Every motorcycle walks in with a resume, and the Xtreme 160R 4V’s is a strong one. Hero claims 17.1PS and a 0-60kmph time of 4.4 seconds, the quickest in its segment. Add a sharper design and a longer kit list, all from ₹1.27 lakh ex-showroom. But resumes are written to impress, and the real test is the interview. So I swung a leg over and started asking questions.
The first impression matched the paperwork. The design of the Xtreme 160R is more in line with its elder sibling, the Xtreme 250R, and overall, I like the way it looks; it looks angular, chiselled, and sharp. The new headlamp and tank design make it look fresh, like a bike that has actually moved on rather than just changed its clothes. If you get the top-of-the-line Carbon trim, it adds multiple faux carbon trim pieces on the engine, side panels, and tank, which looks good, but in my opinion, a matte finish would’ve been better because as of now, they’ll get scratched up easily. Round one went to the resume.
Then the questions got harder. I started with the throttle, as the bike gets ride-by-wire and has three riding modes. The throttle body calibration feels slightly off. In Sport mode, it is snatchy and very sensitive, to the point where even the slightest input results in a jerk. Road mode tones it down, but the snatchiness never fully leaves. Also, while cruising at around 5,000rpm with very little throttle, the bike lugs and demands more throttle input. Coming to the newly added TFT instrument cluster, the display was legible in direct sunlight, and the UI is also nice. The only complaint is that it felt a little small, like reading fine print. The switchgear is easy to use with gloves on, feels tactile, and is also illuminated. Another thing worth nothing is the side stand placement, when folded up, the extension of the side stand used to fold it down sits too close the foot peg, and need getting used to.
Cruise control is where the interview went sideways. I set 52kmph. The bike surged to around 54kmph, cut the power until the speed sank to about 50kmph, then surged again. Over and over. Cruise control is supposed to let you relax, and this does the opposite. It feels more like a speed governor than proper cruise control. The seat, at least, delivered. It is long, wide, and well cushioned, and offers good comfort for the pillion too.
The engine is where paper and pavement part ways. The 163cc single cylinder air/oil cooled four valve engine is refined and smooth, with little to no vibration even at the top of the rev range. But smooth isn’t the same as exciting. On the spec sheet, the motor sounds like a sprinter. On the road, it behaves like a metronome, even and polite. The numbers look good, but the bike never made me feel them. The chassis changed the mood. The Xtreme 160R feels nimble and direct, and it gives you confidence when the road starts bending. The suspension was the star of the ride. It is very well calibrated as it isn’t too stiff, and soaks up bumps with very little translation to the handlebar. It also isn’t too soft, so the bike stays planted and stable during high speeds and cornering. Then came the final question: the brakes. They are adequate but lack proper bite, and to utilise their full potential, you’ll need to squeeze them as if your life depends on them, and technically, it does!
In the end, the Xtreme 160R 4V is the candidate you want to like, and mostly do. It has the looks, a well-judged suspension, a smooth engine, and a comfortable seat. But the resume promised a performer, and what turned up was a pleasant, well-mannered colleague. Add a snatchy throttle and a cruise control that can’t hold a number, and the story ends a few chapters short of its promise. It is easy to like, but harder to love.
