Here’s How The Hero Xtreme 160R Compares Against The Suzuki Gixxer BS6 and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 On Paper

[Update: Hero has launched the Xtreme 160R. Know prices and more details here]

Hero MotoCorp will soon launch its first 160cc motorcycle, the Xtreme 160R. The upcoming motorcycle gets a host of features, has a powerful motor and looks fantastic. We have compared the Hero Xtreme 160R on paper, to two of the best motorcycles in the 160cc segment, the Suzuki Gixxer BS6  and TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6.

 

Powertrain: 

Specifications	Hero Xtreme 160R	Suzuki Gixxer BS6	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6
Engine	163cc single-cylinder, air-cooled FI, 2-valve engine	154.9cc single-cylinder, air-cooled FI, 2-valve engine	159.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled FI 4-valve engine with oil cooler
Max. Power Output	15.23PS @ 8000rpm	13.6PS at 8000rpm	16.02PS at 8250rpm
Max. Torque	14Nm @ 6500rpm	13.8Nm at 6000rpm	14.12Nm at 7250rpm
Transmission	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed

While both the Xtreme 160R and Gixxer BS6 have a 2-valve engine configuration, the Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 gets 4 valves which allow it to breathe better. It also makes the most power and torque here. The Xtreme 160R is the second most powerful bike here and makes its peak power and torque at a lower rpm than the Apache. Its extra cc’s over the other two definitely help.  While the Gixxer makes the lowest power and torque, it scores big on refinement. All three motorcycles here are BS6-compliant and feature fuel-injection. 

Also read: 2020 TVS Apache RTR 160 & RTR 200 BS6 First Ride Review

Underpinnings	Hero Xtreme 160R	Suzuki Gixxer BS6	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6
Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Telescopic fork	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Monoshock	Monoshock	Monoshock tuned by Showa
Front brake	276mm petal disc with single-channel ABS	Disc brake with single-channel ABS	270mm petal disc with single-channel ABS
Rear brake	220mm disc/130mm drum	Disc brake	200mm petal disc
Front tyre	100/80-17	100/80-17 52P	90/90-17 49P TVS Remora (or) 90/90-17 M/C 49S Pirelli Angel CT
Rear tyre	130/70 - R17	140/60 - R17 63P	130/70-17 M/C 62P TVS Remora (or) 130/70-17 M/C 62S Pirelli Angel CT

While all three motorcycles have an identical suspension setup consisting of telescopic forks and a monoshock, the Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 gets special tuning from KYB (for forks) and Showa (for monoshock). This helps it offer a fine balance between ride and handling. The Gixxer BS6 too handles well owing to its stiffer suspension setup, though it sacrifices a bit on slow-speed comfort. For braking, the Xtreme 160R gets the largest front disc brake here, which should help. The Gixxer SF offers a strong bite partly helped by a larger 140-section tyre. On the Apache, brake feedback is poor as is performance under hard braking. 

Dimensions:

Dimensions	Hero Xtreme 160R	Suzuki Gixxer BS6	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6
Wheelbase	1334mm	1340mm	1357mm
Ground clearance	170mm	165mm	180mm
Fuel tank capacity	12-litres	12-litres	12-litres
Seat height	790mm	795mm	800mm
Kerb weight	138kg	148kg	149kg

The Hero Xtreme 160R is a compact motorcycle as evident from the short wheelbase, low kerb weight and low seat height. These factors also make it more accessible to novice riders. All three motorcycles have the same fuel tank capacity though comments on the range can be done only after a proper fuel efficiency test.  

Features:

Features	Hero Xtreme 160R	Suzuki Gixxer BS6	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6
LED headlamp	Yes	Yes	Yes
LED tail lamp	Yes	Yes	Yes
LED turn indicators	Yes	No	No
Instrument console	Yes	Yes	Yes

All three motorcycles here get an LED headlamp and LED tail lamp. However, the Xtreme 160R goes a step further and gets LED turn indicators as well, making it the only motorcycle to get all-LED lighting. All three motorcycles get a full-digital instrument console though the Gixxer BS6 has the most premium looking and comprehensive setup of the lot. The Gixxer BS6 is also the only bike here to get a split seat setup. 

Price:

Price	Hero Xtreme 160R	Suzuki Gixxer BS6	TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6
Ex-showroom, Delhi	Expected Rs 90,000 - Rs 95,000	Rs 1,11,900	Rs 1,00,950 (rear drum), Rs 1,04,000 (rear disc)

All recent Hero products have this unique USP of being priced less than the competition, almost intruding into the segment below. By that yardstick, we expect the Xtreme 160R to be priced in the region of Rs 90,000 to Rs 95,000. Given the features and performance on offer, the Hero Xtreme 160R looks like a sweet deal indeed. However, we would reserve judgement till the time we test Hero’s upcoming 160cc motorcycle against its rivals, especially the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6.