The fast and the fluid

Powerful bikes need not be 'furious'—they can be calm and yet commanding

- RAM CHAUDHARY

There are two kinds of kids in college. One is K, another is H. K is fire-breathing, rough, mean. H is calm, but packs a punch with plentiful energy (torque).

K is unpredictable, but you can rely on H, and take it on long rides without getting tired—as we did on winding roads around Udaipur.

What is H?

It is Hero's flagship motorcycle, Xtreme 250R—launched at the Auto Expo in January. Its 249.03-cc, single-cylinder engine churns out 30 PS power and 25 Nm torque, and is fitted with a 6-speed gearbox.

How's the design?

It's a naked bike, with an upside-down front suspension, and a mono-shock at the rear. Tyres are 17-inch, seat height is 806 mm, ground clearance is 167 mm, and it weighs just 167.7 kg. The headlight design, with its angry, predator-like expression, sets it apart from any motorcycle in its class.

How's the riding posture?