Hero Xtreme 160R 4V VS Bajaj Pulsar N160: Image Comparison

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is priced at Rs 1,38,500 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is around Rs 5,000 more expensive than the Bajaj N160 priced at Rs 1,33,408 (ex-showroom Delhi). Here’s how the two bikes compare

Hero MotoCorp launched the 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V, starting from Rs 1,38,500 and going up to Rs 1,39,500. The Hero bike is around Rs 5000 more than the Bajaj Pulsar N160, with its price starting from Rs 1,33,408 which goes up to Rs 1,39,693 (all prices ex-showroom). Both bikes compete in the 160cc naked bikes segment, let's compare them:

Design

Both bikes have a sporty naked design. The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V comes in 3 attractive colourways: Kevlar Brown, Neon Shooting Star & Stealth Black. The Kevlar Brown colour is a dual-tone combination of black and brown colour with golden graphics on the tank, extensions and lower panels on the bike. You get to see the Hero logo on it in gold. It gets an LED headlight with a position lamp on the front. It gets a freshly designed tail section that looks chubbier, it is made to accommodate the new single-piece seat that comes as standard. The exhaust of the bike has an upswept style.

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 comes in two variants: Pulsar N160 Dual Channel ABS & Pulsar N160 Dual Channel ABS (with USD). The base variant is available in Brooklyn Black, Polar Sky Blue and Pearl Metallic White, while the top variant is available in one additional Glossy Racing Red colour. It gets an LED projector headlight with LED DRLs which looks attractive. The tail has an integrated brake light along with flush-mounted rear turn indicators and a number plate. The bike also features an underbelly exhaust.  

Engine

The Xtreme 160R 4V has a 163.2cc, air-/-oil-cooled engine that produces 16.9PS at 8500rpm and 14.6Nm at 6500rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Pulsar N160 is equipped with a 164.82cc air-/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes 16PS at 8750rpm and 14.65Nm at 6750rpm. It is mated with a 5-speed gearbox.

Features

In the tech department, the Xtreme 160R 4V comes with a unique feature, called the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). That makes the tail lamps blink in case of panic braking or braking hard, which adds to its safety. The bike has an inverted LCD instrument console that features a drag timer and more features like smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth providing call/SMS alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, malfunction alerts, and theft alerts along with other basic information.

The Pulsar N160 features an LCD instrument cluster that displays information like signal indicators, clock, gear position indicator, mileage, and range indicator. With that, you also get smartphone connectivity via the Bajaj Ride Connect app, which displays call/SMS alerts and battery levels. It also displays warning lights like mileage error messages and low fuel warnings. More notable tech is a USB charging port and updated switchgear controls. Its top-variant unlocks additional features like turn-by-turn navigation & 3 ABS modes: Road, Rain and Offroad.

Underpinnings

Built on a tubular diamond-type frame, the Xtreme 160R 4V has ditched the old telescopic front fork and has an updated KYB inverted front fork setup along with a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the rear. It is equipped with a petal-type 276mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc brake, with dual-channel ABS as standard. It rolls on 17-inch front and rear tubeless alloy wheels. It has a 12L fuel capacity, 795mm seat height, 165mm ground clearance and a kerb weight of 145kg.

The Pulsar N160 base variant comes with telescopic front forks while the top variant comes with an inverted front fork, both get a monoshock at the rear. It gets a disc brake setup on the front and rear with dual-channel ABS. The bike has 17-inch alloy wheels on the front and rear. It has a 14L fuel capacity, 795mm seat height and a kerb weight of 153kg. 

Verdict

Both bikes are good for daily commuting with similar engine performance on offer. The Pulsar N160’s fuel capacity is 2 litres more than the Xtreme 160R 4V, which should offer more range. The Xtreme 160R 4V is available in 1 variant only with inverted forks, and the Pulsar N160 is available in 2 variants, one with telescopic forks that is almost Rs 5,000 cheaper than the Hero bike and a higher variant with inverted forks sitting at a similar price with the Hero offering. If the USD forks or the additional drag timer don’t matter to you, the base variant of the Pulsar N160 will save you some money.