Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: A Stylish and Powerful Motorcycle | Review

The Hero Xtreme 160R always had its charms—an appealing design, a solid chassis, and lively performance within city limits. However, it had its shortcomings too. The engine would struggle beyond 80kph, and it didn’t quite possess the same sense of uniqueness as some of its rivals. But now, with the introduction of the new 4V model, Hero aims to address all those concerns and more.

Design and features of the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V:

Hero has taken this opportunity to subtly enhance the design. The fuel tank area now boasts more aggressively angled plastics, while the headlamp sits a tad lower on the USD variant. With its split seats, this motorcycle exudes a muscular and sizable presence for its capacity.

Moreover, the new switchgear feels noticeably superior to its predecessor, lending the bike a touch of sophistication. Personally, I find the funky neon color theme on our bike quite appealing, though opinions on this may vary. For those seeking something more understated, there are other tastefully muted color schemes available.

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V comes in three variants—Standard, Connected, and Pro. Strangely enough, the USD fork is only offered on the Pro version. However, if you desire all the Bluetooth-enabled connected features, including geo-fencing and navigation alerts, you can only avail of them with the mid-spec model.

Engine and performance of the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V:

Let’s dive into the heart of the matter—the new engine. And boy, is it truly new! Hero informs us that this isn’t just about a new 4-valve head and an oil cooler. In fact, even the block, crankcases, and gearbox have undergone comprehensive revisions, boasting fresh ratios. All these efforts result in an output of 16.9hp at 8,500rpm—an impressive 1.7hp gain over its predecessor. According to Hero, the new gear ratios enable the bike to accelerate more vigorously while maintaining a similar top speed as before.

In fact, Hero claims this is the fastest-accelerating bike in its segment. Although we’ll have to verify this claim firsthand, there’s no denying that it feels like one of the swifter bikes in its class. The 0-60 sprint feels brisk, and unlike its predecessor, this one pulls more convincingly, seemingly reaching 100kph in a jiffy. The top speed hovers around 120-125kph, as indicated.

What truly impresses me about this engine is its tractability. No matter which gear you’re in, a twist of the throttle yields meaningful acceleration. Even in 4th gear, at a mere 25kph on an incline, the engine remains eager to build speed. This character makes it immensely enjoyable to navigate through the city. While it may not match the astonishing refinement of the Bajaj Pulsar N160, the Xtreme 160R 4V still offers commendable refinement, ensuring you won’t have much to complain about. The 5-speed gearbox can be a tad clunky at times, but overall, it gets the job done—neither outstanding nor terrible.

Ride and handling of the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V:

The Xtreme 160R has always been a nimble, lightweight delight to handle, and that hasn’t changed, for the most part. The top version equipped with the USD fork now weighs 145kg compared to the previous 139.5kg, yet it remains one of the lightest bikes in its class. Besides its attractive aesthetics, the USD fork brings improvements in front-end rigidity and stability, though a back-to-back ride with the standard telescopic fork version would provide definitive insights.

Hero has dialed back the suspension slightly to enhance comfort. While it still offers an entertaining ride, it feels a touch more cushiony and less communicative at the limits. When you really push it hard, the footpegs will scrape the ground without much effort. But considering the intended purpose of this bike, it’s undeniably a fun little machine. I do recall the Bajaj Pulsar N160 feeling more taut and reassuring in the corners, but let’s be honest, most customers won’t place much importance on that aspect.

What truly matters to them is the bike’s comfort, and there’s good news on that front. The suspension provides a comfortable ride for the most part, though it can feel a tad soft if you encounter a substantial bump with force. The new split seats are generously padded, offering a plush and cozy experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to try out the single seat. Generally speaking, the bike adeptly soaks up bumps, and the riding position is comfortable even for larger riders, with just a hint of a sporty lean toward the handlebar.

Overall, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V presents a compelling package that seeks to address the previous model’s limitations. With its revamped design, improved features, and enhanced engine performance, this motorcycle aims to win over riders seeking a combination of style, agility, and power.

The redesigned elements, such as the angular plastics around the fuel tank and the lower-mounted headlamp on the USD variant, lend the Xtreme 160R 4V a more aggressive and muscular appearance. The upgraded switchgear adds a touch of sophistication and quality to the overall feel of the bike. While opinions may differ, I must say that the funky neon color theme on our bike brings an appealing flair. However, for those preferring a more subdued look, there are other tasteful color options available.

When it comes to performance, the new engine truly stands out. Hero has invested in significant improvements beyond just a 4-valve head and an oil cooler. The revamped block, crankcases, and gearbox, featuring new ratios, contribute to a power output of 16.9hp at 8,500rpm. This represents a substantial 1.7hp increase compared to its predecessor. Hero’s claims of improved acceleration and a similar top speed are supported by a more dynamic riding experience. The Xtreme 160R 4V feels impressively agile, swiftly reaching 100kph and offering a top speed of around 120-125kph.

One of the engine’s most likable aspects is its tractability, providing meaningful acceleration across various gears and speed ranges. Whether you’re cruising at 25kph in 4th gear or zipping through the city streets, the engine responds eagerly. While it may not match the Bajaj Pulsar N160 in terms of refinement, the Xtreme 160R 4V maintains a satisfactory level of smoothness. The 5-speed gearbox, while occasionally clunky, performs adequately, serving its purpose without major drawbacks.

As for ride and handling, the Xtreme 160R 4V continues to excel. Retaining its lightweight and nimble nature, it offers an enjoyable experience on the road. The introduction of the USD fork in the top version enhances front-end rigidity and stability, further improving the bike’s agility. Although a direct comparison with the standard telescopic fork version is necessary to assess the full extent of these enhancements, the overall ride quality remains pleasing.

Hero has made slight adjustments to the suspension to enhance comfort, resulting in a slightly softer feel. While this sacrifices some of the bike’s communicative feedback at its limits, most riders will appreciate the improved ride quality. It handles bumps with ease, with the suspension adequately absorbing the impact. The generously padded split seats contribute to overall comfort, ensuring a pleasant riding experience. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to test the single-seat option, the bike’s accommodating nature suggests that it would be equally comfortable.

In conclusion, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V presents a well-rounded package. Its redesigned aesthetics, improved features, enhanced engine performance, and agile handling make it a worthy contender in its segment. Whether you’re seeking a stylish city companion or a spirited ride on winding roads, this motorcycle offers an enticing blend of comfort, performance, and character. Hero has certainly addressed the shortcomings of its predecessor, making the Xtreme 160R 4V a commendable choice for riders in search of a thrilling yet practical two-wheeled companion.

Also, Read: “Essential Tips for Enjoyable Solo Motorcycle Travel” & “Top 10 Best Sports Bikes in India“

Xtreme 160R 4V – SPECIFICATIONS: