Hero updates Xtreme 160R 4V and 250R with cruise control; 160R priced from Rs 1.27 lakh

Hero MotoCorp has brought two upgraded sports motorcycles to Indian showrooms: a new Xtreme 160R 4V and a refreshed Xtreme 250R. Cruise control is the headline addition on both. The 160R starts at Rs 1.27 lakh, ex-showroom, and bookings are already open.

The company calls the launch a significant step in building up its premium range. It says the two bikes pair a more aggressive streetfighter look with strong performance and rider-focused technology, and that they serve two different segments.

Anuj Dua, Chief Business Officer for the Premium Segment at Hero MotoCorp, spoke at the launch. "The expansion of the premium category holds the biggest growth potential in our journey ahead. With distinct product identity and a better riding experience, we are steadily strengthening our position in this segment. The Xtreme family is a key pillar of this strategy." He added that Hero sells these products through a network of more than 130 Premia stores, and that this reflects its aim to build world-class machines that meet what buyers expect.

The 160R 4V first went on sale in 2023 and has been a steady part of Hero's premium line-up. The maker describes the new version as the biggest overhaul the model has had. The design is entirely new but keeps the core identity of the Xtreme family. The naked bike looks younger, more muscular and sharper, with a road presence the company likens to that of a larger motorcycle. The styling is branded Cybersharp and includes sharper tank shrouds and reworked bodywork. The tank is shaped to grip the rider's knees better while still letting a rider plant a foot easily.

Lighting is full LED. The headlamp is a Class D unit that switches on automatically through an ambient light sensor, with a projector high beam and an H-shaped daytime running light. The tail lamp is also H-shaped, and the indicators are LED. The front wheel rims come in red and black.

The engine is a 163 cc, four-valve, oil-cooled unit that makes 17.1 PS at 8,750 rpm and 14.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Its short-stroke layout lets it rev quickly, and a finned oil cooler keeps temperatures steady on long rides. Hero says it is the quickest bike in its class, going from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and that it sends the most power to the rear wheel in the segment. The company also says no oil change or tappet adjustment is needed for up to 6,000 km.

Electronic throttle control, known as ride-by-wire, keeps the throttle response precise and smooth. There are three riding modes. Rain softens the throttle for slippery surfaces, Road gives balanced power for daily commuting, and Sport makes the response direct and sharp. Hero says the 160R 4V is the first motorcycle in its segment to offer cruise control.

On safety, the bike has dual-channel ABS with 276 mm front and 220 mm rear petal discs. A panic brake alert warns following traffic when the rider brakes hard, another first for this segment according to the company. Suspension is by 37 mm KYB upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear with seven preload settings. The rear tyre is a wide 130/70 R17 radial tubeless.

The motorcycle comes in three variants. The Standard costs Rs 1.27 lakh, the Pro Rs 1.37 lakh and the Carbon Rs 1.41 lakh, all ex-showroom. Deliveries of the Pro and Carbon begin on November 1, 2026, while the Standard goes on sale in January 2027.

The variants differ considerably. The Pro and Carbon get ride-by-wire, cruise control and the three riding modes. They also have a 4.2-inch multi-colour TFT display whose theme changes with the riding mode, a USB Type C charging port, illuminated switches and a hazard light that flashes on panic braking. The Pro adds USD front forks. The Carbon also has clutch and brake levers adjustable in five steps, along with coloured wheels. The Standard makes do with a mechanical throttle, single-channel ABS, dual disc brakes, telescopic forks and an LCD console.

Colours depend on the variant. The Carbon comes in Carbon Red, Carbon Black, Carbon Grey and Abrax Orange. The Pro is sold in Pro Red and Pro Black, and the Standard in Firestorm Red and Pearl Black.

The refreshed Xtreme 250R is the more powerful of the two. It has ride-by-wire, four riding modes, traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control that Hero says is a first in its segment, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Its 4.2-inch TFT cluster sits alongside frequency selective damping suspension, which the company describes as a first in the automobile sector. The 250R is priced at Rs 1.98 lakh, ex-showroom, and deliveries start in November 2026.

For buyers weighing the 160R, the choice will come down to the budget, the features they want and how they plan to use the bike day to day.