All-new Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 200R vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 vs TVS Apache RTR 200: Motorcycle Comparison

Hero MotoCorp showcased the new Xtreme 200R yesterday and this motorcycle will lock horns with the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 and the TVS Apache RTR 200. Although the company will announce the pricing structure by March or April, here’s a quick spec comparo of the three motorcycles in terms of specs and features.

Design and Dimensions

The new 200cc Xtreme is the longest bike here but also the narrowest and the lowest. The motorcycle does not look unique or segment best when it comes to the design and the company has adopted a ‘safe’ design language in order to suit all kind of buyers. It even sports a single seat as compared to dual set-up for the other two bikes.

Hero MotoCorp is very strong in semi-urban and rural markets, and this explains the relatively sober design of the Xtreme 200R. We still feel the Apache RTR 200 looks the best motorcycle of the lot.

All three bikes ride on 130mm wide rear tyres. However in terms of front tyres, while the NS 200 and Xtreme 200R come with a 100mm wide tyre, the RTR 200 does with a thinner 90mm one.

Engine and Transmission

All three motorcycles sport a single cylinder configuration. While the 200 NS and Xtreme 200R get liquid and oil cooling respectively, the Hero Xtreme 200R does with a simpler set-up and is air-cooled. Further, the engine gets 2 valves as compared to 4 for the Bajaj and TVS offering. This conventional set-up also hints at a very aggressive sticker price.

The bike also produces the least amount of power and torque though it develops the same at a lower rpm. This characteristic benefits during city riding when the rider doesn’t have to wring the throttle for overtaking maneuvers. The Pulsar NS 200 has an edge by offering a 6-speed transmission as compared to 5-speed for the Xtreme and the RTR 200.

Features

All three motorcycles come with front and rear disc brakes, alloy wheels and LED pilot lights. ABS is optional on both the Xtreme 200R and the NS 200 but surprisingly not on the RTR 200 yet. In terms of instrumentation, we love the RTR 200’s console, followed by the NS 200 and then the Xtreme 200R.

Pricing

The TVS Apache RTR 200 range is priced from just under Rs 94,000 for the carb version which undercuts the NS 200 by a small margin. Going by the conventional design, lack of features and lack of modern tech in the engine, its safe to assume that the Xtreme 200R will carry an aggressive sticker price, most probably under Rs 85,000. This will make it the most affordable 200cc motorcycle in the market, easily luring buyers into Hero MotoCorp showrooms.