Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Full Review 2025 – Engine Specs, Mileage, Top Speed, Price in India & Real-World Performance Explained

Hero MotoCorp, the undisputed champion of the Indian commuter segment, has been making serious moves in the performance space. They started a new chapter with the Xtreme 160R, a bike that was light, quick, and surprisingly fun. But the 160cc segment is a shark tank, dominated by aggressive rivals.

To take on the competition head-on, Hero didn’t just give the bike a sticker job—they dropped a completely new, advanced 4-valve engine into the same successful chassis and added a dash of premium hardware. This is the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a full mechanical and feature overhaul designed to challenge the established leaders.

Right off the bat, you should know that the ex-showroom starting price for the Xtreme 160R 4V (Dual-Disc variant) begins at approximately ₹1,29,615 and goes up to about ₹1,34,100 for the top-spec Combat Edition with the coveted Cruise Control and Ride-by-Wire throttle—a segment-first feature that genuinely shakes things up! The question remains: has Hero finally found the right mix of performance, features, and mileage to be crowned the new king?

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

As a veteran in this market, I always tell my readers: specs don’t tell the full story, but they lay the foundation. Here’s a quick look at the Xtreme 160R 4V’s vitals:

Specification	Detail
Engine	163.2 cc, 4-stroke, 4-Valve, Air-Oil Cooled
Max Power	16.9 PS 8,500 rpm
Peak Torque	14.6 Nm 6,500 rpm
Transmission	5-speed Manual
Kerb Weight	144 kg (Standard) / 145 kg (Pro/USD)
Fuel Tank Capacity	12 Litres
Ground Clearance	165 mm
Front Suspension (Pro Variant)	37mm KYB Upside Down (USD) Forks

EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The original Xtreme 160R was already a sharp, aggressive-looking bike, and Hero has wisely chosen not to tamper much with a winning formula. The 4V iteration gets subtle, impactful changes that enhance its streetfighter stance.

The Stance and Lighting

The first thing you notice is the fierce, robotic LED headlight unit. It’s all-LED, compact, and gives the bike an immediate, recognizable face on the road. The front mask is aggressive, and the tank shrouds are bulkier, making the bike look muscular from the front-three-quarters angle—a definite improvement over the somewhat slender 2-valve model.

On the top-end Pro and Combat variants, the inclusion of KYB Upside-Down (USD) forks is a massive statement. Not only do they deliver on performance (more on that later), but they also provide an unparalleled visual premiumness for a 160cc motorcycle. The thick, golden-finished forks on the front simply demand attention and certainly turn heads in city traffic, giving it a much more “expensive” appeal than its price suggests.

Finishes and Wheels

Hero has added a new split-seat setup, which is both sportier and, thankfully, more comfortable than the single-piece unit on the older model. The exhaust note is throatier, a nice bass-heavy thrum that sounds punchy without being obnoxious. The 17-inch alloy wheels carry over the sharp design, and the overall fit and finish are up to Hero’s modern standards—though some plastic bits still feel a little generic compared to the high-end competition. However, its low kerb weight (144-145 kg) means it looks substantial but feels incredibly nimble.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

The “Interior” of a bike is mostly about the cockpit and rider comfort, and Hero has paid attention here.

The Cockpit and Tech

The fully digital instrument cluster on the 4V is a substantial improvement in terms of clarity. While the base variants use a standard LCD unit, the top-spec models now boast a full-colour TFT display. This screen is crisp, bright, and finally legible even under harsh afternoon sun, which was a major complaint with the old bike. It includes all the necessary readouts, a gear position indicator, and even a Drag Race Timer for the enthusiastic rider!

The highlight, however, is the new Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle system on the Combat Edition, which enables Cruise Control—a genuinely segment-first feature on a bike of this class. Imagine cruising effortlessly on the highway on a 160cc machine! This RbW system also brings in three Riding Modes (Rain, Road, Sport), which slightly alter the throttle response, though the changes are subtle in real-world use.

Ride Comfort and Ergonomics

The rider triangle is a near-perfect balance between sporty aggression and daily commuter comfort. The posture is slightly forward-canted, but the upright handlebar ensures your wrists aren’t strained during city commutes.

• Rider Seat: The new split seat is well-cushioned and wide enough for long hours in the saddle.
• Pillion Comfort: This is where the commuter side takes a hit. The pillion seat, while better than some rivals, is compact. It’s absolutely fine for short city rides or light grocery runs, but your pillion will start complaining after an hour on the highway.
• Heat Management: The new air-oil cooled engine does a fantastic job. Even in brutal peak-hour traffic, there is very little engine heat felt on the rider’s legs. This is a huge win for city riders.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

This is the heart of the upgrade. The shift from a 2-valve to a 4-valve head has transformed the bike’s character.

The 163.2cc air-oil cooled engine now produces a segment-competitive 16.9 PS of power and 14.6 Nm of torque. This power gain is not just a number; it fundamentally changes the bike’s usability.

City Drive: Agile and Tractable

In the city, the Xtreme 160R 4V is an absolute delight.

• Tractability: The torque delivery is strong and comes in early, hitting its peak at just 6,500 rpm. This means you have great low-end and mid-range grunt. You can easily pull from as low as 30 kmph in third gear without the engine juddering—a godsend for stop-and-go traffic. The clutch action is super light, reducing fatigue during long commutes.
• Handling: The bike remains the lightest in its class (along with the Apache RTR 160 4V), making it incredibly agile. Filtering through gaps is effortless, and its quick steering makes U-turns simple. It genuinely gives the feeling of riding a smaller, peppier 150cc bike.

Highway Drive: Stable and Confident

The new 4-valve head allows the engine to breathe much better at higher RPMs.

• Stability: Unlike the old model, where power tapered off quickly, the 4V feels much more relaxed at highway speeds. It cruises comfortably at 85-95 kmph, and the engine buzz is minimal up to this point. Pushing past the 100 kmph mark is now less of a struggle, though the vibrations do become noticeable through the footpegs and handlebar as you approach its top-end.
• Driving Dynamics (Suspension): The KYB USD forks on the top variants are the real MVP here. The suspension absorbs potholes easily and tackles our infamous bad road patches with incredible composure. The front-end stability is phenomenal, giving you immense confidence when hustling the bike around corners or braking hard. The monoshock at the rear is well-calibrated, offering a plush ride for daily use while being firm enough for spirited riding. It’s an ideal setup for mixed Indian road conditions.

SAFETY (Crucial Section)

While bikes don’t get a Global NCAP rating, the hardware provided defines its safety capability.

• Braking: The Xtreme 160R 4V comes equipped with a 276mm petal disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear. The most crucial feature is the availability of Dual-Channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on the top variants, which is a non-negotiable safety feature in this segment. The braking performance is excellent, providing good bite and progression.
• Panic Brake Alert: A unique feature Hero has introduced is the Panic Brake Alert, where the hazard lights automatically flash under very hard or panic braking, alerting the following traffic. A thoughtful touch for Indian roads.
• Build Quality: The fit and finish, while improved, still feel a step below some Japanese competitors, but the chassis is robust and lightweight. The availability of Dual-Channel ABS is the safety game-changer here, providing significantly more confidence, especially in wet conditions.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

For an average Indian buyer, the fuel efficiency of a 160cc bike is paramount, regardless of the ‘sporty’ tag.

Mileage Parameter	Figure	Notes
ARAI Claimed Mileage	N/A (Manufacturer suggests ~48 kmpl)	Official claim is not always disclosed by Hero, but industry expectation is 48-50 kmpl.
Real World City Mileage	44–46 kmpl	Achieved in heavy, stop-and-go metro traffic. Very respectable for a 17 PS-class bike.
Real World Highway Mileage	47–50 kmpl	Maintained at a steady 80-90 kmph cruise. The 4-valve engine’s efficiency shines here.

The real mileage in city traffic is a solid 45 kmpl, which is excellent. Given the performance upgrade, to maintain such efficiency is a testament to the new engine’s superior thermal management and refinement. This is a clear winning point for the Hero, as it offers near-commuter mileage with a sporty punch.

THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

In the 160cc segment, two bikes define the benchmark: the high-performance champ and the mileage king. The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V’s fiercest and most direct rivals are the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar N160.

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar N160

Feature	Hero Xtreme 160R 4V (Top-Spec)	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V (Top-Spec)	Bajaj Pulsar N160 (Dual Channel ABS)
Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi)	₹1,34,100	₹1,36,000	₹1,26,000
Max Power	16.9 PS	17.5 PS (Highest)	16.0 PS
Max Torque	14.6 Nm	14.7 Nm (Highest)	14.65 Nm
Front Suspension	KYB USD Forks (Segment Premium)	Telescopic Forks (Some variants have USD)	Telescopic Forks
Kerb Weight	145 kg (Lightest)	146 kg	152 kg (Heaviest)
Advanced Features	Cruise Control, Ride-by-Wire, USD Forks	Riding Modes, Bluetooth Connect, Adjustable Levers	USB Charging, LED Projector Headlamp
Real-World Mileage	45-46 kmpl	42-44 kmpl	45-46 kmpl

Winner: Which one provides better Value For Money (VFM)?

• The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is the undisputed Performance King. It makes the most power, is track-focused, and offers the best overall engine feel and exhaust note. However, it’s also the most expensive and returns slightly lower mileage.
• The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is the Middler. It’s the most affordable dual-channel ABS bike and provides strong, smooth power delivery, but its chassis and weight make it feel less agile.
• The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is the Value Champion and Tech Leader. For a similar price as the Apache, you get the premium feel of USD forks and the segment-first, game-changing Cruise Control and Ride-by-Wire. It matches the Pulsar N160 on mileage while being significantly lighter and nimbler.

The Xtreme 160R 4V offers the best balance of premium equipment, agility, and daily rideability in the segment, making it arguably the better Value For Money (VFM) proposition for the average Indian rider who does a mix of city and highway runs.

Read more : Ducati Panigale V4

FINAL VERDICT

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is a statement. It is Hero’s aggressive answer to a segment they have long ignored. By giving it a superior engine and first-in-segment features like Cruise Control and USD forks, Hero has transformed the Xtreme from a contender to a serious challenger. It retains the best aspects of Hero—reliability, fuel efficiency, and low-end tractability—while injecting the modern performance and tech the youth demand.

Buy it if:

• You want segment-leading tech like Cruise Control and Ride-by-Wire.
• You prioritize smooth ride quality and premium handling courtesy of the USD forks.
• You need a bike that is nimble and light for city traffic but still delivers excellent 45+ kmpl real-world mileage.

Skip it if:

• Your absolute top priority is raw performance and maximum top-end power (Apache is slightly better here).
• You need a proper, wide, and comfortable pillion seat for two-up long-distance touring.
• You prefer the tried-and-tested service network of Bajaj or TVS (though Hero’s network is massive, the premium service experience is still evolving).

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is a phenomenal product. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking for the most feature-packed, premium, and well-rounded 160cc bike on the market today.

FAQs (People Also Ask)