Hero Xtreme 200S BS6: Same Price Other Options

Not convinced with the idea of getting the BS6 Xtreme 200S? Here’s what else you could buy

Just yesterday, Hero launched the BS6-compliant Xtreme 200S for Rs 1,15,715 (ex-showroom, Delhi). While that’s a healthy price bump of Rs 14,815 over the BS4 model, it still retains its crown as the most affordable fully faired bike in India.  For the extra money, Hero is also offering one-year of 24x7 Roadside Assistance (RSA) for free. Having said that, some of you may not be intrigued enough by the Xtreme 200R. So we’ve lined up a couple of price alternatives that you could buy for around the same price. 

Apache RTR 160 4V Disc: Rs 1,08,550

The Apache RTR 160 4V sits at the top of the food chain in the 150-160cc motorcycle segment. Despite losing some mid-range performance during the transition from BS4 to BS6, it’s still a hoot to ride. The chassis exudes confidence while its suspension setup has been tuned to not only handle crater-sized potholes but also remains composed in mid-corner bumps. Having said that, the bike requires a certain amount of expertise to get the most out of it. Also, the new all-LED headlight setup doesn’t quite appeal to everyone. 

Suzuki Gixxer BS6: Rs 1,14,500

If Japanese reliability is what you’re looking for around this price point, you can’t go wrong with the BS6 Gixxer. The latest update brings with it an all-new look with an LED headlight, tail light and a revised instrument console. You also have a couple of new colours to choose from including a MotoGP livery. The Gixxer is known for its handling capabilities and its lively engine. Yes, it’s not the most powerful bike here, but it sure as hell is a good beginner bike.  

Hero XPulse 200 BS6: Rs 1,13,730

Adventure on your mind? How about picking up the XPulse 200 and exploring the unknown? It’s perfectly kitted for trails with long-travel suspension, spoked wheels, dual-purpose tyres and plenty of ground clearance. If you want to push the bike even further, you could throw in another Rs 35,000 or so and pick up Hero’s rally kit, which offers a fully adjustable suspension setup, increased ground clearance, raised handlebars, knobbier tyres and an abnormally large side stand. In our opinion, it’s the perfect tool for budget-conscious adventure touring enthusiasts.

Bajaj Chetak: Rs 1,15,000

The same price will also get you the Bajaj Chetak, which has proved to be one of the best electric scooters in the Indian market. The electric Chetak draws inspiration from the original Chetak and the end result is a gorgeous scooter. It's fully equipped to cater to tech-centric buyers with a Bluetooth-enabled full-digital LCD instrument cluster. The console lets users locate their vehicle, protect it from theft, and manage music and phone calls. Regenerative braking, mobile phone charging, reverse assist and riding modes are also on offer. Its lithium-ion battery pack offers a range of 95km on a full charge in Eco mode, while Sport mode brings it down to 85km. 

Honda Hornet 2.0: Rs 1,26,927

Honda’s Hornet 160R was in dire need of a revamp. What came next was a bit of a surprise. Honda not only delivered on a brand new Hornet but also gave it a larger engine with slightly better performance numbers. It’s Honda’s ticket into the thriving 200cc segment. Overall, the Hornet 2.0 looks a lot sharper than before, offers a number of new features and a motor that delivers 17.23PS of power and 16.1Nm of peak torque. That said, the extra Rs 11,000 or so over the Xtreme is a bit hard to justify since it makes less power and offers fewer features than its faired competition. So this one’s all down to personal preference.