike depends on 240mm disc brake at the front and conventional 130mm internally expanding shoe brake at the rear. A 220mm rear disc brake is also available as an optional feature. Like all other Hero models, Xtreme too is built around tubular diamond type frame. This is said to be one of the most popular and reliable chassis that Hero has ever built. Meanwhile, this new Extreme is 2kg heavier than its previous variant without any notable changes to the bike's riding and handling conditions. It is smooth and at the same time rigid in change in conditions.



Verdict
Hero Honda CBZ was one solid bike with pure riding experience. The new Xtreme does not fails to give that feelings atleast to some extend. Bike lacks some minor refinements in the braking and suspension area. But the engine and chassis remains to be the top and best-in class. The fuel economy of the Xtreme is said to be way ahead than the alternatives. Service and maintenance cost of the bike remains to satisfy the customers like all other Hero bikes are doing it for decades. From the previous version it has improved a lot in the feature section but it again sticks to the same odd looking design principles. All other alternatives of the Hero Xtreme looks better in terms of core design and styling.