Introduction
The Hero Impulse was the motorcycle that could do it all, be it touring, off-roading or even commuting. The motorcycle diligently got through everything thrown at it. With the Xpulse 200, Hero aimed to up the ante, offering much more features and updated equipment. And being the smallest and most affordable ADV in the market today it was only right to bring it to Big Rock Dirtpark to test it during the Off-Road Day.
Test 3: The Slow Slalom
Score: 21/30
The slow slalom test at the Off-Road day was a tight one with cones placed closer than Marquez is to his next MotoGP victory. Now during the slalom test, it is not only good throttle and clutch modulation that needs to be focused on, but it is also how balanced the motorcycle is. The Xpulse 200 got through the drill with ease, although I wish it had slightly better throttle modulation. Moreover, the Xpulse felt effortless carrying out the test whether it was standing and riding or manoeuvring through the cones while being saddled in the seat. Just can’t stop raving about how well balanced the Xpulse is, can I?
Test 1: The Walk
Score: 22/30
In the walk test, it is all about how easy it is to modulate the throttle and clutch along with the ease of manoeuvrability around the cones. The Xpulse 200 is well balanced and fared well in the latter and since it is light, the weight didn’t pose an issue either. The ease of modulating both the clutch and throttle is amazing on the Xpulse 200, making it an easy bike to walk alongside with. No wonder it scored as much as the big boys in this test.
Test 2: The Braking
Score: 21/30
Going from 60-0kmph on dirt can be intimidating since there is little traction available. And even with the ABS on, the Xpulse 200 felt composed under hard braking. Yes, the rear brake could offer more bite and the stopping distance could have been shorter. But the feeling of security while going hard on the brakes has surely added brownie points for the Xpulse.
Test 4: The Log Hop
Score: 23/30
The Xpulse 200’s biggest advantage is its kerb weight of 153kg. It is light and easy to handle. And for me, as a novice off-road rider, it felt confidence-inspiring straight away. When it came to jumping off the log, a firm wring of the throttle got the Xpulse shooting skywards without any extra efforts whatsoever. Moreover, Hero has got the standing ergonomics of the bike spot on so preparing yourself before the jump is effortless too.
Test 5: The Cornering
Score: 25/30
No brownie points for guessing which bike topped the scoreboard in the cornering test! The Xpulse 200 is extremely flick-able through corners and the enthusiastic grunt from the engine makes it easy to slide too. What’s more, even with the tail out, the Xpulse is stable and ensures that the rider feels in control.
Conclusion
Overall Score: 112/150
Ranking: 2/6
The Hero Xpulse 200 is the perfect motorcycle for a beginner who wants to learn the nuances of riding off-road. The bike has good seating ergonomics. Moreover, with a narrow waistline and high-set handlebars, the Xpulse also feels comfortable while standing up and riding. And as we found out through the five tests, it has enough engine potent to let you have some fun sliding and jumping over obstacles. It even gets a light clutch and responsive throttle response that ensured it got through ‘The Walk’ and ‘The Slow Slalom’ like it was child’s play. So if you are on a budget and want to step into off-roading, the Xpulse 200 is the way to go!
