Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 160R 4V Expert Review

Hero has retained the Xtreme 160R 4V’s basic design but has beefed everything up. The meatier fuel tank, longer tank extensions, thicker split seats and chunky USD fork give it more presence than before. It is a handsome and eye-catching motorcycle, especially in the Neon Shooting Star colour scheme. However, quality is still an area that needs attention. 

The Xtreme 160R 4V soaks up just about everything on the road without complaint and deals reasonably well even with severe bumps. Despite the comfortable setup, it remains easy to use in traffic thanks to its compact dimensions and manageable seat height. The seat works well for longer rides, although some riders may find it uncomfortable after extended time in the saddle.

The 163cc air/oil-cooled engine is the biggest improvement over the older bike. Where the previous motor felt weak past the mid-range, this one pulls cleanly right to the redline. It is also fairly tractable and can chug along in a higher gear without protest. Highway cruising is best kept to 80-90kph because the short gearing makes the engine feel strained at higher speeds.

The Xtreme 160 R strikes a nice balance between comfort and agility. Its light weight and compact size make it easy to slice through traffic, while a tight and twisty road reveals a motorcycle that is genuinely good fun to ride.

The LCD dash shows all the essential information, although visibility could be better. Safety equipment includes single-channel ABS.

The Xtreme 160R 4V solves most of the issues of the earlier bike. The new engine brings much-needed peppiness, while the ride comfort and city manners remain strong points. Quality still needs work, but this is a far more complete motorcycle than before.