Hero MotoCorp was right up there when it developed the Xtreme 160R, taking the fight to the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in the sports commuter segment. The motorcycle is a hit and offers the right balance between performance and efficiency, all at a good price. That said, the Hero Xtreme 160R has been around for nearly three years now, and with new competition coming in, it’s time to bring in an update to the model. That’s what Hero seems to be doing, as seen in these new spy shots.
An updated version of the Hero Xtreme 160R was spotted testing near Jaipur, which is also home to Hero’s Global Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT). The massive R&D facility has been responsible for the company’s new range of offerings including the development of the new Vida electric mobility brand. The 2023 Hero Xtreme 160R test mule appears to get subtle changes retaining most of its proportions but you do see a smaller LED taillight, bulky fuel tank with new cladding, minimal panels and a new LED headlamp. The test mule also appears to get a revised digital LCD console and slightly thicker tyres.
Other hardware though appears to be the same. This includes the telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, while braking performance comes with disc brakes and single-channel ABS. It needs to be seen if Hero brings a dual-channel ABS as an option, considering the Bajaj Pulsar N160 is the only bike in the segment to offer the same.
Expect power figures to remain the same with the 163cc motor tuned for 15.7PS and 14Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Other features too will be identical including LED lighting, smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, and more. The upgrades will help the Xtreme 160R remain fresh amidst newer rivals and is likely to help the bike maker gain more market share in the segment.
With TVS and Bajaj offering more formidable products, the Xtreme 160R often gets overlooked despite being capable on its own. The next update should hopefully change that. There’s no word on the launch yet but the model could be a couple of months away with the launch likely to take place in 2023 itself. We could hear more about Hero’s future line-up at the Auto Expo 2023 in January.
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