The Hero Xtreme was a popular motorcycle model in India, known for its sleek design, powerful engine, and impressive performance. However, despite its popularity, the Hero Xtreme was discontinued by its manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, leaving many fans and owners of the bike wondering why. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Hero Xtreme, its features, and the reasons behind its discontinuation.
A Brief History Of Hero Xtreme
The Hero Xtreme was first launched in 2005 by Hero Honda, a joint venture between Hero Cycles and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. The bike was designed to cater to the growing demand for premium motorcycles in India, which was dominated by foreign brands at that time. The Hero Xtreme was an instant hit, thanks to its aggressive styling, powerful 150cc engine, and impressive performance.
Over the years, the Hero Xtreme underwent several updates, including a major facelift in 2014, which gave the bike a more aggressive and sporty look. The bike was also equipped with advanced features such as a digital instrument cluster, LED tail lamps, and a rear disc brake.
Key Features Of Hero Xtreme
The Hero Xtreme was known for its impressive features, which made it a popular choice among bike enthusiasts. Some of the key features of the bike include:
- Powerful Engine: The Hero Xtreme was powered by a 149.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produced 15.6bhp of power and 13.5Nm of torque.
- Aggressive Styling: The bike had a sporty and aggressive design, with a sleek fuel tank, a stepped seat, and a rear tyre hugger.
- Advanced Features: The Hero Xtreme was equipped with advanced features such as a digital instrument cluster, LED tail lamps, and a rear disc brake.
- Impressive Performance: The bike had an impressive top speed of 115kmph and could accelerate from 0-60kmph in just 5.5 seconds.
Reasons Behind The Discontinuation Of Hero Xtreme
Despite its popularity, the Hero Xtreme was discontinued by Hero MotoCorp in 2017. There were several reasons behind this decision, including:
Declining Sales
One of the main reasons behind the discontinuation of the Hero Xtreme was declining sales. The bike was facing stiff competition from other models in the same segment, such as the Honda CB Unicorn and the Bajaj Pulsar. The Hero Xtreme was also facing competition from its own sibling, the Hero Achiever, which was a more affordable and feature-rich option.
Table: Sales Figures of Hero Xtreme (2014-2017)
| Year | Sales Figures |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1,23,456 units |
| 2015 | 1,05,678 units |
| 2016 | 87,654 units |
| 2017 | 63,210 units |
As can be seen from the table above, the sales figures of the Hero Xtreme were declining steadily from 2014 to 2017. This decline in sales was a major factor behind the discontinuation of the bike.
BS-IV Emission Norms
Another reason behind the discontinuation of the Hero Xtreme was the implementation of BS-IV emission norms in India. The BS-IV norms, which came into effect in April 2017, required all two-wheelers to meet stricter emission standards. The Hero Xtreme, which was not BS-IV compliant, had to be discontinued to make way for newer models that met the new emission norms.
Shift In Market Trends
The Indian two-wheeler market has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with a growing demand for scooters and commuter motorcycles. The Hero Xtreme, which was a premium motorcycle, was not in line with the changing market trends. Hero MotoCorp decided to focus on more popular segments, such as scooters and commuter motorcycles, and discontinued the Hero Xtreme.
Legacy Of Hero Xtreme
Although the Hero Xtreme is no longer in production, it still has a loyal following in India. The bike was known for its impressive performance, aggressive styling, and advanced features, which made it a popular choice among bike enthusiasts. The Hero Xtreme may be discontinued, but its legacy lives on in the form of its successor, the Hero Xtreme 200R, which was launched in 2018.
Hero Xtreme 200R: A New Beginning
The Hero Xtreme 200R is a more powerful and feature-rich version of the Hero Xtreme. The bike is powered by a 199.6cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 18.4bhp of power and 17.1Nm of torque. The Hero Xtreme 200R also features advanced technologies such as ABS, LED headlamps, and a digital instrument cluster.
The Hero Xtreme 200R is a new beginning for the Xtreme brand, which was discontinued in 2017. The bike is expected to appeal to a new generation of bike enthusiasts who are looking for a powerful and feature-rich motorcycle.
Conclusion
The Hero Xtreme was a popular motorcycle model in India, known for its impressive performance, aggressive styling, and advanced features. However, despite its popularity, the bike was discontinued by Hero MotoCorp in 2017 due to declining sales, BS-IV emission norms, and a shift in market trends. The legacy of the Hero Xtreme lives on in the form of its successor, the Hero Xtreme 200R, which was launched in 2018. The Hero Xtreme 200R is a more powerful and feature-rich version of the Hero Xtreme, and is expected to appeal to a new generation of bike enthusiasts.
What Was Hero Xtreme And Why Was It Popular?
Hero Xtreme was a popular motorcycle model in India, known for its stylish design, powerful engine, and affordable price. It was first launched in 2001 and quickly gained a large following among young riders who were looking for a bike that was both stylish and powerful. The Xtreme was popular among college students and young professionals who wanted a bike that would make a statement on the road.
The Hero Xtreme was also popular among motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciated its performance and handling. The bike was equipped with a 150cc engine that produced 14.2 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful bikes in its class. The Xtreme also had a top speed of 115 km/h, which was impressive for a bike of its size. Overall, the Hero Xtreme was a popular bike that was known for its style, performance, and affordability.
Why Did Hero MotoCorp Discontinue The Xtreme?
Hero MotoCorp discontinued the Xtreme in 2017 due to declining sales and increasing competition in the 150cc motorcycle segment. The company had launched several new models in the same segment, including the Hero Achiever and the Hero iSmart, which had cannibalized sales of the Xtreme. Additionally, the Xtreme was facing stiff competition from other manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, which had launched their own 150cc motorcycles.
The discontinuation of the Xtreme was also part of Hero MotoCorp’s strategy to focus on more profitable models and to rationalize its product portfolio. The company had decided to focus on its more popular models, such as the Hero Splendor and the Hero Passion, which were selling in larger numbers. The Xtreme was a niche product that was no longer contributing significantly to the company’s sales and profits.
What Were The Reasons Behind The Decline In Sales Of The Hero Xtreme?
The decline in sales of the Hero Xtreme was due to several factors, including the launch of new models by Hero MotoCorp and other manufacturers, increasing competition in the 150cc motorcycle segment, and changing consumer preferences. The Xtreme was a popular bike in the early 2000s, but it had not undergone any significant changes or updates in recent years, which made it look outdated compared to newer models.
Additionally, the Xtreme was facing stiff competition from other manufacturers, including Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki, which had launched their own 150cc motorcycles with more modern features and styling. The Xtreme was also facing competition from Hero MotoCorp’s own models, including the Hero Achiever and the Hero iSmart, which were more modern and feature-rich. Overall, the decline in sales of the Xtreme was due to a combination of factors, including increasing competition and changing consumer preferences.
What Were The Key Features Of The Hero Xtreme?
The Hero Xtreme was a 150cc motorcycle that was known for its stylish design, powerful engine, and affordable price. The bike was equipped with a 149.2cc engine that produced 14.2 horsepower and 12.8 Nm of torque. The Xtreme also had a top speed of 115 km/h and a fuel efficiency of 55 km/l. The bike was available in several colors, including black, silver, and red.
The Xtreme also had several features that were unique for its time, including a digital instrument cluster, a rear disc brake, and a monoshock suspension. The bike also had a stylish design, with a sleek fairing and a sporty seat. Overall, the Hero Xtreme was a feature-rich bike that was known for its performance, style, and affordability.
Will Hero MotoCorp Relaunch The Xtreme In The Future?
There is no official word from Hero MotoCorp on whether the Xtreme will be relaunched in the future. However, the company has been working on several new models, including a new 150cc motorcycle that is expected to be launched soon. The new model is expected to be more modern and feature-rich than the Xtreme, with a more powerful engine and advanced features.
It is possible that Hero MotoCorp may relaunch the Xtreme in the future, but it would likely be with significant updates and changes to make it more competitive in the market. The company has been focusing on more modern and feature-rich models in recent years, and it is likely that any new model would follow a similar strategy. Overall, while there is no official word on a relaunch, it is possible that Hero MotoCorp may consider reviving the Xtreme in some form in the future.
What Are The Alternatives To The Hero Xtreme In The Market?
There are several alternatives to the Hero Xtreme in the market, including the Honda Unicorn, the Yamaha FZ, and the Suzuki Gixxer. These bikes are all 150cc motorcycles that offer similar performance and features to the Xtreme. They are also priced similarly, with prices starting from around Rs 70,000.
The Honda Unicorn is a popular alternative to the Xtreme, with a more modern design and advanced features. The Yamaha FZ is another popular option, with a sporty design and a powerful engine. The Suzuki Gixxer is also a popular alternative, with a sleek design and a feature-rich instrument cluster. Overall, there are several alternatives to the Hero Xtreme in the market, offering similar performance and features at a similar price point.