The Fastest 250 from 0 - 60

Hero MotoCorp says its Xtreme 250R is the fastest motorcycle in its segment, especially when it comes to the all-important 0-60 km/h sprint. A tall claim indeed, but a very persuasive one. We put it to the test

- Saeed Akhtar

HERO MOTOCORP HAS BEEN CAREFULLY shifting gears in recent years.

After years of being seen as a maker of purely commuter motorcycles, the company is now eyeing enthusiasts with sporty offerings that promise a heady blend of practicality and excitement. The Xtreme 250R sits right at this crossroads. Hero’s boldest, brawniest street-fighter yet, it is here with a very specific promise: to be the quickest 250 off the line.

Its makers are especially proud of its 0 to 60 km/h time, going so far as to make the bold claim that it is the quickest (or “fastest”, in their words) 250 out there today. Now, many in the automotive media might simply have taken up their word for it, but that’s not how we do things here at Bike India.

You see, we happen to be led by an editor, Aspi, who has not just been a professional racer but also has extensive experience getting the best out of every motorcycle package imaginable. Apart from his numerous victories on home turf, Aspi to this day remains the only Indian sportsperson to have finished the legendary Isle of Man TT races. So, yes, we are indeed suitably placed to check out the Xtreme 250R’s claims and see how it stacks up against its competition.