Hero Motocorp new Xtreme Sports has finally arrived, replacing the earlier version, which was designed during the Honda’s influence in the company. The Xtreme Sports is a completely new product which is based on Hero’s ATFT technology. On the other hand, the half blood sibling of Xtreme i.e. Honda CB Trigger is already struggling in the market to overcome the mistakes, which its predecessor i.e. Dazzler did. Now, when both the bikes were compared, many similar concepts exposed, but we are here to look at the differences in them. So, here is a brief comparison review.
Styling
Both the bikes are designed on the similar aspect, yet they have a good number of differences. The Trigger looks conventionally made and has a good appeal. The seats are comfortable, but not at all stylish. It’s an ordinary flat seat shape which doesn’t appeal much. Fuel tank of this bike is swollen and makes a good impact over styling issues. The curved 6 spoke alloy wheels are also nice and look progressive. The lack of saree guard makes this bike look easy, yet balanced.
On the other hand, Xtreme has got a new design which resembles to the earlier variant. Still, the bike looks fresh, it’s better in terms of style. The Xtreme has a long seat which is spreading from the fuel tank’s upper to the tail flash. Seat is not split, as the earlier custom, but it is positioned low for the rider and high for the pillion. The handlebar is now replaced by dual separately fitted bars over the dash. The fuel tank has got an embossed “Xtreme” emblem which is crafted in style and it looks aggressive. Spoke wheels doesn’t feel new as they are not so.
Performance
Both the bikes are powered by the same engine. Both of them are Honda sourced, 149 CC machines which develop 12.8 Nm of Torque. The power figures for Xtreme Sports have been altered to deliver more power. It delivers 14.4 BHP, which is slightly higher than the Trigger’s 14 BHP. This doesn’t really feels in the real scenario that any of the two is lagging but for enthusiasts, it does make a force on the forehead in terms of Honda.
Apart from on-paper data, the story looks different from the real world scenarios,as the Honda CB Trigger feels more stable and balanced, thanks to its mono-shock suspension. It is a more fun-to-ride bike. However, both bikes perform well within city limits.
Handling
Handling is the major objective of Honda CB Trigger. The mono-shock suspension and comfortable posture makes it extra fun to ride. The highway manners and on road stability is one the solid components of this bike. On the other hand, Xtreme’s low sitting endows a bit of confidence. The wider rear tyre does leave its effect of stability and punch over the roads. The new gas charged suspension feels better than before, but not as good as trigger’s.
Verdict
The final verdict depends upon one’s personal choice. However, as far as the core engineering is concerned, Honda definitely has a point extra for reliability and stability. Hero has made good changes to its long runner with some ultra new concepts for the segment like engine immobilizer, side stand warning, etc. Both bikes match very closely to each other, but if you want a bike with a good number of features, reliability and maintenance free ownership, then choosing the Xtreme will be the final step, and if you consider highway manners and wants to play around corners, then the CB trigger would be the best among two.