Hero MotoCorp has been relentless in 2025. With eight new launches already under its belt this year, ranging from refreshes of its bread-and-butter commuters to premium motorcycles, the brand is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Hero Xoom 160 marks the ninth launch of the year and, arguably, its most ambitious two-wheeler yet. But, it isn’t technically a launch since it has been on sale for quite some time for a price of Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and this is without accounting for recent GST reforms.
The Zoom 160 is Hero MotoCorp’s first attempt at making a maxi-scooter.At first glance, it might be tempting to dismiss the Xoom 160 as just another scooter, but it’s much more than that. This is Hero’s first attempt at building a maxi-scooter for India, similar to how they did with the Xpulse with dual-sport styling. In fact, Hero wants to position it as a scooter that blends comfort, practicality, and long-distance usability, and maybe even some ADV genes in there, which is something Indian buyers have been waiting for, but never quite received in the right package.
Much like the Xpulse 200 before it, the Xoom 160 represents a bold step into a relatively uncharted segment. And if Hero gets this right, it could have another cult product on its hands.
How does it all come together?
The Hero Zoom 160 features a bold, aggressive styling, highlighted by its broad front body panels.Maxi-scooters are supposed to have presence, and the Xoom 160 certainly doesn’t shy away from turning heads. At 160cc, it carries a sharp, almost aggressive design language with wide front body panels, a dual chamber LED headlamp setup, and angular cuts that give it a sporty yet premium feel. Unlike conventional scooters, the stance is more stretched out, hinting at its touring capability.
The seat height stands at 787mm, which is on the taller side for a scooter. While shorter riders may find it a bit challenging, the relatively narrow design at the front makes it easier to get both feet down. At 142kg kerb weight, it is heavier than most commuter scooters, but still lighter than the Aerox. For context, it balances heft with agility, giving it that planted feel without being overly cumbersome in city traffic.
Powering the Zoom 160 is a 156cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder engine that delivers about 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque, mated to a CVT.The engine is a 156cc liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder unit producing around 14.6bhp and 14Nm, paired with a CVT. On paper, these numbers aren’t class-leading, but they are tuned for a blend of performance and practicality. Hero has aimed at creating a scooter that isn’t just quick off the line but can cruise comfortably at highway speeds, in addition to handling some rough stuff.
Up front, the Zoom 160 is equipped with a 31mm Showa telescopic fork offering 97mm of travel, while the rear is fitted with twin shock absorbers providing 94mm of travel. It also comes with 14-inch alloy wheels.Cycle parts have been given due attention. The front features a 31mm Showa telescopic fork with 97mm of travel while the rear gets twin shock absorbers with 94mm of travel. The braking setup includes a 240mm front disc with single-channel ABS and a 140mm rear drum. While dual-channel ABS would’ve been ideal, Hero’s decision here seems guided by keeping costs accessible.
The Zoom 160 comes with a glove box housing a Type-A charger and a key fob.The 14-inch alloy wheels wrapped in block pattern tyres strike a good balance between stability and nimbleness. The underbone chassis has been specifically engineered for this scooter, and that makes a big difference once you’re on the move. There’s also an underseat storage of 22 litres, a small glove box compartment with a Type-A charger and key fob, which feels premium for a scooter.
What’s it like to ride?
Swing a leg over the Xoom 160 and the first thing you notice is the relaxed seating triangle. The seat itself is wide and supportive, with enough room for both rider and pillion. The footboard area isn’t flat, as they usually are, the fuel filler cap sits in the middle, and the fuel tank itself is 7 litres. Honestly, this does allow you to stretch your legs a little on longer commutes, a crucial element for the maxi-scooter experience.
Despite its kerb weight, the scooter feels nimble, zipping through city traffic with ease thanks to its responsive throttle and smooth CVT.On the move, the scooter feels surprisingly light on its feet despite the kerb weight. In the city, it darts through traffic with ease, thanks to its responsive throttle and a smooth CVT. However, the ride quality did feel stiffer than I expected, and although this does aide handling, it does take away from comfort to an extent. The suspension setup feels neutral, and it does soaking up potholes and undulations with confidence but it can be felt. Take it onto winding roads and the Xoom 160’s chassis shines. The underbone frame feels rigid, giving the scooter a planted character in corners. While it won’t carve through apexes like a sport bike, it holds its line confidently, instilling trust in the rider. Even at higher speeds, the stability is commendable, a trait you don’t often associate with scooters in this price bracket.
With 14.6bhp on tap, the Xoom 160 offers enough off-the-line acceleration and maintains a relaxed cruise at 80-90kmph.Performance is best described as adequate, it’s not really exciting but there is a significant surge in the mid-range and top-end. The 14.6bhp motor ensures that the Xoom 160 feels lively enough off the line and cruises comfortably at 80-90kmph. It will stretch beyond 100kmph, but that isn’t its natural habitat. Instead, it’s happiest in the mid-range, delivering smooth and linear power for everyday rides and occasional highway stints. Also, this thing has a fantastic turning radius, which should aide in city riding. Apart from this, the claimed fuel efficiency figure is around 55kmpl.
Braking performance, however, is where things could’ve been stronger. The front disc does a decent job, but under hard braking, you do feel the absence of dual-channel ABS. The rear drum, while functional, feels outdated in 2025 when rivals are offering more advanced braking setups. It’s not unsafe, but it does leave you wishing Hero had been bolder.
Verdict
The Hero Zoom 160 is a product that isn’t merely fitting into an existing segment but is attempting to carve out a new one.So, where does the Hero Xoom 160 stand in India’s two-wheeler landscape? Much like the Xpulse 200, it is a product that doesn’t just slot into an existing category, it is trying to create one. It may not have the outright punch of the Aerox 155 or the flair of an Aprilia SR, but it brings something far more valuable to the table: accessibility without compromise.
For buyers who have been waiting for a usable maxi-scooter that balances city practicality with weekend touring ability, the Xoom 160 might just be the answer. Its refined engine, chassis setup, and purposeful design make it a scooter that feels genuinely versatile. Thanks to how it handles the rough stuff as well.
In many ways, the Hero Xoom 160 does what the Xpulse 200 did for adventure motorcycling, it democratises a segment that was previously considered niche. And if history is anything to go by, Hero may have just created another scooter that could become an icon in its own right.