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      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro ADV Review – Almost There!

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      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro ReviewThe front suspension on Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is adjustable for compression and rebound, while rear gets preload and rebound adjustment
      ADVs are currently a rage in India and many aspiring buyers look to this segment as an upgrade to their current premium commuter or a cruiser. Catering to this segment is world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, with the Hero Xpulse 200. This is the most affordable off-road motorcycle in India and is a great weapon in the company’s arsenal.
      The word ADV has become a broader sub-segment and is being used lightly by OEMs too. Like SUV in the car world. However, Hero Xpulse is a true-blue ADV and an extremely potent off-roader as well. Hero MotoCorp provided Rushlane with an Xpulse 200 Pro set-up for off-roading for a real-world review. After testing the motorcycle in varied terrains, environments and road conditions, here is what we think about this motorcycle.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Review
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Review
      Hero has priced this motorcycle very aggressively. For around Rs 1.55 lakh (Ex-sh), one can get a true blue off-roader with fully adjustable front and rear long travel suspension, 270 mm ground clearance and a lot of modern features. That is less than a certain smartphone with decent storage option ticked, these days.
      Where design is concerned, Xpulse is not much of a looker and it was not meant to be either. It bears a purposeful look and it gravitates more towards the function, than form. It has round LED headlights with H-shaped LED DRL signature, a decently sized windscreen along with a front beak. The White, Red and Black colourway is unique to the Pro variant and is appealing to look at.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Rear
      There are knuckle guards on Xpulse 200 Pro, which are sturdy enough. They’re very inexpensive as well, if one needs to replace them after a fall, or something like that. I wish Hero hadn’t painted the ORVM in White shade as it looks gaudy. Personally, I think this motorcycle looks a lot prettier and like a neo-retro machine if it didn’t have a front beak. Maybe that’s just me.
      The first remark we had for this motorcycle was that it is a “tall” motorcycle. Like really tall. Because of that reason, it stands out in the crowd. Even though the Xpulse 200 Pro variant has been around for a long time and Xpulse 200 Rally Kit existed before that, this motorcycle still grabs a lot of eyeballs. It has a commanding road presence and sticks out around regular motorcycles. Especially when a tall rider is sitting on it upright, wearing an XL sized helmet.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Size Comparison
      Standing next to regular commuter motorcycles, Xpulse 200 Pro makes them look like toys and the effect is quite hilarious. As seen in the image above, Xpulse 200 Pro looks humongous when parked beside regular motorcycles. Without Maxxis tyres, seat height is around 885mm and ground clearance is 270 mm. With the Maxxis knobby tyres, seat height goes 890mm+ and ground clearance is around 10 mm higher.
      Ergonomics and comfort
      I am a 182 cm tall individual and I did not face any issues swinging my leg around this tall motorcycle. Even with regular everyday shoes, I could easily flatfoot on both sides without any issues and the process was a lot more forgiving with taller riding shoes. The ergonomics of Xpulse 200 felt like they were tailor-made for a tall individual like myself. I had no fatigue on this motorcycle around my neck, back, shoulders and legs even after longer rides.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Tall Stance
      Cushioning on the long seat can get slightly uncomfortable as you spend more time on it. Xpulse 200 has excellent ergonomics for standing and riding in off-road conditions. I could grip the motorcycle between my thighs for optimum control and the handlebar risers on Xpulse 200 Pro ensured easy reachability.
      I wished the seat was slightly wider and contoured for optimum support, but then it would intrude into the off-roading experience a narrow seat facilitates, especially when standing and riding. Because this review unit was set up for off-roading, it lacked rear foot pegs and centre stand for weight saving. So, it was not possible to test the pillion comfort of this motorcycle and how easy it would be for them to get on this motorcycle.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Engine
      Powertrain and Components
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is powered by a 199.6 cc SOHC 4V oil-cooled single-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of around 19 bhp of peak power and 17.35 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The oil cooling radiator is positioned vertically and is a relatively smaller unit. But there doesn’t seem to be a need for a larger and more robust cooling system as heat is well controlled.
      Main highlight of Xpulse 200 Pro is that it is the most affordable motorcycle in India with fully adjustable suspension. It gets compression and rebound adjustability at the front, controlled by the two knobs positioned on its forks. Suspension travel is 250 mm at the front, which is up from 190 mm on standard Xpulse 200. Rear suspension is adjustable for preload and rebound offering 220 mm of travel as opposed to 170 mm of standard bike.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Adjustable Front Suspension and Type-A USB Port
      Xpulse Pro got ABS modes last year and has three modes to control the single-channel ABS offered on front wheel. Hero has equipped Xpulse 200 Pro with disc brakes at both ends with single petal rotors. Both wheels are of wire-spoke type and with a 21-inch unit at the front and 18-inch unit at the rear, shod with tube-type Maxxis knobby tyres. The exhaust is up-swept in design to aid water wading.
      Where features are concerned, Hero offers a USB Type-A charging port with Xpulse. While it would be nicer if it was a Type-C port, Type-A is still relevant considering a few smartphones costing around Rs 1 lakh are still getting Type-A to Type-C cable in the box. There is a fully digital instrument cluster with gear position indicator, extensive trip computer and smartphone connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Oil Cooler
      Performance and Ride
      Xpulse 200’s performance metrics of around 19 bhp and 17.35 Nm are not exactly on the lower side, but larger 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels contribute to making this motorcycle feel slow. While city rides were fine, the lack in grunt is noticeable on highways as the engine runs out of breath quite early and lacks vigor to push the envelope and clock higher cruise speeds. Lack of a 6-speed gearbox is a contributor here.
      Highway cruising has been a chink in Xpulse’s armour since its inception and was significantly improved in 4V model. However, it is still not up to the mark and is the only hindrance for Xpulse 200 to be one’s only motorcycle in the garage. Acceleration is brisk and the engine is vibe free in the engine’s low-end and mid-range. At higher revs, vibes do kick in and make their presence known on pegs, handlebar and fuel tank.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Switchgear
      Xpulse 200 Pro weighs 161 kg and is very manageable to ride even in chock-a-block Pune traffic. What impressed me the most in the city is that the clutch is rather light and my left wrist was very thankful for this fact. Something which can’t be said about its rival costing more than twice in price. Combination of low weight and light clutch made sure I enjoyed riding the motorcycle in city and highways, rather than feeling punished for doing so.
      Thanks to large 21-inch front and 18-inch rear tyres, Xpulse glides over everything. Because the suspension is adjustable for rebound and compression, rider can adjust the bike’s characteristics on the fly to suit road conditions they are on. These adjustable suspension are not gimmicks and genuinely help rider in setting up the motorcycle based on their needs. While front suspension is easily adjustable on the fly, rear suspension adjustment is very difficult to access.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Tail Light
      Because of the immense suspension travel, there is some nose dive under hard braking, which can be reduced by stiffening the front suspension. Handling-wise, Xpulse is not a corner carver, especially with the skinny off-road tyres our review unit had. The 21-inch front wheel makes sure steering is rather lazy and is not apt for quick maneuvers. Handling is something Xpulse is not advertised for and we can forgive it for that reason.
      Maxxis Tyres Not For Road Use
      The Maxxis knobby tyres, however, are not recommended to use on road. They are road legal, as confirmed by Hero MotoCorp. Just not recommended for extensive road use and I found out the reason for this during our testing. These tyres don’t like tarmac a lot and craves soft ground to dig into. When riding on the road, abnormalities can unsettle these tyres and kick the tail out in some cases. Stock tyres are fatter and will be a lot more stable.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Maxxis Knobby Tyres
      Another aspect of these Maxxis knobby tyres offered with Xpulse is that they’re loud. They might be louder than the actual engine. When riding on the road at higher speeds of around 60 km/h or above, these tyres make a lot of noise. They are so loud, I often felt like there was a big truck tailgating me on the highway, only to realize this noise was not from the truck’s tyres, but Xpulse’s.
      I took Xpulse to a few beaten paths in and around Pune and also to farms and wastelands outside the city. This is where Xpulse absolutely felt at home. It will do everything you can ask of it and does it in such grace. Xpulse’s low kerb weight is a godsend in off-road conditions and is very forgiving if there are rider errors. In the event of a fall, there is hardly anything to break on Xpulse, which is a good thing. Even if something does break, it is very economical to replace.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Long Seat
      Maxxis knobby tyres rose to occasion in off-road situations and shines bright as it makes light work of everything I threw at it. I even tried a few jumps on the Xpulse and it handled everything like a champ. One can fine tune the suspension to suit their individual preferences. Seasoned off-road riders can even switch front ABS off, for complete nanny-free manual mode.
      Conclusion
      While Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is a brilliant motorcycle, concluding it for this real world review is slightly tricky. There are a few niggles with this motorcycle we encountered, which could have been improved. For starters, the smartphone app to connect to Xpulse did not validate the bike’s chassis number and engine number even after multiple correct entries. So, I couldn’t connect my phone with Xpulse to enable navigation, which was a big bummer.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Instrument Cluster
      The switchgear on the right side containing the engine kill switch, was finicky to operate. There was some fogging in the instrument cluster after it rained. Also, the LED headlights were nothing to write home about, despite Hero promising reworked lighting elements. These niggles aside, the best thing about Hero Xpulse 200 Pro is that it didn’t have any deal breakers. Any shortcomings are forgivable if we bring pricing into the equation.
      Motorcycling enthusiasts who are looking at the Xpulse as their second or third motorcycle, Pro variant is an easy recommendation and we encourage them to buy one right away. There’s unmatched off-roading prowess for its price and fully adjustable suspension is the icing on a very serious and potent cake. This motorcycle is made for tall riders and being one, I loved Xpulse 200 Pro more than I should.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro Rear Adjustable Suspension
      For buyers who are looking for that one motorcycle to do everything including high-speed touring, Hero MotoCorp is cooking a new Xpulse with the same 210cc DOHC 4V liquid-cooled engine from Karizma XMR 210 with a 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and probably dual-channel ABS. Combining Xpulse Pro’s spectacular chassis and off-road prowess with the more powerful engine with a 6th gear might just yield the next best thing in the premium motorcycle segment. A prospect so good, I might consider buying an Xpulse 210 Pro for myself.
      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro LED Headlight More

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      Hero MotoCorp Sales Sept 2024 – 5.97 Lakh Motorcycles, 39k Scooters

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      New Hero Splendor – Ryt To KnowHero MotoCorp witnessed strong demand for its 100cc and 125cc motorcycle lineup as well as for models in its premium segment
      With a positive sentiment across the industry in view of the upcoming festive season, Hero MotoCorp sales increased by 19% to 6,37,050 units in September 2024. Healthy bookings continue and special offers and festive discounts are expected to attract even more buyer’s attention. Hero MotoCorp share price at the end of trading day on 1st Oct 2024 was at Rs 5,765, about 1% up on the NSE.
      Hero MotoCorp – YoY and MoM Sales Sept 2024
      Hero MotoCorp total sales in Sept 2024, that included both domestic sales and exports, stood at 6,37,050 units. This was an 18.74% YoY growth over 5,36,499 units sold in Sept 2023, which related to a 1,00,551 unit volume increase. On a MoM basis, sales improved by 24.34% as compared to 5,12,360 units sold in August 2024
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Sept 2024
      Motorcycle sales improved by 20.89% to 5,97,529 units, up from 4,94,270 units sold in Sept 2024 while on a MoM basis, sales growth stood at 24.95% over 4,78,215 units sold in Aug 2024. Share of motorcycles too improved to 93.80% over 93.34% held in Aug 2024. Scooter sales on the other hand dipped by 6.41% YoY to 39,521 units. This was a 2,708 unit volume decline over 42,229 units sold in Sept 2023. However, MoM sales ended on a positive note with a 15.74% improvement over 34,145 units sold in Aug 2024. Scooters command a 6.20% share in the company portfolio.
      This took total domestic sales to 6,16,706 units in Sept 2024, an 18.65% growth over 5,19,789 units sold in Sept 2023. Exports also saw remarkable growth at 21.75% from 16,710 units shipped in Sept 2023 to 20,344 units exported last month. MoM exports grew albeit marginally by 1.23% over 20,097 units exported in Aug 2024.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Q3 2024 and YTD FY 2025
      Hero MotoCorp – Q3 2024 and YTD Sales Growth
      Hero MotoCorp has seen this positive trend both in terms of Q3 2024 sales and YTD performance. Once again it was the company’s motorcycle range that drew more attention as compared to its scooter lineup. Q3 2024 sales were up 7.28% to 15,19,684 units in the past 3 month period over 14,16,526 units sold in the corresponding period of 2023. It related to a 1,03,158 unit volume growth.
      Motorcycle sales saw an 8.35% growth to 14,16,134 units to command a 93.19% share while scooter sales declined by 5.41% to 1,03,550 units as compared to 1,09,478 units sold in the Q3 2023 period. Total domestic sales were up 6.77% to 14,56,304 units in Q3 2024 while exports surged 20.15% to 63,180 units during the same period.
      Taking into account the period April-Sept 2024, Hero MotoCorp accounted for total sales of 30,54,840 units which was a 10.32% growth over 27,69,100 units sold in the same period of 2023. Motorcycle sales grew by 11.18% to 28,57,090 units up from 25,69,688 units relating to a volume increase of 2,87,402 units.
      Scooter sales on the other hand dipped by 0.83% to 1,97,750 units in the April-Sept 2024 period over 1,99,412 units sold in the same period last year. Domestic sales were at 29,40,666 units while exports stood at 1,41,174 units as compared to 87,910 units shipped in the April-Sept 2023 period relating to a 9.68% and 29.88% growth respectively.
      Recent Updates From Hero MotoCorp
      Last month, the company introduced Hero Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition. It comes in at affordable pricing and sure to capture some decent attention in its segment. Scooter sales are set to improve with the new Hero Xoom 125R currently on test in what appears to be a production ready format. Last month, Hero also launched the new Destini 125 scooter. More

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      Hero Sales Breakup Aug 2024 – Splendor, Deluxe, Xtreme, Destini, Vida, Mavrick 440

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      Hero Mavrick 440Splendor and Deluxe motorcycles account for almost 80% of Hero’s total sales in Aug 2024 – Mavrick 440 sales declined to 170 units
      Hero MotoCorp displayed a moderate 2.38% year-on-year growth in domestic sales for August 2024, with a total of 4,91,367 units sold, compared to 4,79,929 units in August 2023. This growth came from a mix of positive performances by key models and significant dips in others.
      Splendor and HF Deluxe: The Backbone of Hero Sales
      As always, the Hero Splendor led the brand’s sales, accounting for a massive 61.65% of total units sold in August 2024. With a growth rate of 4.49%, it continues to be the go-to choice for the majority of Hero’s customer base. Close behind was the HF Deluxe, which saw a notable increase of 15.89% over last year, contributing 17.22% to the company’s sales. These two models remain the key drivers of Hero’s domestic market presence.
      Hero MotoCorp sales breakup Aug 2024 – YoY Comparison
      Launched a few months ago, Xtreme 125R has quickly climbed up the ranks. In Aug 2024, it was at No 3 with sales of 27,668 units, contributing 5.63% to Hero’s total sales last month. Meanwhile, the Passion struggled with a significant 40.16% drop in year-on-year sales, despite contributing 4.63% to the overall numbers. The Glamour also faced challenges, witnessing an even larger decline of 48.84%, though it still held 3.27% of Hero’s total sales.
      Mixed Results for Scooters and Electric Models
      Hero’s Pleasure scooter remained steady, with a small year-on-year growth of 0.83%, showing continued interest in this segment. However, the Destini 125 saw a decline of 15.49%, which impacted its share, bringing it down to 2.04% of the total sales. Destini sales decline is likely because of the new version launched this month.
      Hero MotoCorp sales breakup Aug 2024 – MoM Comparison
      In contrast, Hero’s electric offering, the Vida, experienced a phenomenal growth of 502.40%, signaling rising consumer interest in electric mobility solutions. This growth gave the Vida a 1.23% share in Hero’s total sales for August 2024. Hero Xoom scooter faced a 51.23% decline in sales, reflecting weaker demand in this category. Similarly, the Xpulse 200 also saw a significant decline of 25.14% year-on-year, contributing only 0.60% to total sales. The Xtreme 160/200 models suffered as well, with a sharp decline of 41.28%, indicating potential difficulties in the premium motorcycle segment. Karizma 210 and Mavrick 440 sales currently account for a smaller share (0.05% and 0.03%, respectively), while Maestro sales were 0.
      Month on Month Report
      Sales in July 2024 were at 3,37,299 units. This marked an impressive 45.68% increase in sales over Aug 20244. Splendor witnessed a remarkable month-on-month growth of 43.30%, with sales jumping by over 91,000 units compared to July. HF Deluxe followed closely, posting an even more impressive 81.45% growth. Hero Passion, saw an almost doubled month-on-month growth, recording a 99.70% increase in August 2024. Glamour also performed well with a 69.40% growth over July. Xtreme 125R maintained steady growth, rising by 7.07% month-on-month.
      On the scooter side, the Destini 125 saw a massive growth of 76.00%, reflecting a substantial jump in customer interest. Similarly, the electric Vida model recorded a 30.96% month-on-month increase, underlining the growing acceptance of electric mobility options among Hero customers. However, the Pleasure scooter faced a decline of 14.40%, indicating a potential shift in preferences towards other models in the lineup.
      In the premium segment, the Xoom scooter posted a solid month-on-month growth of 24.50%, while the Xpulse 200 adventure bike also saw a 16.13% rise in sales compared to July. The Xtreme 160/200 models recorded a modest growth of 9.76%. However, the Karizma 210 and Mavrick 440 faced declines of 51.23% and 36.80%, respectively, suggesting some challenges in the performance of these premium bikes. More

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      Hero Xpulse 210 Spied Altitude Testing At Leh Ladakh – Launch Nearing?

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      Hero Xpulse 210 Spied

      Where off-roading bikes go, upcoming Hero Xpulse 210 will be the most affordable one by a large margin, with improved touring capabilities

      After successfully aligning itself with adventure motorsport, Hero MotoCorp aims to give some of that pedigree in their consumer offerings. Hero Xpulse is getting a major powertrain upgrade with Karizma XMR’s modern tech-loaded engine. Spy shots of Xpulse 210 test mules have been spotted in Leh Ladakh. Let’s take a look.

      Hero Xpulse 210 Spied

      The updated version of this adventure tourer will get a technologically advanced powertrain from Hero MotoCorp. Thus expanding the horizon of Xpulse platform’s capabilities. After a mid-life facelift launched last year, Hero is now offering a major powertrain upgrade to their beloved Xpulse 200.

      Hero Xpulse 210 Spied

      Thanks to automotive enthusiast Chaitanya Helwatkar, who spotted a couple of Xpulse 210 test mules near Khardung La, Leh. These test mules had support vehicles with them too. All of these motorcycles had camouflage on them, concealing their identity. However, the Xpulse’s silhouette is unmistakable.

      Similar to the previous spy shots, there are very few changes to Xpulse 210’s design. It will retain the same LED tail lights and the H-shaped LED headlight might be carried over too. We can see some added elements around fuel tank, which could be tank shrouds to increase aerodynamic efficiency and touring capabilities.

      What are the changes?

      While there has been no official word from Hero MotoCorp regarding these developments, but this upcoming Xpulse is packing Karizma XMR 210’s engine. This is a 210cc, DOHC 4V liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine making 25.15 bhp of peak power and 20.4 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

      This is the most high-tech powertrain Hero MotoCorp has ever created. On Xpulse, it will unlock vastly improved touring capabilities owing to increased performance and the added 6th gear. There might be improvements with refinement and everyday rideability along with off-road capability.

      Other notable additions expected with upcoming Hero Xpulse 210 are slip and assist clutch, dual-channel ABS along with a new TFT screen for instrumentation, similar to the one we saw on Karizma XMR 210. This unit will support Bluetooth connectivity with smartphone app and turn-by-turn navigation.
      Hero Xpulse 210 Spied

      Is this Xpulse 400?

      There is a tiny possibility of this being an Xpulse 400. To be more precise, Xpulse 440, based on the same platform as Hero and Harley’s Mavrick 440 and X440. Test mules of a larger Xpulse 440 have been spotted before. However, the ones spied recently are more likely to be that of Xpulse 210.

      Hardware setup of Xpulse 210 looks similar to current Xpulse 200’s. We can expect a Pro model too, with adjustable front and rear long-travel suspension along with knobby Maxxis off-road tyres. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke wheel setup might be retained as well. There will be a slight price hike owing to the tech-loaded powertrain. More

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      Hero HF Dawn Spied Testing – The Next Big Thing In Commuter Motorcycles?

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      New Hero HF Dawn Spied TestingLooking close to production, Hero HF Dawn might be the most affordable motorcycle on sale in India when it is launched soon
      India is one of, if not, the largest 2W market on earth. Establishing dominance in this market is paramount. The best way to crack this market is to launch affordable commuters, which still forms the major chunk of sales. Hero has aced this genre and is taking the game to the next level with upcoming HF Dawn, which has been spotted testing recently.
      Hero HF Dawn Spotted Testing
      World’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, is the best-selling 2W brand in India. The company relies heavily on its 100cc portfolio with Splendor brand being the golden goose. Hero MotoCorp has been witnessing stiff competition from HMSI (Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India).
      Hero has regained market leadership last month in domestic market, but only by a small margin. To expand its market share, Hero intends to pull out the big guns in the form of HF Dawn, which was discontinued in May 2017 owing to poor sales. However, times are different today and Hero needs a more affordable 100cc offering.
      This is where the recently spied Hero HF Dawn comes into play. With less equipment and bodywork than every other Hero offering today, HF Dawn could very well be the most affordable Hero motorcycle and the most affordable motorcycle of any brand.
      Hero HF Dawn Pre 2017
      Currently, HF 100 is the most affordable offering from Hero MotoCorp and the upcoming HF Dawn will be positioned below that. Think, of a price point of around Rs 55,000 (Ex-sh), as opposed to HF 100’s Rs 59,018 (Ex-sh) pricing. We can see very basic componentry and equipment with HF Dawn.
      The larger headlight setup with a cowl on HF 100 will be replaced with a simpler round headlight. This round headlight looks better, if you ask me. There will be a simple analogue instrument cluster and elements like a tachometer and fuel meter might be absent. Electric self start will be a “feature” on this motorcycle.
      When will it launch?
      Wheels are alloys, similar to the one seen in HF 100. Braking is via drum units at both ends. Seat is long and rear is suspended by twin shock absorbers and front gets RSU telescopic forks. All the lighting will be via halogen bulbs.
      Hero HF 100
      An exact launch timeline from Hero MotoCorp is yet to be announced, but the test mule spied recently looked production-ready. It will bear the same 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled unit with around 8 bhp of peak power and 8 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 4-speed gearbox. This engine might not get i3S stop/start feature to keep pricing competitive.
      Also read – Hero Splendor+ gets first-in-segment front disc brakes
      Source More

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      Hero Xoom 125R Spied Testing – Ntorq Rival Launch Soon?

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      Hero Xoom 125R SpiedRecently spied Hero Xoom 125R was showcased last year and looks like it is production-ready – Pricing might start around Rs 85K (Ex-sh)
      While we already have Xoom 110 on sale in India by Hero MotoCorp, the company is now expanding its sporty scooter portfolio with two new offerings. Called Xoom 125R and Xoom 160, these upcoming scooters were first showcased at EICMA in Milan, last year. Now, for the first time, Xoom 125R is spied testing in India. Let’s take a look.
      Hero Xoom 125R Spied Testing
      Late last year, Hero MotoCorp showcased two new sporty scooters under the Xoom range. While the larger Xoom 160 stole the show at EICMA, Xoom 125R was equally impressive. It boasts a much sharper design language than Xoom 110, still adhering to overall family genes and design DNA.
      Hero Xoom 125R Spied
      The recent spy shots show upcoming Xoom 125R from the rear. We can see a sporty scooter that is likely to make a bigger splash in the segment than Hero has ever managed to do. Genre-wise, Xoom 125R will rival the likes of TVS Ntorq 125, Suzuki Avenis 125, Honda Dio 125, Yamaha Ray ZR 125 and Aprilia SR 125.
      Interestingly, the rivalry is more suitable with Aprilia SR 125, as Ntorq 125, Avenis 125, Ray ZR 125 and Dio 125 still come equipped with 12-inch wheels or smaller. Xoom 125R is confirmed to get large 14-inch wheels, setting it apart in the crowd. We can see a significant overhaul in design and edginess over Xoom 110.
      Hero Xoom 125R
      Hero MotoCorp has played well with colours and finishes on Xoom 125R and it visually positions it above Xoom 110, being more premium. We can see LED projector headlights with a striking LED DRL signature. Rear LED tail lights are in split design and Hero is offering LED turn indicators at both ends.
      Rider ergonomics is likely to be more upright than rival scooters, suiting taller riders. Overall size lends a feeling of riding something much larger than a 125cc scooter. Practicality is improved with a larger floorboard, twin gloveboxes with USB charger, large under-seat storage with LED light and a large and accommodating seat.
      Hero Xoom 125 Unveiled
      What to expect?
      A few key specs of upcoming Hero Xoom 125R have been revealed. For starters, it will get the same 125cc engine as the new Destini 125 we just reviewed. Performance metrics are slightly different as Xoom 125R will generate 9.4 bhp of peak power at 7,500 RPM and 10.16 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 RPM.
      Instrumentation is fully digital and is similar to the one we saw in Xpulse and other Hero motorcycles. Bluetooth connectivity and notification alerts will be part of the package, along with turn-by-turn navigation. Another notable aspect is that Xoom 125R weighs 120 kg, while Ray ZR 125 weighs under 100 kg.
      Hero Xoom 125R
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      New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride Review – Head Over Heart Decision!

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      New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride ReviewThe new Hero Destini 125 is better equipped to take on rivals like Yamaha Fascino, Honda Activa 125, TVS Jupiter 125 and Suzuki Access
      After dominating the motorcycle market for a very long time, Hero MotoCorp is taking greater strides in scooter market. The company has a phase-wise plan to launch more premium scooters in the future. But for mainstream scooter buyers, Hero has unveiled the new Destini 125, which will directly take on 125cc offerings from Honda, Suzuki, TVS and Yamaha.
      We have ridden the new Destini 125 around Goa, where Hero MotoCorp arranged a media ride event. After riding it in the city, winding hilly roads, narrow highways and other conditions along with experiencing all the perks and misses, here is what we think about the new Hero Destini 125.
      [embedded content]
      New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride Review
      First impressions of the new Hero Destini 125 were positive if we take the broader scheme of things. If Hero MotoCorp wants to increase its market share in India’s scooter segment, new Destini 125 is likely to play a crucial role. We say this because Hero might establish an attractive price point, drawing more customers in.
      For context, Hero Destini Prime (previous gen) is the most affordable 125cc scooter in India by quite some margin. We expect a similar strategy with new Destini 125 as well. Add to it, all the new design elements and features, Hero Destini 125 might expand Hero’s market share in India’s highly competitive scooter segment.
      New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride Review
      There are 5 colours on offer, depending on the variant – Eternal White, Regal Black, Majestique Magenta, Cosmic Blue and Groovy Red. Hero MotorCorp assigned us Majestique Magenta colour. It does stand out from usual colours, owing to its radiant appeal. If you ask me, Regal Black looks the best, especially with the copper chrome elements. Speaking of, only Eternal White and Regal Black get copper chrome.
      The new design Hero is going for, leans towards making it a neo-retro offering. We say this because of the way new Destini 125 looks from the side and the way headlight housing and front apron have been carved. With this radical new styling, there is a sense of newness, which buyers in this segment might appreciate.
      New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride Review
      New elements
      There is a new LED headlight setup with H-shaped LED DRL signature. This is a projector headlight setup, which is first-in-segment and should offer excellent visibility. Hero claims that this new headlight is 3X better than what it used to offer before. Interestingly, the projector inside headlight housing is for the high beam, while low beam is taken care of by a reflector setup.
      Front apron gets an H-shaped design appeal too and integrates chrome elements and turn indicators in an interesting way. Front fender is metallic and so are the large side body panels. Hero has tastefully integrated chrome elements in ORVMs, front apron, near floorboard, badges and the rear for some visual bling. Personally, this chrome bling takes the overall appeal of this scooter a little on the feminine side.
      New Hero Destini 125 First-Ride Review
      The seat is long and top-spec ZX+ trim gets a dual-tone seat cover too. There is a neatly integrated pillion back support, which a lot of users will appreciate. From the rear, I felt like design is a tad convoluting and busy, especially with its split appeal for tail light and turn indicators. Instead, the company could have easily integrated turn indicators near or inside the LED tail lights. Alloy wheels are new and they get a dual-tone finish, for a stylish appearance.
      Notably, turn indicators are still halogen, for cost-effectiveness, whereas tail lights are LEDs with an H-shape signature. Another interesting aspect of new Destini 125 is the easy maintenance. We found the oil level dipstick to be conveniently accessible and so was the air box. I am an automobile engineer and I appreciate what Hero MotoCorp has done here. If I owned this machine, I would tend to do the periodic oil changes by myself, establishing a stronger connection with my machine.
      New Hero Destini 125 Maintenance
      Practicality, Features and Ergonomics
      New Hero Destini 125 has a large under-seat storage and it even accommodated my full-size track-spec XL-sized helmet. But I couldn’t close the seat while doing so. But it went in, which I can’t say about scooters in this segment. Half-faced helmets should not be an issue at all. For convenience, there is an LED light here.
      Floorboard is large and flat, allowing you to carry some larger items. There is a strong hook near the floorboard to hang stuff. Behind the front apron, Destini 125 has a glove box where we can stash a 500ml water bottle along with a smartphone. This is also convenient, as the USB Type-A charging port is very close to this glovebox.
      New Hero Destini 125 Storage
      Key is a regular type and it unlocks the boot and fuel filler cap along with ignition at the same place. Speaking of fuel filler caps, it is an external type with Hero MotoCorp’s Destini 125 for that added convenience. The rear pillion backrest also doubles up as a grab rail as well. Hero has improved switchgear on the new Destini 125 and they look very fancy and operate well. Some of these switches are backlit as well.
      I am a 6’ tall individual (182 cm) and I found the rider’s triangle to be neutral and comfortable. After riding the scooter around Goa, I didn’t find any fatigue in my shoulders and back. Nor did I find any weird quirks about the overall seating position. Even sitting on the pillion seat was a comfortable experience and the slight step in seat for pillion allows for a comfortable knee angle too.
      New Hero Destini 125 Switchgear
      Where features are concerned, new Hero Destini 125 gets a fully digital reverse-LCD instrument cluster. It was surprisingly legible even with my sunglasses on. It incorporates a crisp font and boasts Bluetooth connectivity with app support for the smartphone. What is appreciated, is the turn-by-turn navigation. There is self-cancelling winkers after 15 seconds, among other notable features.
      Powertrain and Riding Dynamics
      Hero Destini 125 continues to be powered by a 124.6cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that boasts best-in-segment (125cc family scooter) power figure of 9 bhp at 7,000 RPM and 10.4 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM. This is a refined engine that promises 59 km/l of mileage (fuel efficiency) and is backed by a switchable i3S stop/start feature.
      New Hero Destini 125 Rider’s Triangle
      Where performance is concerned, new Hero Destini 125 offers decent acceleration and picks up pace in a respectable manner. Power delivery is not urged, which is perfectly fine for a practical 125cc family scooter. Destini 125 has 12-inch wheels at both ends and there is a fatter 100-section rear tyre now, for added stability.
      New Hero Destini 125 offers great stability and emerges as an agile and peppy scooter for daily use. While turning the scooter on corners, it offers decent confidence. Suspension is cushy and absorbs a great deal of road imperfections. It is not a corner carving track machine. But for intended audience, it is perfectly set up for comfort and practicality. The only fly in the ointment is the braking. Despite having a disc brake and Bybre calipers, new Destini 125 lacked stopping power.
      New Hero Destini 125 On Bad Roads
      Conclusion
      In the limited time we had with new Destini 125, the scooter impressed us a lot with just how friendly it is. The suspension and seat offers excellent comfort. Underseat storage and flat floorboard are very accommodating. The powertrain is smooth and Hero claims 59 km/l of mileage (fuel efficiency). Hero has worked on exceeding features expected in this segment. There is an easy maintenance approach as well.
      All these make the new Hero Destini 125 a head-over-heart decision. Something you would need, but not want to buy from your heart. We say this because the scooter is impressive, but not attractive enough to establish an emotional connect. Sure, design is subjective and there will be a large chunk of audience that will consider the new Destini 125 as pretty. Personally, I think Hero MotoCorp could have made the design more subtle to establish a more appealing first impression and make me want to buy this scooter.
      New Hero Destini 125 Rear
      While we were riding it around Goa, it did not garner any attention from the general consensus. I did not see a single person who gave this scooter a second look of admiration or stopped to take a picture. That just didn’t happen. We also think Hero should have offered sleeker LED turn indicators and a smart key for a keyless experience. While new Hero Destini 125 does not strike a stylish first impression, it impresses the users with its sheer sensibility and (expected) price-wise competitiveness. More

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      Hero Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition Costs Rs 10K Less Than Before

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      Hero Xtreme 160R 2024 EditionHero Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition gets a sole variant with Stealth Black colour and gets a single-disc setup (front) as standard
      Hero MotoCorp gets into the festive spirit with the launch of a new version of its existing street naked offering. Called Hero Xtreme 160R 2024 Edition, it is being offered in a sole variant at an attractive price point of Rs 1,11,111 (Ex-sh). Making it Rs 10K less than what it used to cost.
      Hero Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition
      Ahead of the festive season, Hero MotoCorp is bringing some excitement with its sporty Xtreme 160R. The new 2024 Edition of Hero Xtreme 160R 2V is priced at Rs 1.11 lakh (Ex-sh), which is Rs 10K cheaper than it used to be. It primarily rivals Apache RTR 160 2V, Yamaha FZ, Bajaj Pulsar N160 and the likes.
      2024 Edition comes in a sole variant with Stealth Black colourway. It might be targeting a younger and more tech-savvy segment of buyers in India with its advanced equipment and the latest in connectivity. It is expected to garner as much, if not more, attention than it did before.
      In Hero’s lineup, Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition is positioned below the 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V, launched a couple of months ago in July 2024. Where styling is concerned, we can see a matte black shade along with subtle red accents. With 2024 Edition, Hero is offering H-shaped LED tail lights and a flatter seat profile for improved accessibility for the pillion.
      Hero Xtreme 160R 2024 Edition
      Specs and components
      Hero Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition remains the same mechanically. It continues to be powered by a 163.2cc, air-cooled engine with XSens technology and advanced programmed fuel injection. This engine is capable of 15 PS of peak power at 8,500 RPM and 14 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
      Xtreme 160R Stealth Edition 2.0 is fitted with 100/80-17 tyre at front and 130/70-R17 tyre at the rear. It gets a 12L tank and weighs a total of 139.5 kg. Lightweight approach is its primary highlight and promises to be nimble across varied terrains. Where componentry is concerned, it gets a 37mm telescopic suspension in the front and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear.
      Braking is via 276mm petal disc in the front and 220mm petal disc at the rear. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard. Other notable features of Xtreme 160R 2V 2024 Edition include drag race timer, which the company does highlight as one of its strengths.
      Hero Xtreme 160R 2024 Edition
      Buyers with higher budgets can opt for Xtreme 160R 4V 2024 Edition, which was launched in July 2024. It gets improved componentry with golden USD telescopic front forks, rear disc brakes, dual channel ABS, panic braking alert, a 4V head with improved performance, among others. More