2023 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V - Bike Reviews

The first Xtreme 160R from 2020 was a wonderful motorcycle, and we at autoX absolutely loved it – so much so that we ended up awarding it our ‘Best of 2020’ award. We had concluded back then that the Xtreme 160R is a motorcycle that gets the basics right – be it performance, handling, fuel efficiency, or price, it offered a perfect balance of what’s expected of a 160cc premium commuter.

Now, for 2023, Hero has introduced a new and updated version of its potent 160cc roadster to make it even more irresistible. Dubbed the Xtreme 160R 4V, the new version has a 4-valve cylinder head, upside-down front forks, a more aggressive stance, and new features and equipment.

The changes sound promising on paper, but how much of a difference do they make in the real world? We spent a day riding this new version at Hero’s test track in Jaipur to find out.

Head First

The biggest change here is, of course, the engine. You may think that it’s the same old 163cc unit with a 4-valve head, but that’s not the case. This is an entirely new engine with virtually all-new internal components. And it also gets an oil cooler now. The power output has seen a bump of around 1.5bhp, as this engine produces 16.6bhp. The torque figure has also gone up by 0.6Nm to 14.6Nm in the 4V version as compared to the 2V. The gear ratios of the five-speed transmission have also been tweaked. However, in the process, the 4V has gained a few kilos, as it weighs around 144kg – 5kg more than the 2V version. The increase in weight, however, doesn’t hamper the performance – the 160R 4V is still a quick motorcycle.

The first thing you notice is the refinement, crisp throttle response, and free-revving nature of this motor. Hero claims that it’s the quickest and fastest motorcycle among its oil-cooled rivals, and while we couldn’t verify it with a VBOX, the Xtreme 160R 4V does launch off the line like a pocket rocket. The in-gear acceleration is strong as well, and the engine always has more than enough grunt for the job. The gearing is short, which helps in extracting the maximum performance from the motor. The clutch action is light, and the gear shifts are smooth and seamless.

Compared to the 2V, this engine doesn’t just feel more eager to rev but is also much smoother at higher revs. From what I can remember, the 2V’s pegs would start buzzing post 5,000rpm, but in the 4V, the NVH levels are lower for sure. That’s not to say that it’s a completely vibe-free affair – it’s just that they only become bothersome at 7,000 – 8,000rpm in the new version. We didn’t get to max out the motorcycle at the track, but 115 – 120km/h appeared on the dash quite comfortably on some of the long straights.

Beefed Up

Another big update on the Xtreme 160R is the introduction of upside-down 37mm KYB front forks (available only with the Pro variant), which has made a world of difference. Not that the Xtreme 160R was a shoddy handler in the first place, but the riding experience, especially the ride quality and stability, of the new bike has improved drastically. While its bump absorption is better, its front-end stability is even better. It’s still a quick-turning motorcycle that tips into corners at the drop of a hat. The front end feels more planted and stable compared to the old bike. And you can get to some crazy lean angles without realizing it. It’s a joy to ride this motorcycle around corners or on a long and flowing track, like the one we rode it on. Overall, it’s quite an effortless handler.

The rear wheel gets a Showa mono-shock. Surprisingly, it held well during the track session. It is softly sprung, no doubt, but not to the extent where it feels mushy. The braking system – comprising massive 276mm and 220mm front and rear petal discs – is equally potent and offers a sharp bite. Although, at the track, I felt that they were a little too sharp for my liking. ABS is still a single channel on all the variants – a bit of a miss by Hero. The tyre size remains unchanged – 100/80-17 front and 130/70-R 18 – but they are now sourced from Ceat instead of MRF. The tyres offered adequate levels of grip on the track, which was pleasantly surprising. 

Ripped & Sporty

In terms of size and dimensions, the Xtreme 160R 4V is almost identical to the 2V version. However, the design of the 4V is more aggressive, thanks to a muscular tank, a hunkered-down stance, and bright dual paint schemes. You now also get a split-seat arrangement, and the saddle is pretty cushy and supportive. The riding position may be a little sporty, thanks to its slightly rear-set pegs, but overall it’s comfortable and relaxed.

The fit-and-finish and quality levels remain more or less unchanged, meaning it’s acceptable but not the best in the segment. The LCD instrument cluster of the 2V version has been retained, so it’s quite basic. In broad daylight, the visibility is bad and the read-out is barely legible. You do, however, get Bluetooth connectivity across the range. In addition to this, you now get over 20 connected app-based features, which include vehicle diagnostics, live tracking, remote immobilisation, and more. However, these are offered exclusively with the mid-line Connect variant.

Verdict

The Xtreme 160R 4V is priced between ₹1.27 lakh and ₹1.36 lakh (ex-showroom), which means that it’s around ₹5,000 – 7,000 costlier than the 2V version. Considering the updates on offer, the 4V marks a clear step up in all departments, thereby justifying the premium it demands. Not to mention, it’s also priced on a par with its rivals with a difference of a few thousand rupees here and there.

All told, if you are a young enthusiast looking for an entry-level motorcycle that ticks all the boxes, without being heavy on the pocket, the Xtreme 160R 4V is the one you should home in on.