Let's delve deeper into what makes this motorcycle special.
Top 5 Highlights of the Hero Xtreme 160R Article:
- Powerful Engine & Performance: A new 163cc engine with 16.6hp and 14.6Nm torque offers quick acceleration and a smooth ride.
- Improved Handling: 37mm USD forks (Pro variant) enhance stability and confidence, especially in corners.
- Comfortable & Stylish Design: Upright riding position, wide handlebars, and sharp design provide comfort and eye-catching aesthetics.
- Good Fuel Efficiency: Delivers 47-52 kmpl mileage, making it ideal for daily commutes.
- Affordable Options: Three variants (Standard, Connected, Pro) cater to different needs and budgets, starting at Rs 1.27 lakh.
The Hero Xtreme Launch and Release
The Hero Xtreme 160R made its debut in February 2020, stealing the show at the Hero World 2020 event with the manufacturer's bold 1R concept featuring an upside-down suspension setup at the front and a mono-shock setup at the rear, bringing its futuristic design and impressive performance to life.
On June 14th, Hero MotoCorp unleashed the revamped Xtreme 160R 4V, shaking up the competitive 160cc segment. This beast boasts a smoother, more powerful 163cc engine (16.6 hp, 14.6 Nm) for effortless acceleration and thrilling rides.
Craving precision handling?
The all-new 37mm upside-down (USD) forks deliver exceptional feedback and a sportier edge. Confident stopping power comes courtesy of petal disc brakes (276mm front, 220mm rear), while the revamped ergonomics ensure a dynamic, comfortable riding posture.
With its aggressive styling, peppy engine, and modern features, the Xtreme 160R quickly captured the attention of riders seeking a stylish and capable everyday companion.
Design and Features: A Sharper, Tech-Savvy and Bolder Ride Now
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V gets a muscular makeover in 2023, adding a touch of aggression to its street-focused persona. Sharper lines and bolder design elements dominate the new look, inspired by the strength and stance of a bull.
Key Visual Upgrades:
- Lowered Headlight: A more menacing look with additional side cladding for enhanced visual impact.
- Sculpted Fuel Tank with 3D Emblem: A raised section around the filler cap adds muscularity, echoing the bull design theme. The 3D Emblem adds more muscle to the already muscular look, along with enhanced styling and graphics.
- Belly Shroud: The stylish belly shroud protects your engine from possible damage.
- Split Seat Design: New split seat option (standard on the Pro variant) with a colour-matched pillion section for added style and comfort.
- External Grab Rail: The external grab rail always makes it super comfortable for the pillion rider.
Additional Features:
- New Switchgear: Improved ergonomics and functionality for intuitive control.
- Revised LED Headlight: Enhanced visibility and a distinctive daytime running light.
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels: Sleek and sporty, wrapped in grippy tubeless tyres.
- All-LED Lighting: Modern and efficient, including position lamps, turn signals, and taillight.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Clear and informative readouts for all essential riding data.
The top-of-the-line Xtreme 160R 4V Pro boasts features to enhance your ride. Its Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster displays essential information, incoming calls/messages, and even your phone's battery level when paired.
The full Connect 2.0 suite (navigation, remote diagnostics), is exclusively available in the "Connected" variant.
Engine and Performance: Powerful Engine, Smooth Ride, Sharper Handling
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V boasts a new, oil-cooled 163cc engine delivering 16.6hp and 14.6Nm torque, making it one of the most potent bikes in its class. This translates to quick acceleration (0-60kmph in 5 seconds) and a refined, smooth ride even at higher speeds. The upgraded 5-speed gearbox ensures flawless gear shifts.
Key highlights:
- Powerful & Refined Engine: Delivers impressive performance and remains smooth up to 7,000rpm.
- Improved Handling: New 37mm USD forks (on the Pro variant) offer responsive and confident handling, especially in corners.
- Comfortable Riding Position: Upright posture with wide handlebars provide control and comfort.
- Fuel Efficient: Delivers 47-52 kmpl mileage, ideal for daily commutes and long rides.
Some areas for improvement:
- Limited Braking Performance: Single-channel ABS might not be sufficient for all riders.
- Slight Weight Increase: New features add a few kilos compared to the previous model.
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V offers a compelling package for riders seeking a powerful, refined, and comfortable commuter motorcycle with improved handling. While a few areas for improvement exist, its overall performance and value proposition make it a strong contender in the 160cc segment.
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Variant Breakdown for Every Rider
The 2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V caters to diverse needs with three distinct variants: Standard, Connected, and Pro. Here's a quick breakdown:
Standard: Starting at Rs 1.27 lakh, the budget-friendly option offers essential features like a 37mm telescopic fork, mono-shock, single-channel ABS, and full LED lighting. Choose between Blazing Sports Red and Matte Slate Black.
Connected: Priced at around Rs 1.33 lakh, this tech-savvy variant adds Hero's 25 telematics features like remote immobilisation and vehicle tracking via a Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster. Available only in Matte Slate Black.
Pro: The top-of-the-line option at Rs 1.36 lakh boasts premium features like a 37mm KYB USD fork, dual-tone colours, and an optional split-seat setup. Choose between Matte Slate Black and Neon Shooting Star.
For value-conscious riders: Opt for the Standard, offering core functionality at an attractive price.
For tech enthusiasts: Upgrade to the Connected variant for added convenience and peace of mind.
For performance seekers: Indulge in the Pro variant for its premium features and sporty appeal.
Xtreme 160R Maintenance Explained: Free Services, Paid Costs & More
Here is a breakdown of the maintenance costs:
Free Services:
All Hero bikes, including the Xtreme 160R, come with 5 free services. These cover labor charges and service washing, but you'll pay for engine oil (approx. ₹325) and oil filter (approx. ₹70).
First free service: Within 2 months or first 500km.
Remaining 4: Within 3 months or subsequent 3000km intervals.
Paid Services (After Free Services):
- Service Charge: ₹400
- Engine Oil: ₹325
- Oil Filter: ₹70
- Total Cost: ₹795
Additional Maintenance Costs:
- Air Cleaner Element: Replace every 15,000km or sooner in dusty areas (cost varies).
- Engine Oil: Replace every 6,000km, top up as needed.
- Front Fork Oil: Replace every 2 years or 30,000km (cost varies).
- Brake Fluid: Replace every 2 years or 30,000km (cost varies).
- Drive Chain: Inspect, clean, lubricate, and adjust every 1,000km at an authorized Hero workshop.
Service costs are the same for all Xtreme 160R variants (Standard, Connected, and Pro).
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V: Exhilarating Ride, Improved Handling, Minor Tweaks Needed
Thrilling Performance:
- Smoother, Spirited Engine: Experience a significant performance boost with the new 163cc engine, delivering effortless cruising even at low speeds and smooth gear shifts via the 5-speed gearbox.
- Sharper Handling: The 37mm upside-down forks (Pro variant) enhance stability and confidence, especially in corners. Adjustable mono-shock ensures a plush ride even on bumpy roads.
- Exciting City & Highway Cruising: Navigate city traffic with ease or hit the highway for exhilarating rides thanks to the bike's overall capabilities.
Areas for Improvement:
- Braking: Single-channel ABS might be insufficient for some riders. Optional dual-channel ABS could be a welcome addition.
- Connected Features: Limited availability of connected features across variants. Expanding options would cater to a wider audience.
Detailed Look:
- Ride & Handling: The 160R 4V delivers a comfortable, yet sporty ride. USD forks (Pro variant) provide superior front-end feel and stability, while the mono-shock absorbs bumps effectively.
- Engine & Gearbox: The new engine offers improved refinement and performance, evident in smooth gear shifts and effortless cruising.
- Comfort & Ergonomics: The upright riding position and wide handlebars ensure comfort for riders of various heights.
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V offers a compelling package for riders seeking a fun, comfortable, and easy-to-handle commuter motorcycle. While minor improvements in braking and connected features could enhance its appeal,
Hero Xtreme 160R: Its Pros and Cons
The Hero Xtreme 160R has carved a niche as a competent city commuter, but does it live up to its sporty looks on the open road? Let's delve into its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Comfy Cruiser: The 160R shines in urban environments. Its excellent suspension effortlessly absorbs bumps and potholes, ensuring a smooth, comfortable ride.
- Punchy Performance: The refined two-valve engine delivers its peak power between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm, translating to zippy acceleration perfect for navigating city traffic. This peppy performance makes manoeuvring and overtaking a breeze.
- Agile Handling: The Xtreme 160R feels light and nimble, making it a joy to handle in tight spaces. This lightweight manoeuvrability shines in congested cityscapes, allowing you to filter through traffic with ease.
- First-in-Class Full-LED Lighting: Stand out from the crowd with the stylish and efficient full-LED lighting package, a unique feature in its segment.
- Striking Design: Hero's design team gave the Xtreme 160R a sharp and edgy appearance that turns heads on the street. Its bold visuals reflect its sporty intentions.
- Refined Engine: The engine feels remarkably smooth and polished, even compared to competitors in its class. This refinement contributes to a pleasant riding experience.
Cons:
- Highway Holdbacks: While peppy in the city, the 160R struggles at higher speeds. Reaching and maintaining triple-digit speeds takes time and effort, limiting its appeal for highway enthusiasts.
- Missing Features: The instrument cluster feels basic, lacking essential information like gear position and range indicator. These omissions might inconvenience riders who value detailed ride data.
- Seat Comfort: The plush seat initially feels comfortable, but its softness can lead to discomfort on longer journeys. Consider aftermarket options if you plan extended rides.
The Hero Xtreme 160R excels as a city commuter, offering a comfortable, agile, and stylish ride with punchy performance. However, its limited top speed and basic instrument cluster might hold it back for highway riders or those seeking more comprehensive data.
Popular Opinion: Ownership Reviews From Customers
The Hero Xtreme 160R is a popular 160cc motorcycle praised for its sporty design, good mileage, and peppy performance. Riders enjoy its quick acceleration, comfortable handling, and LED lighting. However, some mention a slightly uncomfortable pillion seat and concerns about fiber quality.
Pros:
- Stylish design: Head-turning looks and aggressive aesthetic.
- Good mileage: Delivers 47-52 km, ideal for daily commutes.
- Powerful engine: Offers impressive 0-60kmph acceleration in 5 seconds.
- Smooth ride: Comfortable handling and minimal vibrations at moderate speeds.
- Modern features: Fully digital instrument cluster and LED lighting.
Cons:
- Pillion comfort: A short seat might be uncomfortable for long rides.
- Saree guard without footrest: Inconsistent feature for pillions.
- Fiber quality concerns: Some users report issues with cheap plastic parts.
- Limited braking: Single-channel ABS might not be enough for everyone.
Verdict
Overall, the Hero Xtreme 160R is a compelling option for riders seeking a stylish and sporty commuter motorcycle with good performance and fuel efficiency. Consider potential pillion comfort limitations and reported fiber quality concerns before making a decision.