At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Hero Xtreme 160R 4V
- 163.2 cc Air-Oil Cooled, 4-valve
- 16.9 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 48 km/l (Claimed)
- 12-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- 37 mm KYB USD forks (all variants)
Bajaj Pulsar N160
- 164.82 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 16 PS @ 8750 rpm
- 51.6 km/l (ARAI)
- 14-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS (most variants)
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Hero Xtreme 160R 4V | Bajaj Pulsar N160 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 163.2 cc | 164.82 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Oil Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 16.9 PS @ 8500 rpm | 16 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 14.6 Nm @ 6500 rpm | 14.65 Nm @ 6750 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.1 : 1 | 10.3 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 66.5 × 47 mm | 58 × 62.38 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 OBD2B | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~115 km/h | ~120 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No (Road/Rain/Off-Road on top variant) |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (Claimed) | 48 km/l | 51.6 km/l (ARAI) |
| Mileage (Real-world) | ~42–45 km/l | 45–50 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 14 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.9 litres | 2.8 litres |
| Riding Range | ~576 km | ~722 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Dual Channel ABS | Single / Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 276 mm | Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc – 220 mm | Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 | 100/80-17 / 130/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | 37 mm KYB USD Forks (all variants) | Telescopic / USD Fork (top 2 variants) |
| Rear Suspension | 7-Step Adjustable Monoshock | Monoshock |
| Chassis | Tubular Underbone Diamond Frame | Perimeter Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes (7-Step) | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 146 kg | 152–154 kg |
| Seat Height | 795 mm | 795 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1333 mm | 1358 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2029 × 793 × 1052 mm | 1989 × 743 × 1050 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Fully Digital LCD | Digital |
| Headlight | LED | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Riding Modes | No | No (Road/Rain/Off-Road on top variant only) |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (top variant only) | Yes (all variants) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | Yes (top variant only) | Yes (all variants) |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes (top variant) | No |
| Distance to Empty | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | Digital |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,31,755 | ₹1,14,840 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,34,994 | ₹1,27,333 |
| Number of Variants | 2 | 4 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 70,000 km | 5 Years / 75,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Xtreme 160R 4V Variants
Pulsar N160 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Sportier air-oil cooled 4-valve engine (16.9 PS)
- 37 mm KYB USD forks standard on all variants — no need to pay extra
- Lighter at 146 kg vs 152–154 kg
- Dual-channel ABS standard on all variants
- Cruise control available on top variant
- USB charging port standard across both variants
- 7-step adjustable rear monoshock for personalised setup
- Strong 5-year / 70,000 km warranty
Cons
- Higher starting price — ₹16,915 more than N160 base
- Smaller 12-litre tank and shorter riding range (~576 km)
- Lower mileage (48 km/l vs 51.6 km/l ARAI)
- Smaller 276 mm front disc vs N160's 300 mm
- Bluetooth only on top Cruise Control variant
- Only 2 variants — fewer choices for buyers
- Slightly shorter warranty km coverage (70,000 vs 75,000)
Pros
- Superior ARAI-certified mileage of 51.6 km/l
- Larger 14-litre fuel tank for longer range (~722 km)
- Bigger 300 mm front disc brake — best in class
- Bluetooth standard on all 4 variants
- Lower starting price (₹1,14,840)
- Lower top variant price (₹1,27,333 vs ₹1,34,994)
- 4 variants — more choice across budget levels
- Outstanding 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- LED projector headlamp on all variants
- Perimeter frame for added stability
- Riding modes on top split-seat variant
Cons
- Lower peak power (16 PS vs 16.9 PS)
- Air-cooled 2-valve engine less sporty at high rpm
- USD forks only on top 2 variants — base variants get telescopic
- No cruise control on any variant
- Heavier at 152–154 kg vs 146 kg
- Single-channel ABS on base variant
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
The Xtreme 160R 4V uses a 163.2 cc air-oil cooled, 4-valve engine producing 16.9 PS — marginally more than the N160 — with a freer-revving, more energetic character. The Pulsar N160 uses a 164.82 cc air-cooled, 2-valve unit tuned for smooth mid-range torque and fuel efficiency. The Xtreme's 4-valve design allows better breathing at high rpm, while the N160's 2-valve setup delivers strong torque in the usable city range.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The N160 leads clearly with an ARAI-certified 51.6 km/l against the Xtreme's 48 km/l claimed figure. With a substantially larger 14-litre tank, the N160 offers a theoretical range of ~722 km versus ~576 km for the Xtreme's 12-litre unit — a difference of nearly 146 km per fill-up. For daily commuters and riders who frequently travel between cities, this is a meaningful practical advantage.
Braking & Safety
The N160 holds a clear edge in braking hardware: its 300 mm front disc is 24 mm larger than the Xtreme's 276 mm unit, and its 230 mm rear disc also outshines the Xtreme's 220 mm. The Xtreme 160R 4V does offer dual-channel ABS standard on both variants, while the N160's base variant still uses single-channel ABS — dual-channel arrives only from the second variant at ₹1,17,619.
Suspension & Handling
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V has a clear advantage here — its 37 mm KYB USD front forks are standard on both variants. To get USD forks on the Pulsar N160, buyers must step up to the third or fourth variant at ₹1,25,013 or ₹1,27,333. The Xtreme also benefits from a 7-step adjustable rear monoshock. At 146 kg, the Xtreme is also 6–8 kg lighter than the N160, aiding agility and acceleration.
Warranty & Ownership
Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty, with the Pulsar N160 covering 75,000 km against the Xtreme 160R 4V's 70,000 km. The N160's 7% higher kilometre limit is a meaningful edge for high-mileage commuters. Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj both operate extensive nationwide service networks, keeping running costs competitive for both models.
Price & Value
The N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 — ₹16,915 less than the Xtreme's ₹1,31,755. At the top variant level, the N160's ₹1,27,333 USD split-seat variant undercuts the Xtreme's ₹1,34,994 Cruise Control variant by ₹7,661. The N160's sweet spot is the ₹1,17,619 dual-channel ABS variant, which delivers dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth and a 14-litre tank at a price below even the Xtreme's base variant.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Xtreme 160R 4V if…
- You want USD forks and dual-channel ABS without paying extra
- A sportier 4-valve, air-oil cooled engine excites you
- Lightweight handling (146 kg) is a priority in city traffic
- Cruise control on the top variant appeals to you
- You prefer a modern, agile motorcycle feel over raw range
- USB charging standard from the base variant matters
Buy the Pulsar N160 if…
- Budget is a priority — starts ₹16,915 cheaper
- You want the best fuel economy and longest riding range
- A larger 300 mm front disc for stronger braking matters
- Bluetooth from the base variant is important
- You do high daily mileage and need a bigger fuel tank
- The superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty coverage is key
- More variant choices help you find the right fit
Overall Winner for Most Riders: Bajaj Pulsar N160. A significantly lower starting price, better ARAI-certified mileage, a much larger 14-litre fuel tank and ~722 km riding range, a bigger 300 mm front disc brake, Bluetooth standard on all four variants, a lower top variant price and a superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty make the Pulsar N160 the more practical and better-value choice for the majority of Indian buyers. Choose the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V if USD forks standard across all variants, a sportier 4-valve engine, lighter weight and cruise control are your top priorities — but be prepared to pay a meaningful premium over the N160.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 is better for most buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency (51.6 km/l ARAI), a larger 14-litre tank, longer riding range (~722 km), a bigger 300 mm front disc, Bluetooth on all variants, lower price and a superior 5-year / 75,000 km warranty. The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V is better if you want USD forks standard on all variants, a sportier 4-valve engine, lighter weight (146 kg) and cruise control on the top variant.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 starts at ₹1,14,840 while the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V starts at ₹1,31,755 ex-showroom — a base difference of ₹16,915. At the top variant level, the N160 USD Split Seat tops out at ₹1,27,333 while the Xtreme Cruise Control variant reaches ₹1,34,994 — a gap of ₹7,661. Both prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar N160 has significantly better certified mileage at 51.6 km/l (ARAI) compared to the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V's 48 km/l claimed figure. The N160 also has a larger 14-litre tank versus the Xtreme's 12 litres, giving it a riding range of approximately 722 km compared to around 576 km for the Xtreme — a difference of nearly 146 km per tank.
The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V makes slightly more power at 16.9 PS @ 8500 rpm compared to the Bajaj Pulsar N160's 16 PS @ 8750 rpm. However, the N160 produces marginally more torque at 14.65 Nm vs 14.6 Nm. The Xtreme's air-oil cooled 4-valve engine revs more freely, while the N160's 2-valve unit has its strength in the usable mid-range band.
Yes, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V comes with 37 mm KYB USD front forks standard on both its variants (Double Disc at ₹1,31,755 and Cruise Control at ₹1,34,994). The Bajaj Pulsar N160, by contrast, offers USD forks only on its third and fourth variants at ₹1,25,013 and ₹1,27,333 — the base two N160 variants use conventional telescopic forks.
Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty. The Bajaj Pulsar N160 covers 75,000 km while the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V covers 70,000 km. While both are strong, the N160's additional 5,000 km of coverage is a marginal advantage for very high-mileage commuters who clock over 15,000 km per year.