A Lasting First Impression

With the Xoom 160, Hero MotoCorp has ventured into uncharted territory. Can this ADV-styled maxi-scooter hold its own?

- Story: Salman Bargir

THE HERO XOOM 160 AIMS TO CATER TO a rising class of commuters who seek to use their free time to explore nearby getaways, and venture on to roads less travelled, in search of tranquillity they can't find in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We rode it in and around Pune, stretching out to the outskirts comprising hills and highways.

And wherever we went, it was evident that this maxi-scooter was a head-turner. In today’s world, where grabbing attention isn't easy, it managed to draw plenty of curious eyes in this “Matte Rainforest Green” colour. Onlookers not only admired its presence but a couple even came up to me and wanted to know more about it, some remarking that at first glance it looked like a big motorcycle, only to be surprised later that it's actually a scooter.

Surrounded by a sculpted apron, the double-barrel LED headlamps add to the scooter’s aggressive character. Winglet-like panels flank the shrouds to lend the Xoom 160 a beefy, maxi-scooter stance. The design is not only stylish but also functional and helps keep the scooter planted on the highway. Its tall dark windscreen proved useful, deflecting a good amount of windblast during my sprints on the highway. For those seeking even more protection, Hero also offers a taller transparent windscreen, among other touring accessories.