Chances are that this is the 2023 Xtreme 200R which may get a more premium image with better features like oil cooling and inverted forks…
Looks like the upside-down front forks feature is trending and we have smaller motorcycles adorning them. In fact, some makers have started offering them on mass-selling smaller capacity products – with the latest being the 2023 Pulsar NS160.
So, then Hero MotoCorp is readying its version of a motorcycle with upside-down front forks as well. A test mule that looks very close to the existing Xtreme 160R has been snapped testing fully camouflaged. While the source (and some other portals) are clear that this is the new, upcoming version of the Hero’s 160cc naked, I notice something near that engine area that looks to me as the oil cooler.
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Now the 160R is not offered with oil cooling but the Hero’s 200s are. That presents an idea that this could be the bigger Xtreme 200R which can get the newer 4-valve 200cc engine from the Xpulse and others. And Hero can present those upside-down front forks as the bike’s main USP upon its return (if it is coming to our market as well and is not an export-only model).
Chances of the 160R getting oil-cooling as well as upside-down front forks are slim as it will definitely increase the eventual retail price of the motorcycle which Hero may not want to do.
So, I am fairly confident that this is the more premium 2023 Xtreme 200R that will get better features and can be presented with a difference against the smaller 160R. Launch could happen this year…