Here’s All That’s New On The Updated Hero Xtreme 160R

The Hero Xtreme 160R has received a significant upgrade with the launch of its new 4V variant and it brings several important changes along with a hefty price hike. Here’s a look at everything that’s different between the two bike: 

The most significant change on the updated bike is a 163cc 4-valve engine that now gets an oil cooler. It churns out an impressive 16.9PS and 14.6Nm. That is quite an increase from the 15.2PS and 14Nm that the 2-valve air-cooled 163cc engine makes. These things said, the Apache RTR 160 4V’s 159cc engine, with 17.55PS and 14.7Nm is still the most powerful in the segment.  

The next notable difference lies in the front suspension. While the old model featured a telescopic fork in all its variants, the new Xtreme 160R 4V boasts a 37mm KYB upside-down fork for the Pro variant. While the updated engine and the USD fork should ideally result in a sportier riding experience and better stability, we fear some of the bike’s enhanced performance could be offset by the 5/6kg (depending on the variant you opt for) that the updated bike has put on. 

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While the bike’s LCD console hasn’t really been tinkered with, the Connected and Pro variants now facilitate Bluetooth connectivity, something that previously only the Stealth Edition 2.0 had. 

The final set of changes on the new Xtreme 160R 4V include a redesigned switchgear that does look more premium. Making the bike look better is a split seat that’s only present on the Pro variant. The Standard and Connected trims still make do with a more practical single piece setup. The LED headlight and body panels have both been hunkered down for a more aggressive look. Even the engine cowl is a bit larger. 

The final difference between the bikes is their pricing with the new Hero Xtreme 160R 4V being quite a bit more expensive than its predecessor. Here’s how much each trim now costs: 

With that, prices for the Standard variant have gone up by a hefty Rs 5,064. The top-spec Xtreme's price has gone up by Rs 6,492.

Overall, the new Hero Xtreme 160R 4V offers a substantial upgrade over its predecessor with its more powerful engine, improved suspension system and more modern features. That said, the hike in the price, as we talked about earlier, is a bit steeper than what we expected. 

And while we love Hero’s ‘no compromises’ approach in terms of handling for the enthusiastic buyer, the brand also has to understand that these bikes will be bought by people getting into the two-wheeler world and the same no compromise approach has to be there in terms of safety too. And after seeing how much of an effect a dual-channel ABS made in the braking distances of the Bajaj Pulsar N160, we would’ve loved the same on the Xtreme 160R 4V too, at least on the Pro variant.