Hero Xtreme 160R 4V vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar N160: Specs Compared

  • Published June 15, 2023
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How does Hero’s new 4-valve 160cc contender stack up against the best in its class?

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V vs Bajaj Pulsar N160: highlights
 
Hero MotoCorp launched the updated Xtreme 160R 4V, a successor to the old 160R. Now equipped with a 4-valve head, uprated hardware, and minor design tweaks, this sporty commuter is sportier than ever, at least on paper. In our recent 160cc shoot-out the class toppers were the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Hence, it’s time to find out how the updated Xtreme 160R 4V stack up against them, at least on paper! 

Engine

Specifications

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

Engine

163cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled, 4-valve engine

159.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-valve engine

164.2cc, single-cylinder, oil-air-cooled, 2-valve engine

Power

16.9PS @ 8500rpm

17.5PS @ 9250rpm

16PS @ 8750rpm

Torque

14.6Nm @ 6500rpm

14.7Nm @ 7250rpm

14.7Nm @ 6500rpm

Gearbox

5-speed

5-speed

5-speed

Between these three, the Pulsar has the largest displacement and the Apache makes the most power despite having the smallest displacement. However, if you were to pit the Xtreme against the Pulsar which are closest in cubic capacity, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V makes the most power at lower rpms. This could be credited to its new 4-valve cylinder head which allows the engine to remain relatively stress free even at higher speeds.       

Underpinnings

Specifications

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

Front suspension

Upside down fork (Pro) | Telescopic (standard & connect)

Telescopic 

Telescopic 

Rear suspension

Monoshock

Monoshock

Monoshock

Front brake

276mm Disc, ABS

270mm Disc, ABS

300mm Disc, ABS

Rear brake

220mm Disc

130mm Drum/ 200mm Disc

230mm Disc, ABS

Front tyre

100/80-17 Tubeless

90/90-17

100/80-17 tubeless

Rear tyre

130/70 -R17 Tubeless - Radial

110/80-17 (Drum)/ 130/70-17 (Disc) - Radial

130/70-17 tubeless

 

When it comes down to hardware, all three motorcycles feature a telescopic front fork and a monoshock at the back. However, the top-end ‘Pro’ variant of the Xtreme 160R 4V gets a premium KYB upside down fork for a sportier ride and appeal. However, when it comes to brakes, the Pulsar N160 remains the best-in-class with larger disc at work and dual-channel ABS. We only wish that Hero had offered the Xtreme with dual-channel ABS, at least in the ‘Pro’ variant.   

Dimensions

Specifications

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

Wheelbase

1327mm

1357mm

1358mm

Ground clearance

165mm

180mm

165mm

Fuel tank capacity

12-litres

12-litres

14-litres

Seat height

795mm

800mm

795mm

Kerb weight

144kg standard + connect | 145kg Pro

Drum - 144 kg / Disc - 146 kg

154kg

Out in the real world, stuff like seat height, kerb weight and ground clearance matter the most. In that sense, both the Xtreme 160R and Pulsar N160 offer the most accessible seat, but not by a huge margin. When speaking of weight - the Pulsar is the chubbiest of the lot, but the new Xtreme 160R 4V Pro variant is lighter than its competition here. In the ground clearance department, the Apache takes the cake with its impressive 180mm ground clearance. This should allow the Apache to scale over our poor Indian roads better than the rest.    

Features

Features

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

Bluetooth

Yes

Yes

No

USB charging

No

No

Yes

Ride modes

No

Yes

No

In this segment, you typically do not find tech laden bikes because beyond their superficial sportiness, these are still utilitarian tools for practical living. And features cost money which rob these bikes off their value for money proposition. Despite that, both the Xtreme and Apache offer Bluetooth connectivity in their top end variants. That said, the Apache pushes the envelope further by introducing rides modes which offer varied power outputs depending on what you need. In that sense, the Bajaj Pulsar N160 feels a bit spartan, but in all honesty, are we missing out on a lot if we do not have basic Bluetooth enabled call and SMS alerts?     

Price & Verdict

Hero Xtreme 160R 4V

TVS Apache RTR 160 4V

Bajaj Pulsar N160

Pro: Rs 1,36,500 | Connect: Rs 1,32,800 | Standard: Rs 1,27,300 

Rs 1,32,070 - single-channel ABS

Rs 1,30,560 - dual-channel ABS

(all prices ex-showroom Delhi)

Now this is where the penny drops for most buyers, literally too! These entry-level although a practical purchase require a lot of heart to decide, because they often end up as ‘first bikes’. Hence, no matter how sporty a manufacturer may make their bike, the final call comes down to the asking price and in that sense, it’s a close call between the Xtreme 160R 4V base variant and the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Yes, the Xtreme is roughly Rs 2000 cheaper, but with the extra safety net of dual-channel ABS on offer the Pulsar N160 appears to make the most sense. 

Bajaj Pulsar N160 Video Review

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Bajaj Pulsar N160 Price in India
City On Road Price
Delhi Rs. 1,36,076
Kolkata Rs. 1,38,267
Bangalore Rs. 1,49,846
Hyderabad Rs. 1,40,587
Mumbai Rs. 1,39,627
Ahmedabad Rs. 1,39,163
Pune Rs. 1,39,627
Chennai Rs. 1,40,587
Patna Rs. 1,39,163
Jaipur Rs. 1,38,745
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