The Hero Xpulse holds a significant place in Indian motorcycle history. It’s the brainchild of Hero MotoCorp, the nation’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer, and the first true ADV (Adventure) bike ever built by an Indian company. The origins: Impulse 150cc (2011) …
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The post Spotlight: Hero Xpulse Pioneering ADV Motorcycling in India first appeared on Motoroids.The Hero Xpulse holds a significant place in Indian motorcycle history. It’s the brainchild of Hero MotoCorp, the nation’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer, and the first true ADV (Adventure) bike ever built by an Indian company.
The Xpulse story starts with the 2011 launch of the Impulse. It was the first unique motorcycle from Hero after the formation of Hero MotoCorp. This motorcycle aimed to cater to off-road enthusiasts with its impressive design and smooth performance.
While the Impulse boasted a dirt-bike aesthetic with a high front fender, it fell short in terms of power and suspension – crucial aspects of an ADV bike. Despite these shortcomings, Hero deserves credit for venturing into this niche category when the market craved sporty and commuter-friendly options. Hero Impulse was priced at Rs. 70,224.
The OG Impulse packed a 149.2cc, air-cooled, four-stroke engine mated to a five-speed gearbox. This combination produced 13 BHP and 13.4 Nm of torque, delivering power through a multiplate clutch. The bike sported chunky tires (90/90 x 19-52P front and 110/90 x 17-60P rear) for superior grip, and even boasted an impressive claimed mileage of 69 kmpl. Additionally, a powerful 12V-35/35W halogen headlamp ensured nighttime visibility.
While the Impulse ultimately didn’t achieve widespread success, it paved the way for the Xpulse and ignited competition in the Indian ADV segment.
Undeterred by the Impulse’s shortcomings, Hero took a valuable lesson from the experience. Instead of abandoning the ADV segment, they chose to refine their approach. The result? The Xpulse 200, a more powerful and capable ADV motorcycle launched in 2019. This impressive feat earned it the prestigious 2020 Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) award.
The Xpulse 200 marked a significant departure from the Impulse. It boasted a completely new design, chassis, and most importantly, more power. With a price range of Rs. 98,844 – Rs. 1,27,116 (India), it offered three variants to cater to different rider preferences.
At its heart lies a 199.6cc, single-cylinder engine with oil-cooling (replacing the Impulse’s air-cooled system). This upgrade translates to 17.8 bhp of power and 16.45 Nm of torque, delivering a thrilling ride experience. A five-speed gearbox to ensure smooth power delivery.
Xpulse also, featured a full-LED headlamp for enhanced visibility and a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. This allowed riders to stay connected with navigation and call alerts while on the go. The generous 14-litre fuel tank further enhanced its touring capabilities.
The Xpulse 200 quickly carved a niche for itself, becoming a favorite among adventure and touring enthusiasts. It has particularly captured the hearts of riders in South India, with Hero MotoCorp selling over 10,000 units in Kerala alone. This impressive feat made Kerala the first state in India to witness such high sales figures for the Xpulse 200.
Hero MotoCorp, traditionally known for its commuter and sport bikes, took a bold step with the Xpulse lineup, venturing into the exciting world of adventure motorcycles. For riders that crave the Xpulse’s spirit in a package designed for everyday commutes; Hero decided to launch Xpulse 200T 4V (2023) – a street-oriented version.
Priced at Rs 1.40 Lakh onwards (India), the Xpulse 200T 4V caters to a niche audience. It offers the thrill of the Xpulse in a single, feature-rich variant with three color options. The heart of the beast is the same as of Xpulse 2004V -a BS6-compliant 199.6cc engine that punches out 19.1 PS of power and 17.3 Nm of torque, promising a lively ride. The manageable 155 kg weight adds to the agility.
With a 13-liter fuel tank, the Xpulse 200T 4V boasts an impressive mileage of 42.47 kmpl in city conditions and 44.68 kmpl on highways (tested figures). This translates to less time spent at gas stations and more time exploring the urban landscape.
The Xpulse 200T 4V retains the Xpulse’s signature round LED headlight, adding a touch of neo-retro charm. However, it breaks away from the traditional ADV mold with a slim and sporty stance, resembling a naked roadster. This unique design might fly under the radar, but don’t be fooled – it shares the DNA of Hero’s premium Xpulse adventure platform.
The Hero Xpulse has carved a niche for itself as a beloved and bold choice in India’s ADV (Adventure) segment. Now, the legend gets an upgrade with the arrival of the Xpulse 200 4V. This isn’t just an iteration; it’s a significant evolution, designed to elevate your off-road adventures.
Priced between Rs. 1,46,395 and Rs. 1,53,773 (India), the Xpulse 200 4V comes in two variants and boasts a wider range of seven colors. This upgraded version surpasses its predecessors with a more powerful 199.6cc oil-cooled engine, delivering 19.17 PS and 17.35 Nm of torque.
Hero has also incorporated rider-requested improvements like integrated starter buttons and a brighter LED headlight. The Xpulse 200 4V tackles any terrain with confidence thanks to its oil cooler, 13L fuel tank, and claimed mileage of 51.59 kmpl. Modern features include a Bluetooth instrument cluster, LED taillight, and single-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
The Xpulse 200 4V embodies Hero’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the ADV segment. It’s a testament to how they learned from earlier ventures like the Impulse, ultimately becoming a leading manufacturer of ADV bikes in India, competing head-to-head with Royal Enfield’s Himalayan.
With the 400cc segment gaining traction, Xpulse enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating a potential engine upgrade. While a factory option isn’t available yet, rally kit modifications offer a glimpse of what a bigger engine could bring to the table.
The post Spotlight: Hero Xpulse Pioneering ADV Motorcycling in India first appeared on Motoroids.