Here's how the updated Hero Xtreme 160R 4V with cruise control compares against its key rivals, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V.
Published on Nov 27, 2025 07:00:00 AM
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Follow usThe Hero Xtreme 160R 4V has been updated with features like cruise control and ride-by-wire throttle, positioning it as a feature-packed motorcycle in the competitive 150-160cc segment. It faces stiff competition from the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, both of which are pretty impressive motorcycles in their own regard. Here's how they stack up on paper.
| Engine and output | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 160R 4V | Bajaj Pulsar N160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | |
| Engine | 163.2cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled | 164.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled | 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled |
| Power | 16.9hp at 8,500rpm | 16hp at 8,750rpm | 17.5hp at 9,250rpm |
| Torque | 14.6Nm at 6,500rpm | 14.65Nm at 6,750rpm | 14.7Nm at 7,500rpm |
| Weight and dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 160R 4V | Bajaj Pulsar N160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | |
| Kerb weight | 147.5kg | 152kg | 146kg |
| Seat height | 800mm | 795mm | 800mm |
| Ground clearance | 165mm | 165mm | 180mm |
| Fuel tank | 12 litres | 14 litres | 12 litres |
| Wheelbase | NA | 1,348mm | 1,357mm |
Another area where the Apache has an advantage is ground clearance. At 180mm, it offers the most clearance here, making it less stressful to tackle larger speed breakers and rough patches. Seat heights, meanwhile, are nearly identical across all three motorcycles, keeping them accessible to a wide range of riders.
| Suspension, brakes and tyres | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 160R 4V | Bajaj Pulsar N160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | |
| Front suspension | USD fork | Telescopic fork / USD fork | Telescopic fork / USD fork |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Front brake | 276mm disc | 300mm disc | 270mm disc |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc | 230mm disc | 130mm drum / 200mm disc / 240mm disc |
| Front tyre | 100/80-17 | 100/80-R17 | 90/90-17 |
| Rear tyre | 130/70-R17 | 130/70-R17 | 110/80-17 / 130/70-R17 |
The updated Hero Xtreme 160R 4V gets ride-by-wire tech that enables cruise control and three riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport), along with a colour-LCD instrument cluster and an LED headlight borrowed from the Xtreme 250R. It’s also the only motorcycle in this comparison to offer cruise control.
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is similarly well equipped, with its comparably priced top-end variant offering a 5-inch TFT display, three riding modes (Sport, Urban, Rain), traction control, a slip-and-assist clutch, TVS’ Glide Through Technology (GTT), and adjustable levers. This variant also gets a projector LED headlamp with LED DRLs. Aside from the absence of cruise control, it’s the more feature-rich motorcycle overall.
Finally, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 offers a digital instrument cluster and three ABS modes (Road, Rain, Off-road). Only the top-spec variant gets USD forks, making it the most affordable motorcycle here to offer this feature.
| Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Xtreme 160R 4V | Bajaj Pulsar N160 | TVS Apache RTR 160 4V | |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 1.30 lakh – Rs 1.34 lakh | Rs 1.13 lakh – Rs 1.26 lakh | Rs 1.12 lakh – Rs 1.36 lakh |
On paper, the Apache has the upper hand in both performance and features – cruise control being the only notable omission, and that’s a feature many riders may not use regularly. The top-spec Pulsar N160 is nearly Rs 10,000 cheaper than these two, but it comes with a simpler engine, fewer features, and is a notably heavier bike.
Ultimately, if you’re after the most comprehensive feature set and strongest value proposition, the Apache RTR 160 4V makes the most sense. That said, real-world testing could shift the picture, so stay tuned for our full comparison.
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