Considering a sporty commuter motorcycle in the 160cc segment? The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V might just be on your radar. But how does it fare in real-world, everyday riding? We’ve been putting the Xtreme 160R 4V through its paces in our long-term fleet, and here’s a detailed breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right ride for you.
Throne Fit for a King: Comfortable and Confidence-Inspiring Riding Posture
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V strikes a perfect balance between sporty looks and practicality. Climb aboard, and you’ll find yourself positioned ‘in’ the bike rather than precariously perched on top. The scooped rear seat makes planting your feet flat on the ground a breeze, while the handlebar reach and footpeg placement create a comfortable rider triangle. This setup allows you to subtly shift your body weight for better control during maneuvers.
Sporty Spirit Meets Comfort: Seats Built for Long Rides
Often overlooked, a good seat can make or break your riding experience. Thankfully, the Xtreme 160R 4V boasts a generously padded seat with dense foam. This translates to excellent comfort, even on extended journeys exceeding 250 kilometers. Say goodbye to the dreaded numb bum and hello to happy rides!
Carving Corners with Confidence: Nimble Handling and Balanced Suspension
While maneuverability is expected from a commuter bike, the Xtreme 160R 4V pleasantly surprised us with its exceptional handling prowess. It tackles corners with composure, responding predictably to handlebar inputs. The slightly stiff monoshock suspension setup effectively absorbs bumps and jolts, ensuring a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces. This combination makes the Xtreme a joy to ride spiritedly, especially when navigating twisty roads.
Bringing it to a Halt: Reliable Brakes with Room for Improvement
The braking system on the Xtreme 160R 4V is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, the brakes offer reassuring stopping power, complementing the bike’s sporty character. However, the initial bite could be sharper. You might need to squeeze the lever a tad earlier for a more immediate braking response.
Taming the Beast: Engine Performance – City Slicker but Highway Shy
For daily city commutes, the Xtreme’s 163cc engine performs admirably. It offers good tractability, allowing you to comfortably navigate slow-moving traffic even in second gear. Cruising at speeds between 85-90 kmph is a pleasant experience. However, push beyond that, and the engine starts to feel strained and underpowered. While achieving a top speed of around 120 kmph is possible, it’s not the most enjoyable experience. If you plan on regularly tackling highways, the Xtreme might leave you wanting more muscle.
Aesthetics Take a Hit: Build Quality Concerns Surface
While the Xtreme 160R 4V boasts a stylish design, some aspects of its build quality leave room for improvement. We noticed paint fading on a black panel near the footpeg and a worn-out gloss finish on the fuel tank. These niggles hint at a less-than-stellar finishing touch. Additionally, moisture ingress into the instrument cluster post-wash reduced visibility, requiring us to shield the screen from direct sunlight to read crucial information.
The Road Ahead: Exploring the Xtreme’s Touring Capabilities
Having conquered the city streets, our next adventure with the Xtreme 160R 4V involves a 350km weekend jaunt. This extended ride will provide valuable insights into its touring capabilities – stay tuned for a follow-up report!
In Conclusion
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V emerges as a capable city commuter motorcycle with a comfortable riding posture, nimble handling, and a fuel-efficient engine (mileage figures to be covered in the next report). However, its highway performance and build quality raise a few concerns. If your riding needs are primarily confined to urban environments, the Xtreme 160R 4V is a strong contender. But for riders who crave the open road, it might be wise to explore alternatives offering more power and a sturdier build.
