Introduction
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
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
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
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
