Hero MotoCorp is significantly upping the ante in the performance bike segment with the unveiling of the Xtreme 160R 4V Combat Edition. This new variant, positioned as the new flagship of the Xtreme 160R line, directly inherits advanced features from its smaller 125cc sibling and the larger 250R, signaling a major tech infusion for the brand’s popular 160cc offering.
Gone are the days when features like cruise control were reserved for premium, large-displacement motorcycles. Following the strategy pioneered with the Xtreme 125R, Hero is democratizing this technology, making long highway rides less fatiguing for a broader range of riders.
A New Look and a Significant Tech Upgrade
The “Combat Edition” badge is more than just a name; it brings a distinct visual identity. The motorcycle sports an aggressive grey and yellow colour scheme, a theme Hero has successfully used on other models like the Karizma XMR and the Xoom 110 scooter to denote special, feature-rich variants.
However, the most significant changes lie beneath the paint. The core of the upgrade is the adoption of a ride-by-wire throttle system. This electronic management of the throttle unlocks two highly anticipated features:
- Cruise Control: Allows riders to set and maintain a constant speed without holding the throttle, a boon for open highways and reduced rider fatigue.
- Multiple Riding Modes: Riders can now tailor the bike’s performance to conditions with Rain, Road, and Sport modes. These modes likely alter the power delivery and throttle response, offering greater safety in wet conditions (Rain) and sharper performance when desired (Sport).
Controlling these new functions is a new full-colour LCD instrument console, borrowed from the more powerful Xtreme 250R. This modern dash provides a crisp interface for the rider and elevates the bike’s premium feel.
A Sharper Gaze
Another notable upgrade comes at the front. The Xtreme 160R 4V has shed its previous reflector-type LED headlight for the superior LED projector unit from the 250R. This new setup not only should offer better illumination but also incorporates the signature ‘H’-shaped LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), bringing its face in line with Hero’s latest design language and giving it a more modern and aggressive stance.
Pricing and Availability
Hero MotoCorp has showcased the bike on its website, detailing its features but has not yet announced the official price. Industry observers suggest a launch is imminent.
Based on Hero’s recent pricing strategy with the Xtreme 125R—where the top variant with these features commanded a premium of around Rs 12,000—we can expect a similar approach for the 160R 4V Combat Edition. The current standard Xtreme 160R 4V starts at Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom), so the new Combat Edition is poised to sit at the top of the range, offering a compelling package for riders seeking the highest level of features and technology in the 160cc category.
