2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 - Which One Should You Buy and Why?

India is one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world. Also, India has the largest youth population in the world. The youngsters always want a feature-loaded motorcycle that looks stylish, offers punchy performance, a decent mileage and is affordable too. And, the motorcycle segment that ticks all those boxes right is the 160cc Sporty Commuter segment. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is considered the benchmark in this segment. And now finally, Hero MotoCorp has launched its most-anticipated bike of recent times, the Hero Xtreme 160R BS6. So, in this article, we will be comparing the 2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6. Stay tuned till the end to know which motorcycle should you buy and why!

Hero Xtreme 160R vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Looks and Colour Options

The new 2020 Hero Xtreme 160R is undeniably the most handsome-looking motorcycle in its class. It gets an all-LED robotic headlamp with twin LED DRLs, LED tail-lamps and even the turn indicators are fully LED. The bike has an aggressive stance and it looks sharp from all the directions, starting from its edgy fuel tank extensions up till the rear. It also gets a single-piece seat with high-raised pillion seat and a unique grab-rail positioned beneath it. Overall, the motorcycle looks very sporty and will definitely lure a lot of potential buyers. It is available in three colour variants: Pearl Silver White, Sports Red and Vibrant Blue.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is also a very attractive motorcycle. Recently, along with the BS6 update, it got some minor design tweaks which made it look even better. The new Apache 160 4V looks stunning with new all-LED headlamps. It also gets new twin LED DRLs and attractive body decals that give it an aggressive appeal. The motorcycle features a sharp aerodynamic side profile and also gets an engine cowl. At the rear, it gets a LED taillamp. The Apache 160 4V BS6 is available in three colour options: Racing Red, Metallic Blue and Knight Black.

Hero Xtreme 160R vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Engine, Transmission and Mileage

Specification	Xtreme 160R	Apache 160 4V
Engine	163cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected	159.7cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected
Maximum Power	15.2 PS at 8000 RPM	16.02 PS at 8250 RPM
Maximum Torque	14 Nm at 6500 RPM	14.12 Nm at 7250 RPM
Cooling System	air-cooled	oil-cooled
Transmission	5-speed	5-speed
Mileage	47-52 kmpl	45-50 kmpl
Emission Norm	BS6	BS6

The Hero Xtreme 160R is powered by a BS6-compliant 163cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out 15.2 PS of power at 8000 RPM and 14 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM. The engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Hero claims that it is the fastest motorcycle in its segment as it can sprint from 0-60 kmph in just 4.7 seconds. The Xtreme 160R is also equipped with Hero's XSens fuel-injection system and we expect the bike to deliver around 47-52 kmpl of mileage in real-world conditions.

The new Apache 160 4V is powered by a BS6-compliant 159.7cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. This motor pumps out 16.02 PS of power at 8250 RPM and 14.12 Nm of peak torque at 7250 RPM. The engine comes coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. It gets TVS' Race-tuned (RT-FI) fuel-injection technology for enhanced power delivery and fuel economy. It delivers around 40-45 kmpl of mileage in a real-world scenario. Moreover, it also gets GTT or Glide Through Technology feature for low-speed urban riding that offers an extremely smooth and controlled riding experience.

2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Chassis and Suspension

Specification	Xtreme 160R	Apache 160 4V
Chassis	Tubular Diamond Frame	Double Cradle Split Synchro STIFF
Front Suspension	37 mm Telescopic Forks	Telescopic Forks
Rear Suspension	7-step Rider-adjustable Monoshock	Mono-shock Absorber

The Hero Xtreme 160R sits on a Tubular Diamond Frame while the Apache 160 4V is based on a Double Cradle Split Synchro STIFF chassis. Both the motorcycles get telescopic front forks and a mono-shock absorber at the rear.

Also Read: 2020 Honda Livo BS6 First Look Review - The Best 110cc Sporty Commuter?

Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Tyres and Brakes

Specification	Xtreme 160R	Apache 160 4V
Tyre Size	Front 100/80-17 Rear 130/70-R17	Front 90/90-17 Rear 110/80-17 (drum version) Rear 130/70-17 (disc version)
Tyre Type	tubeless	tubeless
Wheel Type	alloy	alloy
Front Brake	disc	disc
Rear Brake	disc/drum	disc/drum
Front Brake Diameter	276 mm	270 mm
Rear Brake Diameter	130 mm (drum) 220 mm (disc)	130 mm (drum) 200 mm (disc)
ABS	single-channel	single-channel

Both the motorcycles run on 17-inch tubeless tyres but it is worth mentioning that the Xtreme 160R gets a radial unit at the rear. The braking duties on both the motorcycles are handled by petal discs at the front while at the rear, one can opt between a drum unit or a petal disc. Either of these motorcycles also gets a single-channel ABS as an additional safety aid.

Hero Xtreme 160R vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Dimensions and Capacity

Specification	Xtreme 160R	Apache 160 4V
Length	2040 mm	2035 mm
Width	802 mm	790 mm
Height	1010 mm	1050 mm
Seat Height	790 mm	800 mm
Wheelbase	1334 mm	1357 mm
Ground Clearance	170 mm	180 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	12L	12L
Weight	138.5 kgs (drum) 139.5 kgs (disc)	147 kgs (drum) 149 kgs (disc)

2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Features

The Hero Xtreme 160R gets an inverted all-digital instrument cluster and is loaded with a ton of information. It also gets a hazard light switch which none of its rivals offer. The Apache RTR 160 4V also gets an all-digital instrument cluster loaded with a ton of information. It displays digital speedometer, odometer, twin trip meters, fuel gauge, clock and even a gear-position indicator. Also, the Apache gets a bigger cluster with white backlit that makes it look more interesting.

2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Price and Verdict

The 2020 Hero Xtreme 160R is available in two variants: Front Disc and Dual Disc. The Front Disc variant is priced at Rs. 99,950 while the Dual Disc variant is priced at Rs. 1,03,500. The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6 is also offered in two variants: Front Disc and Dual Disc. The Front Disc variant is priced at Rs. 1,02,950 while the Dual Disc variant is priced at Rs. 1,06,000. All prices stick to Ex-showroom, Delhi.

Now finally, coming to our main question, Which motorcycle should you buy and why? So, if you want a stylish motorcycle with a futuristic appeal, punchy performance, good mileage, great features and that too at an affordable price tag, then you should consider buying the Hero Xtreme 160R. Also, since it is a new product, it will gather more eyeballs out on the streets. But, if you want a more feature-loaded machine with a powerful engine that offers ballistic performance, that looks great and proffers good rideability too, then you should definitely consider buying the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6. Mind you, both the motorcycles are almost evenly matched and have very minimal price difference, so choosing one for yourself is really a difficult task.

Also Read: 2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 First Look Review: The Best 160cc Naked Streetfighter?

This was our detailed spec-comparo of the new 2020 Hero Xtreme 160R BS6 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V BS6. Which among these will be your pick? Tell us in the comments below. You can also join our 91Wheels Automobile Enthusiast group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and the owners.