Hero Xtreme 160R

The heart of the Xtreme 160R is its 163.2cc, air-and-oil-cooled, 4-valve engine, which is a notable update over its previous 2-valve iteration. This motor produces a respectable 16.9 PS of power at 8500 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, mated to a 5-speed transmission. While these figures are competitive, they don't solely define the motorcycle's character. Its primary performance advantage stems from its low kerb weight of approximately 145 kg. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of 116.5 PS per tonne, enabling brisk acceleration from a standstill, which is highly beneficial for navigating dense urban traffic. 

The throttle response is immediate and linear, making gap-shooting an intuitive affair. In city conditions, the engine feels tractable and responsive, with a strong low-to-mid-range pull that minimises the need for frequent gear changes. On the highway, the Xtreme 160R can comfortably cruise between 80-90 km/h. Pushing beyond 100 km/h reveals some vibrations creeping in through the handlebars and footpegs, indicating the engine's operational ceiling. In terms of fuel efficiency, real-world testing indicates figures between 45-50 km/l, a practical number for a daily commuter in this performance bracket.

The rider ergonomics on the Xtreme 160R are engineered for a blend of sporty engagement and commuter comfort. The riding posture is slightly committed, with a gentle forward lean to the flat handlebar, but it remains upright enough to prevent fatigue during daily commutes. The seat height of 795 mm makes the motorcycle accessible to a wide range of riders, allowing most to place their feet firmly on the ground. The motorcycle is available with both a single-piece seat and a sportier split-seat configuration depending on the variant. The seat cushioning is firm, offering good support for short-to-medium duration rides, but it might feel unyielding on journeys exceeding two hours. 

Pillion comfort is adequate for short city hops, with an acceptable seat size and well-positioned grab rails. However, the compact tail section means it is not ideal for long-distance pillion travel. For a naked streetfighter, luggage mounting options are limited, as is standard for the category. Engine heat management is efficient, with the air-and-oil-cooling system preventing excessive heat from reaching the rider’s legs, even in stop-and-go traffic—a crucial factor for Indian riding conditions.

The Xtreme 160R is built on a lightweight tubular diamond frame, which is central to its dynamic capabilities. The higher-spec 'Pro' variant comes equipped with 37mm KYB upside-down (USD) front forks, while the standard variants use conventional telescopic forks. At the rear, all models feature a 7-step preload-adjustable monoshock. This suspension setup is tuned for a firm yet compliant ride. It effectively absorbs minor road imperfections and undulations without feeling overly stiff, striking a fine balance between comfort and stability. The motorcycle’s standout feature is its agility. The combination of the low kerb weight, sharp rake angle, and a compact wheelbase allows it to change direction with minimal rider input, making it an exceptionally nimble machine in congested city environments. 

Cornering stability is commendable for its class, providing enough confidence for spirited riding on winding roads. Braking duties are handled by a 276mm petal disc at the front and a 220mm petal disc at the rear. The system provides adequate stopping power with decent feedback at the lever. However, the motorcycle is equipped only with a single-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a notable point of contention when key rivals like the Bajaj Pulsar N160 offer dual-channel ABS as a standard fitment.

Hero has adopted an aggressive, minimalist design language for the Xtreme 160R. The styling is dominated by sharp lines, a muscular fuel tank with integrated shrouds, and a compact, high-mounted tail section. The all-LED lighting package, which includes a distinctively shaped headlamp, sleek indicators, and an H-shaped tail lamp, gives the motorcycle a modern and premium identity. The instrument cluster is a negative-backlit LCD unit that displays essential information like a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, and a gear position indicator. While functional, the display is relatively small and can feel cluttered compared to the larger TFT screens offered by some competitors. 

On the features front, the Xtreme 160R is equipped with Hero’s Connect 2.0 platform on higher variants. This enables Bluetooth connectivity with a smartphone, providing access to practical functions like turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and geo-fencing. A USB charging port is also conveniently located under the handlebar, allowing riders to charge devices on the move. These features add a layer of modern convenience that is increasingly becoming a standard expectation in this segment.

The primary safety feature on the Hero Xtreme 160R is its single-channel ABS, which operates on the front wheel. This system prevents the front wheel from locking up during emergency braking, thereby helping the rider maintain steering control and reducing the risk of a fall. While effective for its intended purpose, the absence of a dual-channel ABS option is a significant omission. Competitors in the same price bracket have begun to offer dual-channel ABS, which also prevents rear-wheel lock-up and subsequent skidding, providing a superior safety net, especially on wet or loose surfaces. 

Beyond the ABS, the motorcycle is equipped with a side-stand engine cut-off switch, a mandatory safety feature that prevents the rider from moving with the stand deployed. The all-LED lighting system plays a crucial role in active safety, offering excellent illumination of the road ahead and making the motorcycle highly visible to other road users at night. The braking hardware itself provides confident stopping power in dry conditions, but the lack of dual-channel ABS means riders must exercise greater caution during panic braking manoeuvres compared to some of its better-equipped rivals.

The 160cc segment is fiercely contested, and the Xtreme 160R faces several established adversaries.

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V:

Often considered the benchmark, the Apache RTR 160 4V offers a slightly more powerful engine and a more comprehensive feature list, including riding modes and a sophisticated SmartXonnect system with detailed ride analytics. Its key differentiator is its race-honed chassis and technology package, appealing to performance-oriented buyers.

Bajaj Pulsar N160:

The Pulsar N160’s unique selling proposition is safety. It is the only motorcycle in this class to offer dual-channel ABS as standard, giving it a definitive edge in braking performance and rider confidence. Its engine is also known for exceptional refinement and tractability, making it a very smooth city commuter.

Suzuki Gixxer 155:

While down on power compared to the Xtreme 160R, the Suzuki Gixxer’s reputation is built on its superb chassis and impeccable handling dynamics. It offers a fluid and engaging riding experience that appeals to purists who prioritise feel and feedback over raw specifications and electronic features.

Who should buy it?

This motorcycle is ideal for the urban commuter who prioritises lightweight agility, sharp styling, and a peppy engine for city traffic. Its low weight makes it incredibly easy to manage, and its feature set is practical for daily use.

Who should skip it?

Riders who prioritise outright safety and highway performance should consider alternatives. The lack of dual-channel ABS is a significant drawback, and those seeking better high-speed stability might find the Bajaj Pulsar N160 or TVS Apache RTR 160 4V more suitable.