After what feels like an eternity, we've finally had the chance to ride the Hero Xoom 160. I was really looking forward to it — not just because it’s India’s first homegrown maxi-scooter, but also because it brings something unique to the table, with a style and character that leans more towards the adventure segment. Unveiled at EICMA 2024, the Xoom 160 made its India debut at the Bharat Mobility Show earlier this year, and was launched at ₹1.49 lakh. It features a new engine, stronger underpinnings, and a host of other upgrades, all aimed at competing with the likes of the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the new TVS NTorq 150. So, what’s it like from behind the handlebar? Read on to find out.
Verdict
Prices for the Xoom 160 start at ₹1.49 lakh, with deliveries expected to begin sometime this September. Positioned as a contender against the likes of the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the new TVS NTorq 150, the Xoom 160 enters a segment with scooters that each have their own distinct personality and offerings. However, I can confidently say that the Xoom 160 feels like the most mature in its class. It strikes a perfect balance between performance and handling, even though it’s the heaviest scooter in this category. While it’s not the sharpest, nor the most feature-rich, it has a long-legged feel, making it a versatile all-rounder. Sure, its ride quality could have been better when riding solo, especially on rougher roads. But apart from that, it’s the sort of "jack-of-all-trades" scooter that can comfortably meet the needs of riders who want good performance, ample storage, and solid road presence. If you're looking for a maxi-scooter that ticks most of the boxes and has a strong presence on the road, the Xoom 160 should definitely be on your radar.
The Xoom 160 looks nothing like any other scooter you’ll find in India today — except for a pricey Japanese rival that costs five times more. Its design takes direct inspiration from Hero’s Dakar motorcycles, and it definitely stands out. Up front, you get a sharp beak with big LED headlights, DRLs, and a dark visor. The body is angular, with cast-aluminium footpegs, a swingarm, and a sharp tail featuring a cast-aluminium section that integrates the grab rails. From the side, you’ll spot the upswept exhaust, long seat, and extended footboards — perfect for stretching out during long touring sessions. It’s also packed with a 7-litre floorboard-mounted fuel tank, 22-litre underseat storage, and a small cubby space on the front apron with a lid.
Styling is definitely subjective, but one thing’s for sure: the Xoom 160 will turn heads with its bold size and quirky design.
When it comes to ergonomics, the Xoom’s low 770mm seat height and high, wide handlebars make it suitable for riders of all sizes, even tall ones. The large, cushioned seat is comfortable enough for hours of riding without any discomfort.
On the features front, the Xoom 160 offers keyless ignition and a multifunction keyfob that lets you switch on the headlights, sound the alarm, and release the boot lock remotely. The digital cluster also has Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and notifications for calls and messages.
Moreover Hero is offering a few accessories including a 23 & 29-litre touring box, floor mats, a body guard, a seat cover, and a taller visor that's aero-optimised.
The fit and finish on the Xoom 160 is surprisingly good for a Hero product. The panel gaps are consistent, and the overall build quality is solid, with clean finishes across the scooter.
Engine: 157cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power: 14.6bhp
Torque: 14Nm
Price: ₹1.49 lakh, ex-showroom
Powering the Xoom 160 is a 156cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which produces 14.6bhp at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of peak torque at 6,250rpm. And I have to say, this engine suits the scooter very well. It’s refined from the get-go and offers a solid mid-range punch. While the scooter doesn’t have an aggressive initial kick — don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t feel slow from standstill — its performance is most impressive between the 30 to 80kmph mark. Not only that, it also feels fairly quick between 80 and 100kmph. This means you can comfortably cruise at 80kmph all day long and still have enough grunt for overtakes up to 100kmph. That certainly gives the Xoom 160 strong highway credentials. However, when riding with a pillion, performance does take a hit, with a noticeable slowdown in acceleration. This is due to the Xoom 160’s 142kg kerb weight, which means the engine has to work harder when carrying an extra passenger. A bit more power — say, 3 to 4bhp — would have certainly made a difference here.
The Xoom 160 comes equipped with 14-inch alloy wheels at both ends, shod with block-pattern tyres. It features a 31mm telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, with 97mm and 94mm of travel, respectively. And, surprisingly, it rides quite stiffly. Hero had to stiffen the setup to accommodate the weight of the Xoom 160, which means the suspension doesn't quite do a good job of ironing out sharp edges and the rough stuff Indian roads are plagued with. But when the road is in good condition, the Xoom feels sharp, surprisingly flickable, and very stable at high speeds. I appreciate how it hides its weight, right off the starter blocks. This is a very well-balanced scooter, and it feels great to throw around and filter through traffic, despite its size.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm disc at the front and a 140mm drum brake at the rear. While the addition of a rear disc would have been a welcome upgrade, the current setup does a solid job of slowing the scooter down. It offers a good initial bite and excellent feedback. It’s assisted by single-channel ABS, which is nicely calibrated with minimal intrusion.
