Hero Xtreme Sports review, test ride

Back in 1999, when Hero hadn’t yet got their MotoCorp suffix and were making motorcycles with Honda, they released a motorcycle called the Hero Honda CBZ. Later it was rebadged the Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme with some striking updates. Hero later dropped the CBZ brand altogether, and simply christened the motorcycle ‘Xtreme’. The manufacturer has now introduced a more aggressively styled version called the Xtreme Sports with added grunt.

The Hero Xtreme Sports looks quite smart with its ever-so-slightly tipping forward stance, and sharp styling. On the front is a stub-nosed headlamp, with blue-tinted city lights mounted on either side above the headlamp. The front mudguard has faux air scoops cut out, which add to the sporty image of the motorcycle. Gold-coloured telescopic shock absorbers add a nice touch.

Mounted on top of the headlamp cluster is the completely revised readout panel. A large tachometer is placed on the left side, while a digital speedometer is placed on the right. Above it are the fuel gauge, neutral gear and high beam indicators.

A handy safety addition on the Hero is the side-stand indicator which lights up if the side stand is engaged when the ignition key is set to on. What is interesting is that the headlamp cluster does not have the ignition key at its conventional location, between the handlebars. Instead, it is placed to the right of the headlight, below the handlebar. Clip-on handlebars add to the sporty look of the motorcycle. A standard set of switchgear is mounted on the handlebars, and works quite well.