Yesterday, Hero MotoCorp launched the Destini 125 in the Indian market with prices starting from INR 54,650 (ex-showroom). At the launch, IAB took the opportunity to interact with Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp to learn more about the two-wheeler brand’s product strategy.
Also read: Hero MotoCorp sets new global sales record; crosses 7.5 lakh sales in single month
Dr. Braunsperger confirmed that Hero MotoCorp will launch the new Maestro Edge 125 by the end of 2018 or early 2019.
Hero MotoCorp also intends to extend its product portfolio in the 200-300cc segment of the Indian market this fiscal. The cavalry to compete in the aforementioned segment includes four motorcycles. When asked about the expected launch timeframe for the Xpulse 200, Dr. Braunsperger said:
Within this year or early next year... All of these (upcoming) products are quite interesting.
A report from August 2018 suggested that Hero MotoCorp will launch the new Xpulse will arrive before March 31, 2019, and the company seems to be right on track. The motorcycle is expected to be priced competitively, and it will most likely arrive with a sub-INR 1 lakh (ex-showroom) tag.
The Hero Xpulse 200 will be pitched as an adventure tourer. As seen at the 2018 Auto Expo, the motorcycle will come equipped with LED headlamp, a 14-litre fuel tank, flat single-seat setup, slightly raised tail section, and LED taillights. An engine bash plate and a raised exhaust canister enhance the off-road character, while the windshield gives it a tourer persona.
The cockpit will comprise an all-digital instrument cluster that will give the motorcycle a modern touch. The production-spec model gets Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and an under-seat USB charger
Designed for the beaten path, the Xpulse 200 comes with a 21-inch front wheel that should add to its off-roading prowess. At the rear is an 18-inch wheel. The wheels get a wire-spoke design and are wrapped in dual-purpose knobby tires from CEAT.
Conventional telescopic front forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear handle the shock-absorbing tasks. Suspension travel is rated at 190 mm at the front wheel and 170 mm at the rear.
Mechanical specifications are identical to the Xtreme 200R, and thus you would find the 200 cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is tuned to deliver a maximum power of 18 bhp at 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 17 Nm at 6,500 rpm on the adventure tourer. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox.
Also read: Upcoming Adventure Tourer motorcycles - KTM 390 Adventure to Hero XPulse 200
Stopping power comes from disc brakes at both the ends while the safety net includes a single-channel ABS.
