Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Long Term Review, September 2023 Report

No matter how many big bikes you ride, or no matter how far you go up the premium motorcycle ladder, a fairly sporty small-capacity motorcycle will always feel like a welcome addition to your garage. So, when Hero MotoCorp called to ask whether we would be interested in inducting the Xtreme 160R 4V in our long-term test fleet, I was quick to say yes. You see, with the traffic in Delhi-NCR being the way it is, and adding my total commute of 75km to the misery, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V just makes sense. I like doing my commutes in the quickest way possible and I love having fun while doing so as well. The new Xtreme 160R 4V develops 16.6bhp and 14.6Nm of peak torque, which I feel is a healthy power-to-mileage ratio when it comes to my personal needs. I am quite impressed with the performance it has to offer over any other aspect. The smoothness, precise throttle response, and free-revving engine character are the first things you notice. The peak power and torque rating does come in quite high in the rev range (8,500rpm and 6,500rpm, respectively), but it keeps you engaged thanks to its close-ratio gearbox.

As a result, the Xtreme 160R 4V feels at home with the job of long-distance sport commuting. The engine always has enough power, and in-gear acceleration is powerful enough to keep you ahead of the dangerous, sudden movement from slow-moving traffic. No matter if you are short-shifting up the 5-speed gearbox or rev-matching down it, the smoothness and quickness of the transmission is another welcome touch. However, it does have a few performance niggles that you will have to deal with. The first thing that will catch you off guard when you start riding is the bite from the clutch. As soon as you pull in the clutch and start to let go to get yourself moving, you’ll notice that the biting point sits really high. While it is something you will end up getting used to, it can catch newer riders off guard, sometimes with disastrous results. The same bite point which helps me get the front wheels off the ground so easily, can be the same point at which newbies might lose control. Another aspect that needs addressing are the NVH levels that it has to offer. It doesn’t have harsh vibrations for most part but it does start to complain once you go past the triple digit speeds, above the 6,500rpm to 7,000rpm mark. Overall, I’m happy with my first month with the new Xtreme 160R 4V and look forward to the journeys that follow.

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