In the competitive world of 160cc motorcycles in India, two names constantly come up when talking about daily riders with performance punch — the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 160R. Both priced under ₹1.3 lakh (ex-showroom), these bikes cater to urban commuters who want style, performance, and value without stretching their budgets.
With rising fuel prices and growing traffic chaos, Indian two-wheeler buyers are looking for motorcycles that balance mileage, agility, and reliability. This face-off between Apache RTR 160 4V and Xtreme 160R isn’t just about numbers. It’s about real-world city practicality, rider comfort, and brand trust. Let’s dive in.
Design and Road Presence
The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V sticks to its race-inspired roots. With aggressive tank shrouds, a sharp LED headlamp, and sportier lines, it clearly targets the younger crowd. It looks muscular and planted, especially with the wider rear tyre and sporty graphics. TVS has refined its Apache styling over years, and this model wears it well.
In contrast, the Hero Xtreme 160R opts for a cleaner and minimalistic design language. It’s compact, edgy, and has a streetfighter-like stance with its stubby tail and aggressive tank extensions. It may not be as loud as the Apache in terms of visuals, but it certainly has a bold road character.
Engine and Performance
Here’s where the two bikes begin to show their distinct personalities.
The Apache RTR 160 4V gets a 159.7cc oil-cooled engine churning out 17.55 PS and 14.73 Nm. It’s tuned for strong mid-range punch and high-revving thrills. Apache is known for its throttle response and engine refinement, especially after TVS’s racing experience being infused into its lineup.
The Hero Xtreme 160R, on the other hand, is powered by a 163cc air-cooled engine producing 15.2 PS and 14 Nm. While slightly down on power, it compensates with its lighter kerb weight. At just around 139 kg, the Xtreme feels more flickable in traffic and quicker off the line in city conditions.
For pure city usage, both bikes perform impressively. Apache feels sportier, while Xtreme delivers smoother low-speed usability.
Ride Comfort and Handling
TVS has tuned the Apache’s suspension for a sportier feel, making it better for corner carving but slightly firmer on bumpy roads. The seating posture is semi-aggressive, suitable for riders who enjoy spirited rides even during daily commutes.
The Hero Xtreme 160R, in comparison, offers a more upright seating position with a slightly softer suspension setup. It soaks in potholes better and feels easier to live with in daily traffic snarls. For pillion riders, the Hero might feel a bit more accommodating too.
Features and Technology
Both bikes come loaded with modern features. The Apache offers three riding modes, a fully digital console, LED lighting, and SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity (in top variants). The riding modes (Urban, Rain, Sport) add a layer of adaptability, especially for varying road conditions.
The Hero Xtreme 160R counters with LED lighting all around, a negative LCD display, auto sail technology, and single-channel ABS. While it lacks ride modes, it wins points for being intuitive and user-friendly.
Mileage and Pricing
When it comes to fuel efficiency, both bikes are quite close. Real-world users have reported 45–50 kmpl for both models, depending on riding style and traffic conditions.
As for pricing (ex-showroom, Delhi):
- TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: ₹1.24 lakh – ₹1.32 lakh (variant-dependent)
- Hero Xtreme 160R: ₹1.21 lakh – ₹1.30 lakh
The Hero slightly edges out in value, especially in lower variants, while Apache offers more features in its top trims.
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Final Word
Choosing between the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and the Hero Xtreme 160R really depends on what you value more in a city bike.
If you prefer racer vibes, more power, and feature-rich technology, the Apache RTR 160 4V makes a strong case. But if your focus is everyday comfort, easy handling, and a cleaner urban design, then the Xtreme 160R might just be your perfect match.
In the commuter bike segment under ₹1.3 lakh, these two continue to be at the top of their game — and the real winner is the Indian rider who now has solid choices without burning a hole in the pocket.
