Latest news with #HeroXtreme125R
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Explained: How does ABS work & why is government mandating it on two-wheelers
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has announced that anti-lock brakes (ABS) will be mandatory on all two-wheelers from April 1, 2026. The move aims to make two-wheelers, comprising motorcycles and scooters, safer, irrespective of the displacement. Previously, only two-wheelers with an engine capacity over 125 cc were mandated to have ABS. However, the new regulation will now include entry-level models as well. But why is ABS important? We break it down for you. Anti-lock brakes will be mandatory on all new two-wheelers irrespective of the engine displacement from July 1, 2026 Anti-lock brakes is a safety feature that ensures the wheels do not lock up during braking. This is particularly effective in emergencies and on slippery surfaces. The ABS unit is connected to the front brake mechanism (and rear brakes on higher displacement models) and uses sensors to monitor the wheel speed. (Also read: Government mandates ABS on all new two-wheelers from April 1, 2026) Entry-level two-wheelers are currently equipped with combi-braking system as standard, which will soon be upgraded to anti-lock brakes The sensors then use the ECU to control the brake pressure by applying the brakes in spurts. As a result, the wheels do not lock up, preventing the vehicle from skidding. This allows for more controlled braking and a shorter stopping distance. Anti-lock brakes are a crucial safety feature helping improve overall vehicle stability and control, and has been a major contributor towards improving road safety on two-wheelers as well as cars. Better Safety With ABS The addition of ABS to all two-wheelers will be a major contributor towards improving road safety in India. So far, two-wheelers under 125 cc get the Combi-Braking System (CBS) as standard, which applies both the front and rear brakes to ensure better balance. However, the new mandate will require all new two-wheelers to feature ABS as a standard fitment, starting from April 1 next year. Meanwhile, existing two-wheelers will be required to have ABS as standard from October 1, 2026. ABS is one of the many safety features seen on higher-capacity motorcycles. More powerful two-wheelers also come with traction control, ride-by-wire, IMU, and more Select manufacturers have begun offering ABS as an option on their 125 cc motorcycles. At present, the Hero Xtreme 125R is the most accessible motorcycle in India to get anti-lock brakes. Anti-lock brakes were first mandated in India on 125 cc and above bikes with effect from April 1, 2018. Enhanced Road Safety With ABS Two-wheeler accidents account for about 44 per cent of all road accidents in India. Data suggests that about 45 per cent of the two-wheelers sold are under 125 cc. That said, the addition of ABS will add a fairly significant cost to entry-level two-wheelers. Expect prices to go up by ₹ 5,000-7,000, depending on the model. Nevertheless, it's a step in the right direction and should help reduce two-wheeler-related accidents and fatalities in the country. If you are currently looking for a two-wheeler and your preferred model comes with ABS, then that's the variant you should go for.
India Today
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Hero Xtreme 125R long term review
Model: Hero Xtreme 125R ABSTest Started: April 2025/5124kmTenure: 6 monthsMileage this month: NA Efficiency this month: NA Firsts are always special, especially when you love what you do. So when I was handed over the keys of the Hero Xtreme 125R, my elation knew no bounds. In that moment, I knew that this motorcycle would occupy a unique spot in my heart, but that is when I reminded myself that as an automobile journalist, I have to be nonpartisan in my reviews. So let's start with the most objective part, the info. The Xtreme 125R is the entry-level model of the Xtreme family that includes the Xtreme 160R, Xtreme 160R 4V and the recently launched Xtreme 250R. It is powered by a 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 11.4bhp and 10.5Nm. Our Xtreme is in the Firestorm Red colour, which, in my opinion, is better looking than the Cobalt Blue and Stallion Black. The Xtreme's negative LCD instrument displays plenty of information, but struggles in direct sunlight. Talking about looks, I would describe the Xtreme in one word, 'polarising'. People's opinions on it are either 'this bike looks so cool' or 'it looks so weird', but one thing is certain: they notice it and ask the name of the motorcycle. I agree with the 'looks cool' crowd, as in my books, the Xtreme punches above its weight on the design front. Thanks to its split LED headlamps, muscular fuel tank and sporty muffler, it looks like a much more powerful motorcycle, and that might be done on purpose, considering the target audience is the younger audience who wants a good-looking vehicle on a tight budget. The Xtreme will be with us for the next six months, and we will tell you about every single aspect of the motorcycle, performance, handling, comfort and fuel efficiency, in detail. Specifications:Powertrain: 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylindePower: 11.4bhpTorque: 10.5NmTransmission: 5-speed manualDimensions (LxWxH): 2,009x793x1,051mmWheelbase: 1,319mm Ex-showroom price: Rs 1,00,100 (ex-showroom) Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
