Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

(Also read: Hero Xtreme 160R 4V launched at ₹1.27 lakh, gets major upgrades)

The big update is the revised 163 cc single-cylinder engine on the Xtreme 160R 4V. The motor now comes with four-valve technology and oil cooling, along with revised internals as well. The result is more power, better efficiency and lowered emissions to keep up with the latest norms. It now churns out 16.6 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 14.6 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. That’s about 1.7 bhp and 0.6 Nm more than the two-valve model.

The new uprated power figures aren’t segment-leading but the Xtreme 160R 4V compensates by remaining one of the lightest bikes in this category. Hero says the new Xtreme is the fastest accelerating motorcycle in the 160 cc segment with 0-60 kmph coming up in a claimed 4.41 seconds (4.7 seconds on the Xtreme 2V).

We always felt the 2V could’ve done with more power and Hero has addressed that concern here. The new Xtreme is quicker, the mid-range is stronger and it gets to triple-digit speeds faster. The bike feels calmer now at 100 kmph and can easily touch 120 kmph on an open road. However, it’s more at home around 85-90 kmph with enough power for easy overtakes.

The Xtreme 4V is effortless, no doubt, and super tractable with fewer gear changes required. The gearbox itself fits the job well and while it may not be the smoothest out there, it's par for the course. The engine is sublime and power delivery is smooth throughout the rev range. That being said, there are slight vibrations around the footpegs and handlebar at the extreme end of the power band.

The new Hero Xtreme 160R 4V now comes with 37 mm KYB-sourced USD front forks. This is a big change over the telescopic forks on the two-valve version. The Hero Xtreme 160R was always impressive around the corner and the new USD forks bring a more planted feel to the front this time. The bike feels more confident about attacking a bend, while high-speed stability is far better now for the same reason.

Its light weight also makes it nimble, ever-eager to change directions and easily one of the most flick-able motorcycles in the segment. The new Xtreme continues to use a 7-step monoshock unit at the rear tuned for a pliant ride.

The overall ride quality is plush, which we do think is detrimental to the sporty nature of the motorcycle. We would’ve liked a stiffer setup to truly enjoy the bike’s capabilities. But for those looking at a comfortably fast sports commuter, the Xtreme 160R 4V offers that and then some gobbling up pretty much every undulation on the road.

Braking performance is effective with disc brakes at either end but the bike only comes with single-channel ABS as standard. This was a good opportunity to bring dual-channel ABS as an option, even if it meant a premium price tag.

Since both the 4V and 2V will be sold alongside each other, it’s a good move to give the former a new visual identity. The LED headlamp unit remains unchanged but has been repositioned to sit lower, while the fuel tank design has been revised and appears more muscular with shrouds. It has been hunkered down as well to create a visual heft that works rather well on the bike.

You also get a new belly pan that screams 4V, while the split seat option is a nice touch. The cushioning is thick though and comes across as bulky. You can opt for a step-up style single seat though, which would be more comfortable. There are subtle upgrades like the new switchgear and three new colour options - Matte Black, Neon Green, and Blazing Sports Red. The neon shade remains our pick here.

The Xtreme 160R 4V now gets Bluetooth connectivity but only on the Connected variant. It’s not offered on the Standard or top-spec Pro variants. So you either choose between Bluetooth connectivity or USD front forks. I’d personally choose the latter any day. That said, you miss out on a bunch of features including ignition alert, app-based navigation, theft alert, vehicle telematics and more via Hero Connect 2.0.

The ergonomics are spot-on on the Xtreme 160R 4V. The footpegs and handlebar fall right into place even as the riding posture is now slightly aggressive. The 795 mm seat height makes it accessible to most riders but will involve some tip-toeing if you’re five feet or under. The bike comes with a negative LCD screen that’s rich in information but can get difficult to read under direct sunlight.

Hero keeps things competitive with pricing that starts at ₹1.27 lakh for the Standard variant, while the Connected variant is priced at ₹1.33 lakh. The top-spec Pro is priced at ₹1.36 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. The Pro variant is more expensive than the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar N160, both of which are strong rivals in the segment.

The Xtreme 160R 4V is now easier to recommend to those looking for a fun sports commuter in the 160 cc segment. Hero has been listening to feedback and it shows. But is it the best 160 cc motorcycle in its category? A proper comparison needs to happen to give you an answer there. What we do know is that Xtreme 160R 4V has the goods to tip the scales strongly in its favour.