Hero Xtreme 160R 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar NS160: Which Bike Wins?

The recently launched Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Combat Edition is the most feature-packed variant in the Xtreme 160R lineup. It goes up against the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, and here we have done a detailed comparison of the specifications of both the bikes to see which one offers more value-for-money.

Engine

Both bikes are somewhat similar in terms of performance, but the character is quite different. The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V should be a lot more engaging when riding in city traffic, due to the torque being produced at a lower rev range.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160, is a lot more sporty producing most of its power and torque at a higher rev range. This should make it more suited to spirited riding and having fun on the twisties.

Underpinnings

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V has a 7-step adjustable monoshock which will allow riders to tune the suspension preload according to their weight for a more comfortable riding quality.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has slightly bigger disc brakes at both ends, which should help in improving braking power.

Dimensions

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V has a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. This will help make the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V a lot more nimble when riding in city traffic, where constant direction changes are required. The bike is also significantly lighter by 6kg, which should make it easy to move around in the parking lot.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160, with its longer wheelbase, should feel a lot more stable when riding at higher speeds. The bike is slightly heavier, and this will be felt when moving it around. But where the Pulsar NS160 shines is in its higher ground clearance which will make it easier to handle potholes, bumps and other issues on the road

Features

The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 has a negatively lit-LCD console, which looks decent and has all the essential connected features. It also gets 3 ABS Modes: Road, Rain and Off-Road, each with different levels of ABS intervention. 

The Off-road mode has the least intrusive ABS, whereas the Rain mode has the highest. The Road mode is between the two. That said, even with these features the Bajaj Pulsar doesn’t give that premium feel that one expects from a bike in its segment. 

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Cruise Control variant with the new colour-LCD console looks more premium. The console has a neat layout which is easy to read at a glance. The bike also gets a segment first cruise control. However, we think the cruise control feature is a bit impractical in the real world, as most highway roads are packed with traffic and riders will be forced to constantly modulate their speeds.

Price & Verdict 

There’s a massive Rs 13,929 price difference between the two models. Even though it is so much cheaper, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is able to tick all the right boxes and is a real value for money proposition. The bike has slightly better performance, and also all the essential features. If you’re someone who is looking for a sporty 160cc streetfighter for your daily commutes then the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 is the clear choice.

But if you’re someone who wants something that feels a bit more upmarket, and are okay with paying the premium, then the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is the bike for you. It has decent performance and tons of features which we rarely see in a 160cc motorcycle. The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V also goes up against the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V TFT variant. We had done a similar comparison with it earlier to see which bike has more to offer.