Amit Saraswat 
The updated Hero Xtreme 160R 4V recently joined our long-term fleet. Since it is currently the only long-term motorcycle in the office, people are often found grabbing its keys thanks to its frugal engine and comfortable suspension. We have ridden the 160R 4V for close to 600km in a month and here are our observations.
The Hero Xtreme 160R has always been a good-looking motorcycle. In the 4V guise, the Xtreme 160R boasts golden-coloured upside-down forks and a split seat, both of which lend it an enhanced presence. Since I haven’t ridden the Xtreme 160R 2V, I can not comment on whether the inclusion of the USD forks has improved its dynamics or not.
However, what I can tell you is that the Xtreme 160R 4V does feel comfortable, even when going over rough roads and potholes. It doesn’t feel overly stiff or cushy but strikes a likeable balance without compromising on ride or handling. In isolation, the Xtreme 160R takes on corners surprisingly well and its tyres also offer good grip levels, thereby inducing a lot of confidence to push harder through the bends.
I managed to cover over 200km with just one pit stop for breakfast, and I didn’t come off the saddle with any pain in my lower back. The seat cushioning feels on point for long-distance commutes as well. However, wider frames may complain about the seating space, since the tall-fit split seat comes across as an obstruction.
In terms of ergonomics, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V doesn’t pose any major problems. The only niggle that tall riders may face is the placement of the side stand, which can not be accessed without bashing your feet into the gear lever. The stem for the side stand could have been placed towards the outside for better accessibility. Another small issue is with its instrument cluster, which has a minuscule tachometer, making it impossible to read without hunching down. Another gripe is the lack of information on the instrument cluster since it lacks riding range and fuel efficiency readouts.
Speaking about the engine, the 160R 4V, as the name suggests boasts a 4-valve head and produces 16.9PS of power. Within city confines, the Xtreme 160R impresses with its linear build-up of power and its closely spaced gear ratios also help its case. However, when I took the Xtreme to the highway for a long road trip, the engine felt strained beyond 85kmph. It begins to throw vibrations on the footpegs and handlebar beyond 90kmph which can be felt even with riding gloves and boots.
Our test bike seems to have some issue with its fueling system and we are yet to get it checked at an authorised Hero service station. The on/off throttle transitions feel excessively choppy. Furthermore, the engine stutters between 6,000 – 7,000rpm, especially when fuel is low. Once topped up with fuel, this issue stops bothering the otherwise pleasant riding experience. The fuel gauge on our test bike also seems faulty, as it constantly fluctuates every time you start riding the motorcycle.
We are yet to thoroughly test the fuel efficiency of the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V. Since it doesn’t have an on-board fuel efficiency meter, it is hard for us to share an estimate at this point. We will soon take the motorcycle to a Hero dealership and diagnose the fuel injection system and find out the probable cause behind the choppy fueling system.
