Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is a living, breathing entity. Its streets pulse with life, its alleys whisper secrets, and its traffic... Well, it’s a beast of its own. As I sat at Café, ready to indulge in a much-anticipated brunch, fate had other plans. A waiter swooped in, snatching away my plate, only to replace it with a challenge letter. The audacity! But curiosity piqued, I read on.
“Welcome to the TopGear India Challenges. Today, you’ve been tasked with navigating Mumbai’s urban jungle, uncovering hidden gems, and battling the city’s chaos— on a motorcycle.”
Challenge accepted. But what was I riding this time!???
The Hero Xtreme 250R stood before me, a testament to Hero MotoCorp’s evolution. Once synonymous with reliable commuter bikes, Hero has now ventured into the performance segment, delivering a machine that doesn’t just meet expectations—it shatters them. The Xtreme 250R, with its aggressive stance and sharp lines, exudes confidence. But it’s not just about looks. It is a lot more than that and a lot about the thrill of speed.
Under the hood, or rather the tank, lies a 249cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, churning out 30 PS at 9,250 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm . Paired with a 6-speed transmission and a slipper clutch, this bike promises both power and precision. And with a 0-60 km/h sprint time of just 3.2 seconds, it’s clear that Hero means business.
How much business you ask? Well, they have apparently made the fastest 250cc motorcycle in its class!!!! Let that sink in for once. Our Indian brand holds the fastest 250cc motorcycle badge! What a day to be alive.
My first mission was to locate an iconic breakfast spot in the heart of old Bombay. With the city’s notorious traffic and unpredictable road conditions, this was no small feat. But astride the Xtreme 250R, I felt an uncanny confidence. Its 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine, delivering 30 PS at 9,250 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 7,250 rpm, provided the thrust needed to dart through congested lanes and overtake sluggish vehicles with ease.
The bike’s trellis frame offered a rigidity that translated to precise handling, essential for weaving through tight spots. Its 43mm USD forks and 6-step adjustable monoshock absorbed the city’s myriad bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth ride even on the roughest patches. The dual-channel ABS, with switchable modes, provided the braking assurance needed when unexpected obstacles appeared—a frequent occurrence in Mumbai’s unpredictable traffic.
After what felt like an eternity, I spotted the elusive breakfast joint. A random thela on the road serving Vada Pav…. I mean, really!? But in their defense, is there anything more iconic than a roadside Vada Pav?
A quick bite later, another envelope awaited me, this time containing a cryptic poem:
“A vintage smile, a twinkle bright,
Hides in Bandra, out of sight.
Old-school charm with eyes that gleam,
Peek ‘round the walls—it’s not a dream!”
Bandra, with its blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, was my next destination. As I cruised through its lanes, the city’s character shifted. The colonial bungalows, graffiti-laden walls, and bustling cafés painted a vivid tapestry of culture and history.
But the poem’s meaning eluded me. Seeking assistance, I approached a local, who, after a brief glance, directed me towards a particular alley. There, amidst the vibrant murals, stood a striking painting of Raj Kapoor, his iconic smile captured in vivid hues. The “vintage smile” the poem spoke of.
Another envelope awaited, challenging me to “do something that gives you the most peace.” For me, that meant escaping the city’s confines, seeking solace in the open roads and the embrace of nature.
Leaving the urban sprawl behind, the Xtreme 250R truly came alive. The engine’s purr transformed into a roar as I accelerated, the wind rushing past, the horizon beckoning. The bike’s stability at high speeds was commendable, a result of its 50-50 weight distribution and robust frame. Corners were tackled with confidence, the grip from the 17-inch wheels ensuring precision. But it wasn’t just about speed. The bike’s ergonomics ensured comfort during long rides, while the 11.5-liter fuel tank offered a decent range, complemented by a mileage of approximately 37 kmpl .
As I rode through the ghats, the city’s noise replaced by birdsong and rustling leaves, a sense of tranquility enveloped me. The challenges, the chaos, the cryptic clues—all led to this moment of serenity. And what is more peaceful than ringing the motorcycle on roads that turn and let your knees sniff the tarmac. Moreover, whatever Hero had put inside the motorcycle, it was making complete sense when the motorcycle was being pushed. Just so compliant even during heavy inputs– This sort of reassurance is what people try to find in their relationships. For what it was worth, I felt like my relationship with the motorcycle was unbreakable and that gave me a lot of confidence to test the limits of me and the motorcycle.
Reflecting on the day’s challenges, it became evident that while the tasks were designed to test me, the real adversary was the city itself. Yet, with the Hero Xtreme 250R as my companion, every obstacle became an opportunity, every detour a new adventure.
Hero MotoCorp has crafted a machine that doesn’t just meet expectations—it surpasses them. The Xtreme 250R is a testament to their evolution, blending performance, design, and practicality into a package that’s both accessible and exhilarating. For those seeking a motorcycle that can handle the daily grind and weekend escapades with equal aplomb, this might just be the perfect fit.
As I parked the bike, the sun setting behind me, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Not just for completing the challenge, but for experiencing Mumbai in a way few do—through the lens of the Hero Xtreme 250R.
