Hero MotoCorp has announced the launch of the much-awaited XPulse 200. The off-road focused motorcycle is available in carburettor and fuel injection variants, for a price of INR 97,000* and INR 1.05 lakh* respectively.
Also read: Hero Xtreme 200R gets a price hike, now retails at INR 90,900
Commenting on the launch of the Hero XPulse 200, Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said:
With our customer base spread across three continents - Asia, Africa and South and Central America - we at Hero MotoCorp are now riding into the next phase of our bold "premium" journey with a range of new, technologically advanced and aesthetically appealing motorcycles. These premium motorcycles have been designed and developed by our engineers at the Hero Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT), thereby reiterating the rapid enhancement of our in-house Research and Development capabilities in a short span of time since we commenced our solo journey.
The XPulse 200 comes with off-road specific hardware that includes a 21-inch front wheel, 220 mm ground clearance, a tall-set front fender, knuckle guards, an aluminium bash plate and a tall-placed exhaust. The motorcycle rides on wire-spoke wheels that are more rugged than alloys. The XPulse also packs features such as full-LED lighting and a first-in-class Bluetooth enabled instrument console with turn-by-turn navigation that comes as standard.
The digital instrument console displays information such as trip meter, average fuel consumption, distance-to-empty and gear position indicator. An underseat USB charger can come handy to recharge the devices on the go. The fuel tank can store up to 14 litres of fuel, which means that the motorcycle should have a decent driving range.
In terms of styling, Hero MotoCorp has adopted a functional design route, and the XPulse 200 features minimalist body panels. The sculpted fuel tank with knee recesses is leaned towards the rider's seat to offer enough space to move around while off-roading. The fuel tank is followed by a single seat instead of a split seat. The rear section includes a LED tail lamp with conventional blinkers.
The fuel injected variant is available in three colour options - Matte Green, Pearl Fadeless White and Matte Axis Grey - while the carburettor version can be ordered in two paints - Sports Red and Black.
The XPulse 200 mounts a 199.6 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that makes 18.4 PS of max power at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 17.1 Nm at 6,500 rpm in both carburettor and fuel injected variants. The motor is linked to a 5-speed transmission. Stopping power comes from 276 mm and 220 mm petal-type disc brakes at the front and rear respectively, while the safety net includes a single-channel ABS.
Shock absorption tasks are performed by conventional telescopic forks at the front and a 10-step adjustable Gas Charged monoshock suspension at the back. The XPulse 200 comes with fork gaiters to protect the oil-seals against various elements that the motorcycle will face off the tarmac. The front and the rear shock absorbers have 190 mm and 170 mm travel respectively. The seat height of 825 mm should suit the average Indian rider.
Also read: Hero Destini 125 Road Test Review
The Hero XPulse 200 does not have a direct threat in the Indian market yet, although things might change once UM Motors introduces its DSR Adventure 200 in the country.
*Ex-showroom Delhi
