New Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Review – Can It Take On Apache And Pulsar?

Hero MotoCorp has launched the updated Xtreme 160R 4V with sharper styling, more features and a small increase in power, aiming to strengthen its presence in the competitive sporty 160cc segment. Prices start at Rs 1.27 lakh and rise to Rs 1.41 lakh for the top-spec Carbon variant, both ex-showroom. I rode the Carbon variant at the national media ride in Jaipur to find out how these updates translate into the riding experience.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Review – New Design And Features

The Xtreme 160R has struggled to match the sales volumes of its established rivals, while the broader Apache and Pulsar families remain prominent in the 150cc to 200cc motorcycle segment. This update gives Hero a fresh opportunity to attract buyers, with a design closer to the larger Xtreme 250R and new technology to strengthen its appeal.

In that direction, Xtreme 160R 4V gets the new CyberSharp design language that brings it closer to Xtreme 250R aesthetically. There’s a new LED headlight design along with new LED DRL signature. These projector headlights also get auto brightness and then there is LED blinkers along with slightly revised LED tail lights.

The fuel tank is all-new with a multi-layer approach with sporty and aggressive tank shrouds along with 3D XTREME badging. The new headlights get edgy detailing too and can be fitted with aero fins as accessories that look much sportier. Only the top-spec Carbon trim gets the carbon fiber looking parts on side body and engine cowl.

Only the Carbon Red, Carbon Black and Carbon Grey colours get Red painted front wheel, while the Abrax Orange does not. There are stylish decals on rear body panels and the bike gets a tyre hugger and slightly reshaped seat. Rider section has been made narrower, while the pillion area has gotten wider.

New Functionalities!

With the 2027 Xtreme 160R 4V, Hero MotoCorp has added new functionalities too. For starters, we now get adjustable clutch and brake levers, which is appreciated for all sorts of hand sizes to access these levers. The illuminated switchgear is one of the most under-rated features that OEMs ignored in the past and are making a comeback. We’re all for it.

However, the main added functionality is the new 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster that comes with a host of features. For starters, it has multiple trip computers and even a fuel efficiency computer. The unit I experienced showed 39 km/l which we don’t know is accurate or not, as we didn’t do a proper tank-to-tank mileage test. There is no document storage with this cluster, but quarter mile drag time and 0-60 km/h acceleration timer are present.

The cluster has automatic Day / Night themes along with auto brightness adjustment. The screen has a matte anti-glare coating and was legible under direct sunlight. The auto theme switching and auto brightness worked seamlessly without any issues. With this update, Hero has added panic braking alert where blinkers flash automatically to alert other road users. Also, Ride modes – Rain, Road and Sport, with their own colour themes.

When connected to Bluetooth, it will allow music controls, call and message alerts, and phone battery status. If you were expecting Google Maps mirroring, you’d be disappointed because both of its immediate rivals offer this feature now. Also, only the owners whose phone numbers are registered with the bike in the server, can get the OTP and connect to the cluster. So, I couldn’t access any Bluetooth functions and I wish it wasn’t the case.

Powertrains, Ride, Dynamics

Updated Hero Xtreme 160R 4V comes with the same engine as before, a 163.2cc single-cylinder unit with oil-cooling and a 4V head. With the update, Hero has bumped the peak power slightly, which now outputs at 17.1 PS, up from 16.8 PS at 8,750 RPM, while torque remains the same at 14.6 Nm, mated to an electronic throttle and a 5-speed gearbox.

The clutch was light to operate and the engine is mostly vibe-free if you’re not close to the red line. Even the throttle tuning along with on / off throttle modulations were pretty decent. However, the gear shifts were notchy and we had quite a few false neutrals during the ride. The clutch bite point is not easily predictable and felt a little inconsistent. Even the corresponding gear position indicator was not precise at times.

Xtreme 160R 4V was always a sporty and fun motorcycle and the new update is no different. Suspension is still softly sprung for Indian conditions. However, seat height for rider is slightly raised at 805 mm and the revised rake angle makes the wheelbase a little shorter for a sportier character. I could load the front-end properly and the KYB USD front forks hold up perfectly.

Rear-end is confidence-inspiring too, despite the softer setup. It has to be noted that I am a 6 feet tall individual and I weigh roughly around 90 kg – 95 kg and the rear suspension felt perfect for me. Bike does not hesitate to tip into a corner and bringing it back up from the lean is not a task at all. I just wished the tyres were a little stickier for a more engaging feel. Braking felt adequate as there is dual-channel ABS along with panic braking alerts now.

Should You Buy One?

I feel that this update to Xtreme 160R 4V was a much-needed shot in the arm to compete at the highest level. I liked the overall aesthetics and Hero designer’s effort to make it look closer to Xtreme 250R. Despite the soft suspension, I found the overall ride and dynamics to be quite fun and sporty. Slightly more performance is appreciated, but I wished the bike did not have inconsistent clutch and gearshifts.

However, Hero’s biggest weapon was its pricing strategy and now that weapon feels like it has lost its effectiveness. For context, I bought a Xoom 125 base (without discount) at the same price (OTR, Karnataka) as a Honda Activa 110 base (with discount). This is what I think is Hero’s biggest strength – disruptive pricing. A similar ethos is missing in the Xtreme 160R 4V. Sure, cruise control is a factor and only Xtreme 160R 4V offers it in its segment. But, in a 160cc bike, the use-case is debatable.

Updated 2027 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V should have undercut rivals by a significant amount, considering both the immediate rivals offer Google Maps mirroring. However, that is not the case. If pricing does not matter to you and you feel like Google Maps mirroring is not a deal breaker, the 2027 Xtreme 160R 4V is a largely likable motorcycle and should be in your shortlist, if you’re searching for an aggressive and sporty 160cc bike.