Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

• The 163.2cc, single cylinder, oil cooled, four valve engine makes 17.1 PS at 8,750 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. You also get a five speed gearbox and the Carbon variant adds an electronic throttle.
• The engine feels lively when you open the throttle. Everyday overtaking is easy and it doesn't feel like a basic commuter. But for stronger acceleration, you have to keep the revs up.
• The light clutch is a real plus in city traffic. Repeated gear changes on crowded roads cost you very little effort. The five speed gearbox works fine day to day. Some published reviews do mention notchy shifts and the odd false neutral.
• The electronic throttle needs watching too. Published reviews note inconsistent response, mostly in Road and Sport modes. The abrupt jump between opening and closing the throttle makes slow speed riding less smooth than you'd expect.
• Try Rain mode in heavy traffic. Its softer response makes acceleration easier to control. Sport mode is sharper, but it's not right for every situation.
• Long traffic jams bring up engine heat. The oil cooled engine is built for everyday riding. How hot it feels changes with ambient temperature, traffic speed and riding conditions.
• My take: The engine has enough punch for the city, but for daily riding, throttle smoothness and gearbox feel are more important than peak power.

• The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V Carbon is equipped with a 276 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, along with dual channel ABS. For everyday rides, I would check the response of these brakes rather than their size.
• The front brake needs to be squeezed slowly rather than pulled. The initial bite is a little soft, so you press harder to elicit the response you want. Once you get used to the lever, you adapt very quickly during regular traffic stops. Those who enjoy a good initial bite will not be as pleased.
• The rear brake aids at low speeds and when you are approaching a signal. But if I had to rely on it under severe braking, I wouldn't say much. The front takes up the bulk of the stopping. The rear maintains control of the bike.
• Dual channel ABS is an added blessing on Indian roads, where loose sand, gravel and sudden changes in grip are frequent occurrences. It reduces the chances of the wheels locking up during hard braking. It won't compensate for excessive speed or a lack of tyre grip.
• I would suggest avoiding riding too close to other vehicles and apply the brakes smoothly, especially on slippery roads. If you need to brake hard, try to keep the bike straight and avoid turning the handlebar suddenly. 
• My opinion: The brakes are OK for everyday riding, but I would like to see a more aggressive front braking response. Before buying, test how they feel thoroughly, especially if you ride on busy, high-speed roads.

Fuel efficiency matters when you're buying a 160cc motorcycle. The Xtreme 160R 4V has decent potential for daily use, but the real figure moves with traffic, speed, throttle use and maintenance. Here are the figures we got during our rides.

• The TFT display shows fuel efficiency, which lets you track your riding habits. But don't treat that number as your actual tank to tank mileage.
• For an accurate result, fill the tank to the same level and reset the trip meter. Ride normally, refill and divide the kilometres covered by the litres used.
• Say you cover 400 km on 10 litres. That works out to 40 kmpl. It's only an example, not the measured mileage of the Xtreme 160R 4V Carbon.
• Frequent Sport mode acceleration, long idling and high speed riding all cut fuel efficiency. Smooth throttle inputs and timely gear changes improve it.
• My take: after 1,000 km, the bike returned around 41 kmpl in city traffic and 44 kmpl on highways. Mixed riding reached 45–48 kmpl, which is reasonably economical for daily use.

• I took the Carbon on the Delhi Chandigarh highway and rode it at speeds of up to 105 kmph. It behaved well there. Normal highway riding and planned overtakes were fine. Still, it's a 160cc bike, so don't expect effortless acceleration at higher speeds.
• Felt comfortable and easier at mid range speeds. The engine is good for normal overtaking, but a downshift was needed for faster acceleration. It proved to be a more convenient range than continually pushing the engine for everyday highway riding.
• At about 105 kmph, the wind starts to become a factor. The front of the bike feels very light and the upright riding position makes it susceptible to strong crosswinds. Sometimes, the wind can change its direction on a gusty day, making it a real challenge to keep it stable. I would ease off rather than maintain the same speed.
• As the speed increases, vibrations become more noticeable. Wind pressure also increases fatigue during extended trips, as there is only limited wind protection. It's capable of handling occasional highway trips. However, if I'm riding frequently or covering long distances at high speeds, I'd opt for something else.
• On open roads, cruise control maintains a constant speed. It's not as helpful in changing traffic, strong winds or on winding roads. Stay alert and adjust your speed according to the road conditions.
• My comments: The bike was good until 105 kmph on the Delhi Chandigarh highway and mid range speeds were more practical for everyday use. High speed riding can be less predictable in strong crosswinds, so stability and control are my top priorities above all else when it comes to speed.

• One of the best features of the Xtreme 160R 4V is its handling. At 149 kg kerb weight, it's easier to manoeuvre than many larger motorcycles.
• The Carbon variant has a 37 mm top down/bottom up front fork and a preload adjustable rear monoshock. This makes it sporty, but not necessarily an everyday bike.
• It's easy to maneuver around roundabouts and through normal curves. The bike is compact and easy to position in traffic. If you're moving up from a smaller commuter, its dimensions should feel comfortable. However, be sure to test the 805 mm seat height before purchasing.
• The tyres perform well on clean, dry tarmac. Tyre pressure, condition, temperature and road surface remain important factors affecting grip. Don't let the sporty appearance of the tyres make you overconfident on wet and dusty roads.
• The bike remains stable through corners. However, hitting a pothole mid lean can unsettle it. Take precautions before entering unfamiliar curves.
• My conclusion: The Xtreme is fun to ride on regular roads because of its light handling. If you're looking for a sporty commuter, you'll appreciate its quick direction changes.

• Primarily, the Xtreme 160R 4V Carbon is a road bike. Its suspension works well on normal road surfaces, including mildly broken roads. It's not designed for serious off-road riding.
• The front fork absorbs smaller bumps and surface imperfections to a certain degree. The rear suspension behaves better on straight roads. The bigger the pothole, the slower you should ride.
• Take care when riding on gravel and rough dirt. The road oriented tyres do not provide as much confidence on uneven surfaces as adventure bike tyres do. Sudden braking or steering can further affect stability.
• Ground clearance is about 165 mm (as listed). This is suitable for most roads, but caution is still warranted around high obstacles and deep potholes. Ground clearance alone does not determine how easily a bike can get over an obstacle.
• Village roads or short stretches of dirt are passable at low speeds. The bike, however, is not intended for deep mud, loose rocky ascents or difficult trails.
• My advice: If the roads in your area are not smooth, test the suspension on rougher roads first. Don't assume that it is ideal for regular off road riding simply because it is lightweight.

• Overall, the riding posture offers a good compromise between sportiness and comfort. The handlebar sits slightly forward, but the position is not as aggressive as that of a fully faired sports bike.
• For shorter riders, the 805 mm seat height is worth considering. The kerb weight of 149 kg helps with parking and low speed manoeuvres. However, being able to reach the ground comfortably is just as important.
• The new seat has been extended and widened, providing more space for both the rider and pillion. Your body shape and trip duration will still play important roles in comfort. A short test ride won't reveal pressure points that appear after an hour.
• Clutch and brake levers can be adjusted to fit the rider's hand size. It should also be comfortable to use for U-turns and low speed riding in traffic.
• For longer journeys, pay attention to pressure on the wrists, vibrations at the footpegs, and discomfort in the knees. These become more apparent as the ride time goes on.
• My verdict: The Xtreme provides a comfortable ride for the majority of riders and can be ridden on a daily basis. If you're going out on the road a lot, I would definitely be concerned with comfort when purchasing the bike.

• The Carbon variant gets a 4.2 inch colour TFT instrument cluster. It displays essential riding data and supports Bluetooth connected features such as music control, call alerts and message notifications.
• Other features include fuel efficiency information, riding modes and a gear position indicator. The display looks modern, but it can take some time to get used to the amount of information.
• The electronic throttle enables three riding modes: Rain, Road and Sport. Each mode changes the engine's throttle response. Rain offers a gentler response, while Sport feels more direct.
• Cruise control is uncommon in this category. The Carbon variant also gets upgraded switchgear, adjustable levers and a Type C charging port.
• New styling features include LED lights, carbon fibre style body panels and sharper tank shrouds. These give the Carbon a different appearance from the lower variants without changing the engine's fundamental characteristics.
• The panic braking alert flashes the warning indicators during hard braking to alert traffic behind. It's a useful feature, but it cannot replace maintaining a safe following distance.
• One limitation is that connected features depend on system support and successful phone pairing. Check navigation availability and phone compatibility instead of assuming the TFT supports everything.
• In my opinion, the Carbon's feature list is attractive. However, throttle response and braking feel deserve more attention than the feature list alone can provide.

For a sporty 160cc motorcycle with modern features, the Xtreme 160R 4V Carbon is an interesting option. Its 163.2cc engine, sleek frame and responsive chassis make it suitable for city commuting and occasional highway rides.

The Carbon's TFT display, riding modes, cruise control and adjustable levers give it an equipment advantage. Other useful features in the higher spec package include the USD front fork and dual channel ABS.

However, it's not without drawbacks. Some Reddit users have reported inconsistent throttle response, a soft initial front brake feel and irregular gearbox problems. These are worth checking during your test ride. Don't overlook them simply because the styling appeals to you.

At Rs 1.41 lakh (ex showroom), the Carbon variant must justify its price through features and everyday usability. Compare it with the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Bajaj Pulsar N160 before making your decision.

My advice: Consider the Xtreme if you want a modern, lightweight and sporty commuter. Take a proper test ride in traffic and check the braking performance and throttle response in different riding modes.