The Hero XPulse 200 will be launched in India on 1 May. And with just a couple of days left before it arrives we tell you what to expect from the upcoming adventure motorcycle from Hero.
Styling and features
The Hero XPulse 200 has all the design elements to make it look like a purposeful adventure touring motorcycle. To begin with, it gets a high mudguard and high-set exhaust that sets the tone. Furthermore, there is the knuckle guards, engine sump guard and spoke wheels shod with dual-purpose tyres. Hero also offers the XPulse 200 with a small luggage rack and tall windscreen that reflects its touring capabilities.
The Hero XPulse 200 uses a motocross-like single-piece seat and a wide tank recess that is likely to ensure a comfortable riding position both on and off the road. The bike offers full-LED illumination for the headlamp and tail lamp. The instrument cluster is a fully digital instrument cluster that displays a gear position indicator, average speed, time and date along with other basic information. Additionally, the unit also offers Bluetooth connectivity.
Engine
The XPulse 200 is based on the Xtreme 200R and hence shares the 200cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. While the motor generates 18.4bhp and 17.4Nm on the Xtreme 200R, it is expected to be retuned on the XPulse 200 to suit its ADV character. The gear ratios on the five-speed gearbox are also likely to be reconfigured.
Suspension and braking
Being an ADV, the Hero XPulse 200 rides on spoke wheels; 21-inch at the front and 18-inch at the rear shod with dual-sport tyres sourced from CEAT. Telescopic forks up front with 190mm travel and an adjustable monoshock at the rear with 170mm of travel take care of suspension duties. Meanwhile braking is done by disc brakes at both ends with a single-channel ABS unit.
Pricing
Considering the pricing of the Xtreme 200R which retails at Rs 90,900 (ex-showroom, India) we expect Hero to price the XPulse 200 well. It is likely to be introduced with a price tag of around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.3 lakhs. While the XPulse 200 does not have any direct rivals in the country, it will compete against the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the BMW G310 GS in the country.
