The fast and the fluid

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

- VIKRAM 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 mated 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 look, sets it apart from any motorcycle in its class.

How's the riding posture?