XPulse 200

Overview

The XPulse 200 is the odd one in Hero’s range, and its hardware is no token gesture. A 21-inch front wheel, 200 mm of suspension travel and a genuine 202 mm of ground clearance mean it is the only motorcycle at this price that can be pointed at a broken ghat track with confidence rather than optimism. The long-travel fork soaks up the hit that would unseat a commuter bike’s rider.

The 199cc engine is the compromise, and Hero has trimmed it accordingly. 17.3 Nm arrives in a broad, usable band and the bike cruises at 90-100 km/h all day, but the power peak sits high in the tacho and hard acceleration up a gradient needs a downshift planned early. What it does deliver is 45 kmpl and a 13-litre tank, which together make for range figures the big tourers envy.

The trade for the off-road kit is mass and height on a small engine. At 156 kg the XPulse is heavy for 199cc, the 805 mm-plus saddle with a tall seat pad is a stretch for shorter riders, and the wind protection is nominal. Riders buying it for actual adventure use will fit the accessory screen; riders buying it for broken city roads will love every pothole.

• 202 mm of ground clearance — the highest here
• 200 mm front and rear suspension travel
• Rear-ABS off-road switch on the higher variant