Hero Xoom 160

The Hero Xoom 160 has taken its own sweet time to reach the market since it was first showcased. The good news is that now it’s here, and after riding it, we think it was worth the wait. Of course, like everything else, it comes with its share of shortcomings too.

The biggest reason to consider the Xoom 160 has to be its styling. It’s a scooter that looks big, desirable, and oozes road presence. The proportions are spot on, and though it carries several design elements, it never feels overdone. Instead, it drips with maxi-scooter vibes.

The downside lies in the quality of plastic and fit-and-finish. The beak’s plastic, for instance, feels rough to the touch and cheap to the eyes. The switchgear, too, looks unfinished. Even the fuel lid, though it pops open energetically, feels designed for something far more entry-level once you look inside.

On the features front, the Xoom 160 is well equipped. The keyless start is a joy, glovebox is deep and useful, and while the instrumentation looks dated and a segment below in design, it covers all essentials - Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation included.

A boot light adds convenience, while a brake lock is a smart touch. LED lighting all around and single-channel ABS round things off.

Powering the scooter is a 156cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 14bhp and 14.6Nm of torque, figures close to the Yamaha Aerox, which is a good benchmark. The similarities continue with 14-inch wheels at both ends, telescopic forks at the front, and twin coilover dampers at the rear.

The difference, however, is in the details. The Xoom’s Showa suspension offers over 95mm of travel compared to the Aerox’s sub-80mm setup, giving it a clear edge in ride and handling.

Braking is via a 240mm front disc and a 140mm rear drum. Unlike many Hero offerings with soft bite, the 160’s front brake offers strong bite, linear progression, and excellent feel. Even the rear drum feels potent.

The tyre setup includes a chunky 120-section front and 140-section rear with a block tread pattern that still delivers solid grip on tarmac, especially in the dry.

The first impression astride the Xoom 160 is its roomy ergonomics. Its wide, tall handlebar and generous seat-to-floorboard spacing make it comfortable even for taller riders. The seating triangle is relaxed and laid back, unlike the cramped commuter stance of most scooters. It invites you to take the long way home.

Weight distribution is another highlight. Despite a kerb weight north of 140kg, the scooter feels lighter both at a standstill and on the move. That effortless nature carries over to city riding, where it feels nimble in traffic. Linear, predictable power delivery, which is free of snatchiness or sudden peaks, adds to the ease.

Open the throttle, and the Xoom is eager off the line, with a gruff yet purposeful note that enhances the performance feel. While its acceleration isn’t the best in the segment, overtaking is stress-free, and it cruises happily at 80-90kmph.

The dynamics are well-sorted too. The ride is on the firmer side, but well-damped. At slow speeds, it’s not plush, but as speeds rise and roads worsen, the suspension shines. Stepped bumps, potholes, and joints are dispatched with composure. The rear doesn’t kick back, front doesn’t bottom out, and the overall ride lets you focus on the horizon rather than the road surface. And yes, it rides better than the Aerox.

Handling is equally friendly. It doesn’t feel razor-sharp or ultra-light, but it does feel secure, like a long-wheelbase machine with a low centre of gravity. Direction changes are positive and predictable, and there’s a reassuring feel from both tyres and chassis. Be it roundabouts or winding roads, the Xoom maintains balance, flow, and consistency that inspires confidence.

So, should you buy the Hero Xoom 160?

If you want a modern scooter that’s comfortable, quick, feature-rich, and surprisingly easy to live with, the Xoom is a no-brainer purchase.

But it isn’t flawless. Quality needs attention, especially the plastics. Under-seat storage is limited despite the front-mounted fuel tank, which is a big miss. And the CVT could do with more directness and connection.

That said, as a daily rider that can also take you to the weekend waterfalls, the Xoom 160 works. And it works well.

Photography: Kapil Angane