The Legendary Hero Honda CBZ Now With ‘Xtreme’ Performance
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Not many know that in 1999, when Hero Honda launched CBZ; India’s first sports oriented four stroke bike, it was called revolution on Indian bikes. Known for its raw power and quick acceleration, it sported original Honda 156.8cc engine. It created another level, another segment on its own; the 150cc segment.
But it had left behind many exciting fans who were mad about the word ‘CBZ’. Eight years on the line when the CBZ Xtreme came, you could have guessed that the company was looking at recreating the CBZ magic. Though the new age CBZ does combine power with adequate styling yet it faces toughest level of competition any bike in its segment ever faced.
The Bajaj Pulsar is still dominating the sales figures. Yamaha and Suzuki have introduced attractive rivals in its segment. The launch of TVS Apache RTR range almost killed it. Yet alone from outside, it fights itself with its inside competitors also like the Hero Honda Achiever and the Hunk.
Running out of options, the company finally upgraded the bike though it is only a paint and sticker job. But what does the CBZ Xtreme have in itself to distinguish apart from other bikes?
Standing high at 1145mm and weighing about 142 kg, it produces 14.5bhp of raw power and 12.80Nm of torque. The 149.2cc engine is the same as on Achiever and Hunk. It can clog 0-60kmph in 5 seconds and records top speed of 110 kmph. The bike excels well in maneuvering and handling department. The bike looks pretty descent in looks as well.
Leading from the rear are the L.E.D. Tail lamps. Infact It is 2nd bike in India (after Bajaj pulsar) to have some. LED or Light Emitting Diodes are known to be safer than the conventional bulb lamps on the fact that they can be seen from a farther distance. Moreover it needs zero maintenance. Next in the line is the rears Split grab Rails. Besides aiding in better aerodynamics it helps pillion in better sitting position.
The new age CBZ Xtreme sports an asymmetric instrument panel with carbon matte finish. Though tachometer has been provided but absence of a LCD Digital speedometer is a sure let down. The pillion seating position is well raised. Braking is quite accurate with 240mm front Disc. Multi reflector headlamp with chrome trims separates it from the pilot lamp. Clear lens indicator helps to keep the bike younger. Dual tone rear cowl with body colored matt black alloy wheels is sure to grab attention of anyone and everyone.
Though this bike may please most of the CBZ fan’s community, but it needs some serious upgradation (cosmetics upgrade would not always serve the purpose) in order to catch up with its competitors. We just hope Hero Honda people also try living off the edge and come up with something exciting.
- Varun
Related posts:
- New CBZ Xtreme from Hero Honda
- New CBZ Xtreme ATFT in Black & Red
- Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme Review
- CBZ X-TREME Ownership Review by Pavan Reddy
9 comments
Anil on June 10, 2009 at 12:24 pm
HI! Deepak,
i personally like analog meters more than the digital once. I love to see those both(speedo and techo)meters in same angle while i ride. what do you say
fas on June 10, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Hero Honda is off the edge long time back with its stupid styling upgrades and stuff. They really need to get their act together. Selling the most number of bikes does not make you the best bike manufacturer.
Balu on June 22, 2009 at 10:04 am
14.5 BHP of raw power? you must be kidding me.
mohammed khan on August 10, 2009 at 7:06 pm
ilove so much this bike iwant to buy this bike , i thankhs to heri honda motors who discoverd this bike
Lalit on November 19, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Well, nice review but the raw power is 14.2bhp not 14.5 bhp
take care.
Microman on December 24, 2009 at 12:48 pm
The original CBZ is a legend today and it has some very good reasons for this. High quality construction, flawless acceleration, unbelievably plush suspension and ofcourse a silent engine even after 50 thousand Kilometers. Honda truly gave us a masterpiece but the economy minded brigade condemned it as old and stagnant. I am confident that even today a well maintained CBZ can show a clean pair of heels to the non-technical soothsayers.
prajith on December 27, 2009 at 7:34 am
am going to buy the new cbz xtreme . can r advice pls ……….. hunk or cbz xtreme ……..?
ps on April 2, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Is it worth buying this bike ? any upgradations coming in ..like digital speedometer?
Debayan on June 9, 2010 at 3:53 pm
does this bike have tubeless tyres or the general ones?
.. no reviews of this bike had a mention of it..