Hero Xtreme 160R Road Test Review: Photo Gallery

Is Hero’s first attempt in the 160cc segment good enough to make a mark? Find the answers in our image gallery

Hero MotoCorp entered the highly lucrative and competitive 160cc segment with the launch of the Xtreme 160R. The motorcycle takes cues from the stylish Xtreme 1.R Concept unveiled back at the 2019 EICMA show. We decode its production version, the Xtreme 160R, in detailed images:

The Hero Xtreme 1.R Concept-inspired design language in the Xtreme 160R looks extremely fluid and elegant. The large single panel extending right from the tank to under the seat gives the bike a premium appeal.

While the overall fit and finish is good, we’d have liked better quality switchgear. 

It is the only bike in its segment to get an all-LED lighting system. While the low beam is good enough, the focus of the high beam could’ve been a bit lower, facing the road instead of dead ahead.

The bike gets a negative LCD instrument cluster with legible fonts. It shows run-of-the-mill data but there’s no smartphone connectivity or gear position indicator.

The single-piece is nicely contoured to look sporty. At 790mm, the rider’s seat is the lowest in its segment. That said, riders in the pillion seat will have to stretch a bit to grab the integrated grab handles.

The 163cc air-cooled two-valve motor offers good low-mid-range grunt, especially between 3000rpm to 6000rpm. The five-speed transmission is tractable and it offers a tested mileage of 55.47kmpl in the city and 47.38kmpl on the highway.

The motor feels comfortable sustaining speeds only up to 80kmph. If you need to accelerate quicker, shift earlier, at 8000rpm instead of the 9500rpm redline.

The 37mm Showa front fork and the 7-step preload adjustable rear monoshock are well tuned to ensure it soaks up bumps effectively without bottoming out.

The short wheelbase and the light kerb weight of 138.5kg make the bike very flickable without feeling twitchy. The well-tuned chassis coupled with the grippy MRF tyres make it a fun bike to ride on in the twisties.

Armed with a 270mm front and 220mm rear petal disc, the motorcycle’s brakes offer good bite and feedback. The braking prowess is on par with the other bikes in the segment.

All in all, the Hero Xtreme 160R is a better alternative to the Suzuki Gixxer and Yamaha FZS-Fi V3.0 in terms of sportiness. It looks premium, is feature-packed and handles well enough to keep enthusiasts under a budget happy.