Quick Analysis
Hero Xtreme 250R
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 165 RP
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 6 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid-cooled engine | Oil-cooled |
| Displacement | 249.03 cc | 164.9 cc |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke 4 Valve Single Cylinder Liquid Cooled DOHC | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, SOHC |
| Power | 30 PS @ 9250rpm | 19.2 PS @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 25 Nm @ 7250 rpm | 14.2 Nm @ 8,750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.5 Litres | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 37 Kmpl | 45 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 167.7 | 148 |
| Seat Height | 806 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel Switchable ABS with 2 modes | Single-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 320 mm , Petal disc | 270 mm Disc |
| Front Suspension | Dia 43 mm, Upside Down Front Fork (120 mm stroke) | Showa Race-Tuned Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc 230 mm, Petal Disc | 240 mm Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Gas Charged Mono Shock, 6 Step Pre-load Adjustable | Showa Race-Tuned Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 110/70 17 M/C 54H | 90/90 – 17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 150/60 17 M/C 66W | 130/70 – 17 (Tubeless, Radial) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless radial tyres | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Diamond Cut Alloy wheels | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Class-D LED Projector Headlamp, with LED DRLs | LED with DRL |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery 12V- 8 Ah, ETZ-9 | 12V, 8Ah MF |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Neon-shooting-star.avif | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Stealth-Black.avif | — |
| Cluster | LCD Instrument Cluster | Fully digital |
| Color Options | Firestorm Red | #C1121F Stealth Black | #1C1C1C Neon Shooting Star | #D9FF00 | Racing White | #F2F2EE, #C40000 |
| Cons | Engine Refinement Trails Segment Leaders: While performance is strong, some riders feel the engine lacks the smoothness and refinement offered by certain Japanese competitors. Limited Touring Wind Protection: As a naked streetfighter, the motorcycle offers minimal protection from windblast at highway speeds. Pillion Comfort Is Average: The stepped rear seat looks sporty but may feel firm during longer journeys. New Platform Concerns: Since the motorcycle is based on a relatively new platform, some buyers may prefer to wait for long-term ownership feedback. Instrument Cluster Could Be More Premium: While functional and feature-rich, the display lacks the visual sophistication of some TFT-equipped rivals. Vibrations at Higher RPMs: A few early riders have reported mild vibrations becoming noticeable when the engine is pushed harder. Service Experience May Vary: Depending on location, service quality can differ between dealerships, something often mentioned by prospective buyers. | The aggressive tuning also means vibrations become more noticeable at higher RPMs and highway cruising speeds. The suspension setup is firmer than regular commuter motorcycles, so rough roads and potholes can feel harsher during everyday riding. Long-distance comfort is not one of the strongest areas because the riding posture and sporty seat setup can feel tiring after extended hours. Since it was launched as a limited-production model, availability of specific body parts and graphics may be more difficult compared to standard Apache variants. Fuel efficiency is lower than the regular RTR 160 because of the performance-oriented tuning and shorter gearing. The motorcycle focuses more on sporty riding than relaxed commuting, so riders looking mainly for comfort and refinement may find it slightly too aggressive for daily use. Some riders expected even more power considering the “Race Performance” branding, especially when compared to larger 200cc motorcycles. |
| Detailed Overview | The Hero Xtreme 250R is Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the growing 250cc street-naked segment, a category that has become increasingly popular among riders looking for something more powerful than a typical commuter motorcycle without moving into larger and heavier machines. At first glance, the motorcycle carries a sharp and aggressive design with angular body panels, a muscular fuel tank, and a compact tail section that give it a modern streetfighter appearance. The styling is noticeably different from Hero’s smaller Xtreme models and has been developed to match the expectations of riders who want a motorcycle that looks sporty while remaining practical for everyday use. At the heart of the Xtreme 250R is a 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing around 30 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque. The liquid-cooling system helps maintain consistent engine temperatures, especially during longer rides or when riding in heavy traffic. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox, which allows riders to make better use of the available power across different speeds. In city conditions, the motorcycle has enough torque to move through traffic without requiring frequent gear changes, while on highways the sixth gear helps the engine settle into a more relaxed rhythm at cruising speeds. The motorcycle is built around a steel frame and uses upside-down front forks along with a rear monoshock suspension setup. USD forks have become increasingly common in this segment because they help improve front-end stability and steering feel. Combined with a kerb weight of around 167 kg, the overall package remains relatively manageable for a 250cc motorcycle. Whether navigating crowded city streets or riding on open roads, the bike feels compact enough to be handled without much effort. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. This means both wheels are monitored during braking to reduce the chances of wheel lock-up under hard braking conditions. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with wide tubeless tyres, which contribute to grip and stability while also offering the convenience associated with tubeless tyre technology. Hero has equipped the Xtreme 250R with a number of modern features that riders have come to expect in this category. The motorcycle gets full LED lighting, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators. A digital instrument cluster displays information such as speed, fuel level, trip details, and gear position. Bluetooth connectivity is also available, allowing riders to access smartphone-related functions and turn-by-turn navigation through the display. The fuel tank capacity stands at around 11.5 litres, which provides a usable balance between range and overall weight. The seat height of approximately 806 mm places the rider in a slightly sporty but still accessible riding position. The handlebar is positioned in a way that does not force the rider into an extreme forward lean, making the motorcycle suitable for a variety of riding situations. The split-seat setup and compact rear section contribute to the bike’s sporty appearance, while the riding triangle remains practical enough for everyday use. Overall, the Hero Xtreme 250R brings together a 249cc liquid-cooled engine, six-speed gearbox, USD forks, dual-channel ABS, LED lighting, and smartphone connectivity in a package aimed at riders looking for a modern quarter-litre motorcycle. Its design, engine characteristics, and equipment list reflect the growing demand for motorcycles that can handle daily commuting, weekend rides, and highway travel without feeling overly specialized in any one area. | Some motorcycles are designed mainly for broad mass-market appeal, while others are built to showcase what a platform can do when performance becomes the priority. The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP belongs to the second category. Developed under the company’s “Race Performance” program, the motorcycle takes the familiar Apache RTR formula and pushes it toward a more aggressive and track-inspired direction. Although it shares its foundation with the RTR 160 4V, several mechanical and cosmetic changes give the 165 RP a noticeably sharper personality on the road. The motorcycle is powered by a 164.9cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. TVS revised the engine tuning to increase output to around 19.2 bhp, which made it one of the most powerful motorcycles in its segment during its launch period. The engine feels noticeably more responsive than the standard RTR 160 4V, especially in the mid and top-end range where acceleration becomes quicker and more energetic. Throttle response feels immediate, and the shorter gearing further adds to the bike’s aggressive nature during city riding and overtakes. The oil-cooling system helps maintain performance consistency during longer rides and high-RPM usage. The RTR 165 RP also includes three riding modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain. These modes change throttle sensitivity and ABS calibration depending on riding conditions. Sport mode allows the motorcycle to deliver its sharpest response and full performance output, while Urban and Rain modes make acceleration smoother for everyday traffic or slippery roads. This feature gives the bike more adaptability while still maintaining its performance-focused identity. One of the biggest differences between the 165 RP and regular Apache models lies in the chassis setup. The motorcycle feels more focused and sharper while cornering, partly because of the revised suspension tuning. The front uses telescopic forks, while the rear receives a preload-adjustable monoshock setup tuned for more aggressive riding. The suspension feels firmer than standard commuter motorcycles, helping the bike remain stable during quick direction changes and fast cornering. However, rough roads and potholes are felt more clearly because comfort is not the primary focus of the setup. Braking hardware includes petal disc brakes at both ends supported by dual-channel ABS. The braking feel remains progressive and confidence-inspiring, especially during spirited riding. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, while red wheel accents and race-inspired graphics add to its distinctive appearance. TVS also added several visual upgrades including sporty decals, contrasting body graphics, and golden fork detailing that separate the bike from the standard Apache lineup. Technology and features are another important part of the package. The fully digital instrument console supports TVS SmartXonnect connectivity with Bluetooth pairing, navigation assist, call alerts, ride analytics, and race-oriented information. Adjustable clutch and brake levers, a slipper clutch, and LED lighting further add to the premium and performance-focused nature of the motorcycle. The riding posture remains sporty but manageable enough for regular road use. The split-seat layout, rear-set footpegs, and slightly forward-leaning ergonomics help the bike feel more engaging without becoming too extreme for daily riding. Fuel efficiency usually stays around 35–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Unlike regular Apache models, the RTR 165 RP was launched as a limited-production motorcycle in India and was never intended to become a permanent mass-market offering. Overall, the motorcycle combines sharper engine tuning, race-inspired upgrades, sporty handling, and modern electronic features into a street bike designed primarily around rider engagement and performance-oriented road riding. |
| Expert Review | The Hero Xtreme 250R brings a fresh approach to the quarter-litre streetfighter segment by combining strong performance with everyday usability. Its 250cc liquid-cooled engine delivers brisk acceleration and a healthy mid-range punch, making the motorcycle feel lively in city traffic and capable on highways. What stands out is how approachable the bike feels despite its performance potential. The lightweight chassis contributes to quick direction changes and easy maneuverability, while the upright riding position ensures comfort during daily commutes and longer rides alike. The USD front forks and rear monoshock provide a balanced ride, offering stability through corners without becoming overly harsh on imperfect roads. Modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, LED lighting, and a digital instrument cluster bring contemporary functionality, while dual-channel ABS adds an extra layer of confidence during braking. Rather than focusing solely on aggressive performance, the Xtreme 250R blends power, practicality, and technology into a package that feels versatile across different riding conditions., 4.5, MotoAutiv Team | The TVS Apache RTR 165 RP feels more like a factory-tuned special edition than just a slightly upgraded Apache. The engine responds sharply, the gearing feels shorter and more aggressive, and the motorcycle reacts quickly to throttle inputs in a way that immediately feels sportier than the standard RTR 160 4V. What stands out most is how light and eager the bike feels while cornering — the chassis remains agile, and the suspension setup gives the motorcycle a much more focused riding character. TVS also added several race-inspired touches like adjustable suspension, slipper clutch, riding modes, and cosmetic upgrades that make the motorcycle feel closer to a track-oriented street bike rather than a regular commuter. At the same time, the firmer setup and aggressive tuning also mean vibrations and ride stiffness are more noticeable during longer rides or rough roads. The RTR 165 RP mainly appeals to riders who enjoy sharp handling and a more energetic riding feel rather than relaxed commuting comfort., 4.6, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Hero Xtreme 250R? A: The Hero Xtreme 250R is powered by a 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces approximately 30 PS of power and 25 Nm of torque. Q: What is the real-world mileage of the Hero Xtreme 250R? A: Most riders can expect a real-world fuel efficiency of around 32-40 km/l depending on riding style, traffic conditions, and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the Hero Xtreme 250R? A: The Hero Xtreme 250R can achieve a top speed of approximately 140-150 km/h under suitable riding conditions. Q: Does the Hero Xtreme 250R have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes, the Hero Xtreme 250R comes equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard. Q: Does the Hero Xtreme 250R have USD front forks? A: Yes, the Hero Xtreme 250R features upside-down (USD) front forks, which contribute to handling stability and front-end feedback. Q: Is the Hero Xtreme 250R suitable for long rides? A: Yes, the Hero Xtreme 250R offers a relatively comfortable riding posture and sufficient engine performance for highway cruising and weekend touring. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Hero Xtreme 250R? A: The Hero Xtreme 250R comes with an 11.5-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the seat height of the Hero Xtreme 250R? A: The Hero Xtreme 250R has a seat height of approximately 806 mm. Q: Does the Hero Xtreme 250R support Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, the motorcycle features Bluetooth connectivity with smartphone integration and turn-by-turn navigation support. Q: Is the Hero Xtreme 250R beginner-friendly? A: Despite its performance-oriented engine, the Hero Xtreme 250R offers manageable power delivery and predictable handling, making it accessible for riders upgrading from 150cc-200cc motorcycles. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Hero Xtreme 250R? A: The Hero Xtreme 250R has a kerb weight of approximately 167 kg. Q: How does the Hero Xtreme 250R compare to the KTM 250 Duke? A: The Hero Xtreme 250R focuses on balanced performance, comfort, and value, while the KTM 250 Duke offers a more aggressive riding experience with sharper performance characteristics. Q: Does the Hero Xtreme 250R have LED lighting? A: Yes, the Hero Xtreme 250R features full LED lighting, including the headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators. | Q: Is the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP discontinued in India? A: Yes, the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP was launched as a limited-production “Race Performance” model and is no longer part of the regular TVS lineup in India. TVS produced the motorcycle in limited numbers, which is why it was available only for a short period. Q: Can the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP still be purchased in India? A: New units are generally unavailable through official dealerships now, but used models may still be found in the pre-owned motorcycle market. Q: What is the engine capacity of the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 164.9cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. Q: What is the power output of the RTR 165 RP? A: The bike produces around 19.2 bhp and approximately 14.2 Nm of torque. Q: What makes the RTR 165 RP different from the RTR 160 4V? A: The RTR 165 RP gets a more powerful engine tune, slipper clutch, adjustable suspension, red alloy wheels, race-inspired styling, and performance-focused upgrades. Q: What mileage does the TVS Apache RTR 165 RP give? A: Real-world mileage generally stays around 35–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: What is the top speed of the RTR 165 RP? A: The motorcycle has an approximate top speed of around 125 km/h. Q: Does the Apache RTR 165 RP have riding modes? A: Yes, the bike offers Sport, Urban, and Rain riding modes. Q: Does the RTR 165 RP get Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, it supports TVS SmartXonnect with navigation, call alerts, and ride analytics. Q: What type of brakes does the RTR 165 RP use? A: The motorcycle uses petal disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. Q: What suspension setup does the RTR 165 RP use? A: It gets telescopic front forks and preload-adjustable rear monoshock suspension. Q: Does the RTR 165 RP have a slipper clutch? A: Yes, the motorcycle comes with a slipper clutch for smoother downshifts during aggressive riding. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the RTR 165 RP? A: The motorcycle comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 12 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the RTR 165 RP? A: The kerb weight of the bike is approximately 145 kg. Q: Was the RTR 165 RP a limited edition motorcycle? A: Yes, TVS launched the RTR 165 RP as a limited-production Race Performance model. Q: Is the RTR 165 RP suitable for highway riding? A: Yes, the strong acceleration and sporty chassis make it suitable for highway use and spirited riding. Q: What type of tyres does the RTR 165 RP use? A: The motorcycle uses tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 172651 | STD | 145000 |
| Pros | Strong Mid-Range Performance: The 250cc liquid-cooled engine delivers strong acceleration through the mid-range, making the Hero Xtreme 250R feel responsive in both city traffic and highway riding. Lightweight for the Segment: Weighing around 167 kg, the motorcycle feels lighter and more agile than many rivals in the quarter-litre category. Sharp and Aggressive Styling: The muscular tank extensions, angular bodywork, and sporty stance give the motorcycle a modern streetfighter appearance. Comfortable Riding Position: Despite its sporty looks, the riding posture remains relatively upright and comfortable, making it practical for everyday use. Good Value for Money: Owners and enthusiasts frequently highlight the feature-to-price ratio as one of the motorcycle's strongest selling points. Feature-Rich Package: Full LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and USD front forks add modern functionality. Confidence-Inspiring Handling: The chassis feels stable and predictable, while the suspension setup strikes a balance between everyday comfort and sporty riding. Strong Braking Performance: Disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS provide reassuring stopping power. | The biggest highlight of the RTR 165 RP is its engine tuning. The motorcycle feels noticeably more aggressive and quicker than the standard RTR 160 4V, especially in the mid and top-end range where acceleration feels sharp and immediate. The bike feels very light and responsive while cornering. Direction changes happen quickly, and the chassis gives the rider a confident and sporty feel during fast riding. TVS added several race-inspired upgrades like adjustable suspension, red alloy wheels, racing graphics, and a slipper clutch, which make the motorcycle feel more performance-focused than a regular commuter bike. The exhaust note sounds deeper and sportier compared to the standard Apache models, adding more character to the riding experience. Ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable levers, and the fully digital display give the bike a feature-rich setup for its segment. The shorter gearing and aggressive throttle response make the motorcycle especially enjoyable in city riding and quick overtakes. Braking performance feels strong and predictable, with dual-channel ABS improving confidence during hard braking situations. |
| Starter | Self Start | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-speed, Constant Mesh | 5-speed manual |
