Hero Xtreme 160R vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Suzuki Gixxer vs Honda X-Blade: Spec Comparison

How does Hero's brand new Xtreme 160R stack up against its established rivals on paper? Let's find out...

If you’re looking to buy a premium 160cc motorcycle, the market is full of options. In fact, there are so many motorcycles in this segment that deciding to pick up one will leave you scratching your head. The latest motorcycle to join this category is the Hero Xtreme 160R. We reviewed it a couple of weeks ago, and it really impressed us.

Having said that, the 160cc naked motorcycle segment is already full of some very competent products like the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Suzuki Gixxer, and Honda X-Blade. So, how do these motorcycles stack up against the newcomer on paper? Let’s compare their stats and find out.

Design & features

Since all four motorcycles are aimed at youngsters, they’ve been designed with the target audience in mind. In terms of styling, they all look quite sporty. Take the Xtreme 160R for instance, it’s got beefy and compact dimensions, which make it look quite contemporary. The motorcycle gets LED lighting all around, and it has an aggressive stance. The Apache RTR 160 4V is a sporty looking motorcycle too. With the BS6 update, it now gets full LED headlamps and a new bikini fairing. It also gets TVS Racing stickers and a chequered flag on its body panels, showing the company’s racing heritage.

The Suzuki Gixxer 160, on the other hand, has more muscles to flex. Like the Xtreme 160R, the Gixxer also has bulging body panels and an aggressive look. You get LED headlamp and taillamp here as well. The motorcycle has a very premium feel. Last but not least, the X-Blade. The Honda is an aggressive-looking motorcycle, too, but in a different way. In comparison to others, the X-Blade has a sharp design. It also gets LED headlamps, but the fly-screen on top gives it a Robocop like appearance.

All four motorcycles come with fully-digital instrument clusters. The Xtreme 160R gets a side-stand engine cut-off function as well as hazard lamps switch. The TVS gets GTT or glide through technology, which prevents the motorcycle from stalling at low speeds. The X-Blade’s instrument cluster has a gear-position indicator and a service-due reminder. The Gixxer also gets a gear-position indicator, which is missing on both the Hero and TVS.

 Engine & Gearbox

All motorcycles feature air-cooled single-cylinder engines with fuel injection, and they all meet BS6 regulations.

The Xtreme 160R is powered by a 163cc unit that develops 15bhp and 14Nm of torque. In comparison, the Apache RTR 160 4V gets a 160cc engine, but it produces more power and torque than the Hero – 15.6bhp and 14.1Nm. The TVS also gets an oil-cooler.

The X-Blade gets a 163cc unit like the Xtreme, but it’s down on power, as it develops 13.7bhp. However, the Honda develops the highest torque (14.7Nm) amongst this quartet.

The Gixxer features the smallest engine of the lot: a 155cc engine, which is only good for 13.4bhp and 13.8Nm.

All motorcycles come with 5-speed transmissions.  

Weight, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres

While the Apache is the most powerful of the lot, it’s also the heaviest, and it reflects in its real-world performance. The Xtreme 160R is the lightest and, as a result, it has the best power-to-weight ratio here. The Gixxer and X-Blade are evenly matched, but neither is as heavy as the RTR.

All motorcycles feature conventional telescopic front forks and a mono-shock at the back. The Gixxer comes standard with disc brakes on both wheels, while others only get a front disc as standard fitment, while the rear disc is optional. All motorcycles come fitted with single-channel ABS as standard.

Price

The Suzuki Gixxer is available in a single variant, and it is, surprisingly, the most expensive motorcycle here, as it’s priced at Rs 1.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Honda X-Blade is available in two variants – single-disc and dual-disc. The single-disc version is priced at Rs 1.07 lakh, whereas the dual-disc is for Rs 1.11 lakh (both ex-showroom). 

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is available in two variants, with prices starting at Rs 1.04 lakh for the single-disc variant & Rs 1.07 lakh for the dual disc variant. These are also ex-showroom prices. 

The Hero Xtreme 160R trumps its rivals in the pricing department though – the single disc variant of the motorcycle is priced at Rs 1 lakh, while the dual-disc retails for Rs 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Also read, 

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V BS-VI & RTR 160 4V BS-VI Review 

Hero Xtreme 160R Video Review