- Hero's new 421cc bike spotted
- Rally team testing at INRC
- Won't be called XPulse
Hero MotoCorp has finally started race-testing its flagship product – a new 420cc liquid-cooled platform. This platform debuted a few years ago as an early prototype.
Two never seen before Hero race bikes were spotted at INRC round in Bengaluru. Both these bikes were tagged under Group A, which is a category for motorcycles above 400cc. This classification makes us believe that the brand is testing the rumoured 421cc platform.
According to our sources, this new 421cc platform will debut in late 2024, and the first bike will be an adventure motorcycle. The spotted rally bikes can see using the same chassis and engine revealed a few years ago. But the swingarm is different and looks cost-effective. Plus, the rally bikes run some premium components, and the overall body panels are smaller and lighter. The prototype that was supposed to be in the Himalayas last year was wearing more extensive ADV body panels.
In terms of performance, there aren't many details on it yet, but as we move closer to the launch date, expect some leaks on that front. The Gurgaon-based manufacturer has been focusing on entering the premium motorcycle segment. The success of XPulse 200 has made the brand work more in the off-road segment. However, Hero MotoCorp has plans to enter a few more segments in the next few months. The details about this project will be revealed soon on BikeWale.
