Hero Xtreme 160R 4V First Ride Review: Likes And Dislikes
Is the 4-valve engine and USD fork enough to make it the 160cc bike champion?
The Xtreme 160R is Hero MotoCorp’s player in the super competitive 160cc motorcycle segment. Now, with the Bajaj Pulsar N160, the 2023 Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Hero too has decided to revamp its bike and introduce the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. We got to experience the bike in Jaipur and here’s what we liked and disliked about the motorcycle:
LIKES
Engine
Hero has given the Xtreme 160R’s 163.2cc single-cylinder engine a 4-valve head and an oil-cooler. This has resulted in a performance bump of 1.7PS and 0.6Nm, which can be felt right from the get-go.
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V feels more energetic than before. Its acceleration now feels quicker than before, and Hero even claims that this is the quickest motorcycle in this segment to accelerate from 0-60kmph. However, we can be sure only once we get the bike for a proper road test.
Apart from outright acceleration, the Xtreme 160R 4V now also feels much more tractable than before. While the 2-valve version felt comfortable in the third gear when doing city speeds, the new bike can do similar speeds even in fifth gear. It cleanly pulled from speeds as low as 20kmph in fifth gear without any protest. This also means that the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V could be more fuel-efficient than before, at least in the city.
Ergonomics
With the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, the company has altered the ergonomics to make it feel more engaging. This has been achieved with the new seat. This is also complemented by the updated tank profile which allows you to grip the motorcycle better. So while on the previous-gen bike, you were perched “in” the bike, now you are seated “on” it, which gives you more leverage.
Handling
And the seating posture is much more enjoyable with the new KYB USD fork. The previous model was a neutral handler, and the Xtreme 160R 4V now leans a bit on the sportier side. It feels much more composed when darting through corners and despite that, its everyday usability hasn’t been compromised. The USD fork is pliant and could absorb almost all bumps and potholes. However, the monoshock could have been better at absorbing bumps, since the rear now feels a bit tossy.
Dislikes
Instrument Console
Hero MotoCorp has given a bunch of ‘smart’ features to the Xtreme 160R 4V. There are safety, map-based, and telemetric features, but all of these are app-based ones. So, things like the turn-by-turn navigation is not as intuitive as the one on the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. Furthermore, the negatively lit instrument console is barely readable in the day, and we feel Hero could have made some substantial changes on this front rather than just adding gimmicky features.
Lack Of Dual-channel ABS
Yes, adding a dual-channel ABS system adds to the overall cost, but instead of these gimmicky features, ABS at the rear would have been more useful. In fact, currently, the only bike with dual-channel ABS is the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and if the Xtreme 160R too had the same, it would have presented more options for the customers.
Price
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is now priced at Rs 1,27,300 for the STD variant, Rs 1,32,800 for the Connect variant and Rs 1,36,500 for the Pro variant. With these prices, this bike has now become quite expensive. In fact, it’s even more expensive than the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V Special Edition that packs more performance and features.
Verdict
The Hero Xtreme 160R has bridged the gap between the commute-focused bikes like the Yamaha FZ-Fi Version 3.0 and the Suzuki Gixxer, and the sporty offerings like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. With this update, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V has become sportier, but hasn’t compromised on its everyday useability. That said, the lack of dual-channel ABS and the relatively simpler feature set are the chinks in its armour.
If you are looking for a stylish 160cc motorcycle that can handle everyday duties and some spirited weekend rides, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is not a bad option. But can it now rule the 160cc motorcycle segment? Well, it definitely packs more punch to take on its rivals, but knowing if this is the best motorcycle in this segment warrants a proper comparison. So stay tuned!
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V User Reviews
- Well maintained bikeBike performance & style is top-notch with great mileage upto between 42-48km, great service network of hero with low maintenance cost and labour charges, great handling with pillion and rider seat comfort. Suspension are also good with great tyres combination. Comfortable for longer trips as well as in city.Read More
- Total honest review after 6000 kmI choose this bike for its sporty looks, power and the balanced light weight body which made it good for every day commuting (on highways) also had a really good acceleration and low end tourq for the city over takes. Pros: 1. Light weight and light handling. 2. Good low end tourq for city. 3. Looks are also stunning. 4. Comfortable in ride even if drove around 300 km a day. Cons: 1. Top end is not very well, feels under power after 75. 2. The limiter hits early each gear. 3. Build is not very reliable. 4. Mileage drops rapidly as soon as you drove a little harsh. This bike is okay for city tour and every day commuting, even though the power to weight ratio is good on paper, in every day life it isn't. Also the build quality is not very well as recently had an minor accident and the left usd broke, rim got bent. Leaving that side, it has a great acceleration till 70-80 after then the engine gets some stress. Mileage is also not a great highlight in this but ok around 35-37. So in the conclusion, I would recommend this bike only for normal usage, don't have any high hopes from this bike.Read More
- Bike all spaces and details and my own reviewThey are trusted company hero and they are owned Indian company and there bike are very pocket friendly. I am already you more hero biker and I love it and the extreme 160r 4v is very sporty and aggressive and their features is mind blowing. I love this bike and my dream bike . I ride is very good and I want to get a hero Xtreme 160r 4v and their features their sporty look and aggressive sport look and also their pillion sit is very comfortable and they very budget friendly, they are my dream bike. Yes, I love it they are fast 160cc bike in India best sporty look aggressive sporter and I want this bike best bike in 160cc to power, their duel channel ABS and full tft screen, all navigation turn by turn navigation three mode. I like this all led set up .Read More3
- Xtreme bike to have xtreme funIt was my first bike and being a hero scooter owner I know how reliable hero is and I want to gain experience so I chose xtreme 160r4v because it has good that sporty look with good enough mileage as well as it's a very good beginner friendly bike to learn So I had so much fun riding it it's power to weight ratio it's pickup, mileage every thing is very good the only problem is service even though the bike it self is so good service centre around me are not the best I face many ups and downs when it comes to service but none the less I love riding my bike and I go on Sunday rides Yes, I would definitely recommend someone this bike of they are looking for under budget bike with good milage and for having fun this bike is great to ride in city as well as highway so any begginer would enjoy this bikeRead More1 3
- Experience is too goodI own this bike since 5 months & i have to say this is the best bike in this segment all the features are so cool and the mileage also superb the breaking are good look wise i have to say that i loved it and the buying experience is seemless hastle free and quick all over you look over this bike intRead More1 2