Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

The 160cc segment in India is very competitive, blending sporty performance with daily usability, and the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is Hero MotoCorp’s sharpest attempt at making a mark here. With the addition of a 4-valve head, revised styling elements, and a new inverted fork, the Xtreme 160R 4V aims to deliver a more dynamic riding experience while still retaining the commuter-friendly DNA that they are known for. But how well does it stack up against its rivals? I did spend quite a lot of time riding the motorcycle in different conditions and here is a detailed report on the experience.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Design

The Xtreme 160R 4V gets a muscular streetfighter stance just like the older model but sharpens it further with minor but significant changes. The tank extensions are now beefier, the LED headlamp is more aggressive, it gets a golden inverted front fork, and the overall silhouette looks more compact and purposeful. The short and compact exhaust adds a sporty touch, and the exposed subframe adds to the bike’s athletic appeal. This isn’t a commuter trying to look sporty, it is a proper streetfighter now.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Colours

Hero offers the bike in bold, youthful colour schemes like Stealth Black, Neon Shooting Star, and Kevlar Brown. These vibrant options match the bike’s sporty stance and help it stand out in traffic. The neon green graphics really make the bike stand out in a crowd and catch a lot of attention.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Build Quality

The build quality has improved when you compare it to the previous-gen model. The paint finish is good, the plastics feel durable, and panel gaps are minimal. The switches are also tactile, and nothing feels flimsy or out of place. While it may not match the premium feel of some competitors, it is more than acceptable for the price point it is being offered at.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Convenience Features

The bike gets a fully digital LCD instrument cluster that offers all the necessary information, including gear position, trip meters, fuel efficiency, and a clock. However, it misses out on Bluetooth connectivity, which has become increasingly common in this segment. The inclusion of hazard lights and an engine kill switch adds a practical touch. 

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Safety Features

The bike gets single-channel ABS as standard, along with a 276mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc. The braking setup works well under most conditions, but dual-channel ABS would’ve elevated its feel significantly. Additionally, the side-stand engine cut-off is a good safety feature.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Rider Comfort

The riding posture is upright yet slightly leaned over to the handlebars, offering a mix of sportiness and day-to-day usability. The seat is well-padded and positioned to offer good support, even over longer rides. The new  inverted fork setup adds to the front-end stability without compromising on comfort. Also, the seat height of 795mm makes it easily accessible to shorter riders

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Pillion Comfort

The pillion seat is usable, though it’s a bit on the smaller side because of the bikes compact proportions. It is better suited for shorter rides or light passengers. The split grab rails are easy to hold, but taller pillions might feel cramped over longer rides. 

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Engine

The 163.2cc, air/oil-cooled, 4-valve engine is a significant step up from the older 2-valve unit. It produces around 16.9PS and 14.6Nm, putting it in the same ballpark as rivals like the Apache RTR 160 4V. The refinement has improved, and the throttle response feels more lively and engaging.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: City Performance

In the city, the Xtreme 160R 4V feels peppy, quick, and light on its feet. It is responsive at low revs and builds speed without hesitation. The gear shifts are slightly clunky but the clutch action is light, making it a breeze to ride in traffic. The light kerb weight (around 146kg) makes it incredibly flickable to ride in urban conditions.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Highway Performance

Out on the highway, the bike can comfortably cruise between 80-90 km/h. It can stretch to around 110 km/h if pushed, but beyond that, it starts to feel quite strained. The engine definitely brings better top-end than before, but this is still more of a fast commuter than a touring machine.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Mileage

Real-world mileage can be around 45-50 km/l, depending on your riding style and conditions. It is quite efficient for a 160cc street bike, making it easy on your wallet in the long run. With a 12-litre tank, the bike should easily be able to do around 450kms on a full tank.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Handling

The bike is extremely agile and confidence-inspiring. Whether it’s weaving through traffic or taking on twisty roads, the Xtreme 160R 4V feels composed and eager. The inverted forks improve the front-end feel and stability, especially during hard braking or quick direction changes. 

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Tyres

It runs on MRF Zapper tubeless tyres which offer decent grip in most conditions and for the performance of the bike. The 130-section rear tyre not only looks good but also aids cornering confidence. Wet grip could be better, but I found it adequate for everyday use.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Brakes

The braking performance is decent, especially with the larger front disc. The brake lever has decent progression, and CBS works well to balance braking force. However, the lack of dual-channel ABS is still a noticeable omission and experienced riders might find the bite and progression from the brakes to be sharper.

Ride Comfort (4/5)

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Ride Quality

Ride quality is well-balanced where the suspension setup handles rough patches without feeling unstable, and the rear monoshock does a good job of absorbing road imperfections. It is slightly firm but not uncomfortable, and the improved damping gives the bike a more mature feel over varying surfaces.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Verdict

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is easily the most refined and capable iteration of the bike yet. It is a good blend of style, performance, and everyday usability in a package that’s really fun. While it still misses out on a few modern touches like Bluetooth or dual-channel ABS, the overall experience it offers is very solid. For someone looking for a stylish and engaging city bike with occasional highway duties, the Xtreme 160R 4V is now a worthy contender, especially considering the prince point as well.

Variants

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Variants

Hero is currently offering the bike in only one variant: Single Disc OBD2 (which gets inverted front forks and a single seat setup).

Price Analysis

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Price

As of now, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is priced at Rs 1,40,600 (ex-showroom). For what it offers; a 4-valve engine, sporty handling, an inverted fork, the pricing is decent and affordable.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Competition

The Xtreme 160R 4V competes against the likes of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Bajaj Pulsar N160, and the Yamaha FZ-S.