facebook
AD

Hero Xpulse 200 BS6 Review Long Term: 1000km report

Authors Image

Vikrant Singh

43,934 Views

Introduction

Hero Xpulse 200 Left Front Three Quarter

We have completed 1000km on our brand new long term Hero Xpulse 200 BS6. In this time, we have switched to fully synthetic engine oil; have removed a few bits and bobs; and have only managed to spend time commuting on the Xpulse.

The Changes

Hero Xpulse 200 Hand Guards

Let’s start with the changes. We started by helping the Xpulse drop a few pounds. Five point seven pounds to be exact, which is 2.6kg in our speak. We got rid of the leg guard; because it could get in the way if we ever decided to go riding ‘leg-out’ on a dirt track. We removed the saree guard; because it just makes it easier to clean the bike. And we threw away the long plastic tail section; because, well who doesn’t like a bike with a smart tail tidy

Hero Xpulse 200 Handle Bar

We also got rid of the rubber inserts on the footpegs. Now, the Xpulse doesn’t exactly vibrate a lot, and the serrated footpegs work so much better off-road that removing these was a no-brainer. We also rotated the handlebar forward to get a slightly more upright seating, and went two up on preload on the rear suspension. Finally, as part of its first oil change, we also switched to Gulf Oil’s Powertrac fully synthetic oil designed especially for the Xpulse 200. You can read the pluses of that HERE.

The Ride

Hero Xpulse 200 Handle Bar

Like we said at the start, we have only spent time commuting on the Xpulse this month and it is a lovely commute machine. You only need to tank it up after every 450km or more. It is a boon over poor roads courtesy its plush ride. It’s light and reasonably nimble to handle quick filtering through traffic. And thanks to the change in the foam density of the seat on the BS6 version, spending long hours on the bike is just more comfortable now.

Now, we weren’t exactly thrilled with everything on our city commutes. The front brake for one could do with more bite. But the good news is the ABS now functions less intrusively, which wasn’t the case with the BS4 bike. Furthermore, we increasingly feel that the clutch could do with a lighter pull. And the best way to do that would be to offer a slipper clutch. It would be a welcome inclusion for another strong reason – it would be a savior on the uneven and unpredictable Mumbai roads, especially since the bike only comes with a single channel ABS.

What’s Next?

This month, we intend to go dirt-dancing with the Xpulse 200. And will hopefully, towards the end of the month, get our hands on the desirable ‘Rally Kit’. That should be fun.

Odo: 1032km

Km this month: 730km

Fuel Efficiency: 43.1kmp

Price as tested: Rs 1,36,284, OTR, Mumbai

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi

Gallery

Hero Xpulse 200 Handle Bar
Hero Xpulse 200 Handle Bar
Hero Xpulse 200 Hand Guards
Hero Xpulse 200 Left Front Three Quarter

Related Road Test Reviews

Compare Bikes

  • Hero
  • other brands
Hero Xtreme 125R
Hero Xtreme 125R
₹ 97,683Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city
Hero Splendor Plus
Hero Splendor Plus
₹ 74,650Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city
Hero Xtreme 160R
Hero Xtreme 160R
₹ 1,11,111Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city
AD

Featured Bikes

  • Popular
  • Upcoming
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
₹ 1,49,900Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Royal Enfield Classic 350
₹ 1,99,499Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city
Yamaha MT 15 V2
Yamaha MT 15 V2
₹ 1,69,207Onwards
Avg. Ex-Showroom price
Show price in my city
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350
LAUNCHING SOON
Nov 2024
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350

₹ 2,00,000

Onwards
23rd Nov 2024Expected Launch
Honda Activa Electric
LAUNCHING SOON
Nov 2024
Honda Activa Electric

₹ 1,00,000

Onwards
27th Nov 2024Expected Launch
Hero Xoom 160
Hero Xoom 160

₹ 1,10,000

Onwards
Nov 2024 (Tentative)Expected Launch
AD