Xtreme 160R is now available in a new paint scheme and more features

If you thought that the existing colour options for the Hero Xtreme 160R were not enough, cheer up. Hero MotoCorp has listened to your thoughts and has launched the Xtreme 160R in a new ‘Stealth 2.0’ colour scheme at Rs 1.23 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi. This is roughly Rs 2,000 more than the dual disc version of the bike and just over Rs 5,000 than the base version with single disc brake. Mechanically it remains unchanged and continues with its 163cc, 2v mill churning out 15bhp,14Nm of peak torque and mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

So, what do you get for the extra moolah? Firstly, it gets digital features like geo fencing, crash alert, speed alert, tow away and unplug alerts. All these send information about the bike to the rider’s mobile via the Hero Connect App, once you have paired it with your motorcycle. Quite useful, especially if you want to keep tabs on your teenage kid. Visually differentiating the Stealth 2.0 from its other variants are the red accents for the lower part of the front suspension, the foot holder frames, grab handles and the ‘Hero Xtreme Stealth’ lettering flanking the sides. You also get a knuckle protector like the Xpulse 200 4V, a nice addition. We wish it also got 4v to make things more attractive in the performance aspect. No matter, it’s still an interesting prospect. 

The Xtreme 160R’s rivals include the Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the recently refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Apache RTR 160 2V. While the Apache RTR 160 4V continues to be the benchmark in this segment for balancing VFM and performance aspect, the Pulsar N160 is the only bike in the segment with dual-channel ABS. The other two make do with single channel ABS.

Hero has priced the Xtreme 160R Stealth 2.0 quite well, considering both the Pulsar N160 and the top-spec Apache RTR 1604V are identically priced at Rs 1.27 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi. The Apache 160 RTR 4V with Bluetooth connectivity and dual disc costs Rs 1.26 lakh. The Apache continues to be the most powerful motorcycle, making 17.2bhp. In paper, the Xtreme 160R Stealth 2.0 is an interesting proposition compared to the Pulsar N160 and the Apache RTR 160 4V series. To confuse you further, there’s the TVS RTR 160 2V, also attractively priced at Rs 1.24 lakh, while getting features like different ride modes, digital instrument cluster and more power. Add the Pulsar NS160 into the mix, which is priced at Rs 1.23 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi. Well, it’s a happy confusion with so many options in the 160cc segment. Happy shopping. And yes, do weigh in the comments on what’s your pick in the hotly contested 160cc segment.