Hero MotoCorp

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares139 Views

      in Bike

      Hero MotoCorp Sales October 2024 – Grows 18% to 6.79 Lakh Units

      by

      Hero SplendorHero MotoCorp sales were boosted by its 100cc and 125cc models while the company has a host of larger bikes poised for launch
      Hero MotoCorp, the country’s largest two-wheeler maker, has witnessed overwhelming sales growth in the month of October 2024. Showing off YoY, MoM and YTD improvement in sales, the company has seen strong growth more particularly for its motorcycle lineup. Scooter sales however, suffered some setbacks on a YoY and YTD basis though models such as the Splendor, Passion, Destini and Maestro experienced significant MoM improvement.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales October 2024 YoY Vs MoM
      Driven by robust demand in key urban and rural areas particularly during the ongoing festive season, Hero sales grew to 6,79,091 units in Oct 2024. This was an 18.12% growth from 5,74,930 units sold in Oct 2023 relating to a 1,04,161 unit volume growth.  MoM sales improved by 6.60% from 6,37,050 units sold in Sep 2024.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Oct 2024
      Motorcycle sales ruled with 6,35,787 units sold last month, marking a 20.11% YoY growth. This was over 5,29,341 units sold in Oct 2023 to command a 93.62 percent share of total sales. Motorcycle sales also showed a distinctive MoM improvement by 6.60% from 6,37,050 units sold in Sep 2024.
      Scooter sales on the other hand saw a 5.01% YoY decline to 43,304 units in the past month over 45,589 units sold in Oct 2023. Sales did however, improve MoM by 9.57% when compared to 39,521 unit sales of Sep 2024. Scooter share in total sales also improved from 6.20% to 6.38% MoM.
      Domestic sales were up 17.44% YoY and 6.60% MoM to 6,57,403 units in Oct 2024. There were 5,59,766 units and 6,16,706 units sold in Oct 2023 and Sep 2024 respectively. Exports also saw a significant improvement to 21,688 units last month. This related to a 43.02% YoY growth from 15,164 units shipped in Oct 2023 while there were 20,344 units exported in Sep 2024.
      Hero MotoCorp YTD Sales
      Hero MotoCorp has witnessed an 11.66% improvement in its year-to-date (YTD) sales as well. Sales grew to a total of 37,33,931 units in the FY25 period. This was a 3,89,901 unit volume increase over 33,44,030 unit sales of FY24.
      Motorcycle sales were up 12.71% to 34,92,877 units over 30,99,029 units sold in the FY24 period relating to a 3,93,848 unit volume increase. Scooters however, suffered a 1.61% sales setback with 2,41,054 unit sales in the FY25 period over 2,45,001 units sold in the same period of the previous year. Motorcycles and scooters command a 93.54% and 6.46% share in total sales.
      Domestic sales and exports both saw double digit YTD growth by 11.02% and 31.81% respectively with a total of 35,98,069 units sold in domestic markets and 1,35,862 units exported in the said period. Hero MotoCorp now looks forward to several upcoming launches slated to be shown off at the EICMA Show starting next week. These are expected to be the new Karizma XMR 250, Xtreme 250R, Xpulse 210 along with a new variant of Vida electric scooter. More

    • 150 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      New Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler Variant Design Leaked – Debut At EICMA?

      by

      New Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler VariantWith multiple new design elements and rugged attributes, new Hero Mavrick 440 Scrambler variant is likely to debut at EICMA 2024
      Hero MotoCorp has a busy schedule around EICMA Show 2024. The company is set to showcase 4 new products at the grand event. While speculations suggested Karizma 250, Xtreme 250R, Xpulse 210 and a new variant of Vida, Hero has officially confirmed that there is a new variant of Mavrick 440 incoming.
      Now, we have got our hands on the leaked patent design of this upcoming motorcycle. From the looks of it, Hero MotoCorp is carving out a Scrambler-ish version of Mavrick 440 and it is aimed at appealing to the rising interest among motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an off-road flavour. Let’s take a look at design changes.
      Mavrick 440 Scrambler Variant
      Hero and Harley-Davidson partnership have high sales expectations from their co-developed 440 platform. However, sales are still in the favour of Royal Enfield camp consisting of Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. While Hero’s Xpulse 440 is still a long time into development, the company intends to bridge the gap with a Scrambler variant of Mavrick 440.
      Where design is concerned, Hero’s new Mavrick 440 Scrambler variant is a much more appealing proposition than the vanilla product it is based on. There are many new design elements with the new motorcycle successfully lending a much more rugged and macho look that target audience will probably appreciate.
      Mavrick 440 Scrambler
      For starters, we get a new fly screen and fork gaiters transforming the design. It has to be noted that this motorcycle is still sprung by RSU telescopic front forks and not USDs like its Harley-Davidson sibling. The new handlebar comes with a cross brace and we can also see a new alloy wheel design and could get dual-tone effect too.
      Fuel tank is carried over, but tank shrouds get a new pattern for a rugged vibe. Even the side body panels are new with this variant. Seat on Mavrick 440 Scrambler variant looks broader and flatter. Also, there is a new grab rail and tail section with turn indicators flanking the tail light. If you’re going for a tail-tidy approach, this new execution should be a lot friendlier.
      Rugged Elements!
      Leaving aesthetics aside, there seems to be real ruggedness with Mavrick 440 Scrambler variant. There is a new and beefy guard with this motorcycle adding a lot of character and protection. Speaking of protection, there is a bash plate as well, that could be made out of metal.
      Mavrick 440 Scrambler
      While not seen in these leaked design patents, we hope there are dual-sport tyres to finish off the rugged looks. There will be an increase in weight and price with this new motorcycle. Engine is likely to be the same, a 440cc single-cylinder oil-cooled motor with 27 bhp and 36 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. More

    • 163 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Four New Hero Bikes, Scooters Unveiling At EICMA – What Could They Be?

      by

      Four New Hero Bikes, Scooters To Be Showcased At EICMA 2024At EICMA 2024, four new Hero bikes, scooters are expected to be showcased by the company and expand its premium vehicle lineup
      World’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, has been a runaway success in budget commuter genre. The company is yet to witness great success with their premium lineup. With great enthusiasm, Hero is set to showcase four new 2W vehicles at EICMA as suggested by their recent teaser and here is what they could be.
      1. Karizma XMR 250
      Recently, a design patent from Hero MotoCorp leaked on the internet, showing a new fully faired motorcycle. Speculations suggest that this motorcycle could be powered by a new 250cc liquid-cooled engine, a variant of the current 210cc liquid-cooled engine. Updated components like USD front forks and front winglets were notable too.
      Hero Karizma 250 Design Leaks
      The new motorcycle is speculated to be generating around 30 bhp of peak power and 25 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and take on the quarter-liter offerings from Bajaj, Suzuki, KTM and Husqvarna. Considering how close it looks to current Karizma XMR 210, there is a possibility of it being a Pro variant of current model with USD front forks and aerodynamic winglets.
      2. Xtreme 250R
      In India, street naked genre has a great pull and Hero lacks a flagship model within the Xtreme lineup. Just like the Karizma design patent, there was a naked motorcycle design patent leaked on the internet too. Speculations position it as the naked counterpart of rumoured Karizma XMR 250 and the production version of Hero XTUNT 2.5R Concept showcased at EICMA last year.
      New Hero 250cc Naked Bike
      It could generate the same speculated 30 bhp and 25 Nm performance as rumoured Karizma XMR 250. However, there is a possibility that it could be the street naked version of current Karizma XMR 210. It has sharp and edgy design lending a lot of aggression to the overall appeal.
      3. Xpulse 210
      This is long overdue and is likely to be the next best thing in India’s off-road motorcycle genre. With the more powerful Karizma XMR engine belting out 251.5 bhp of peak power and 20.4 Nm of peak torque and a 6th gear for improved high-speed highway cruising, Xpulse 210 will finally be worthy to be the one bike that does it all.
      New Hero XPulse Teased
      We wish there is a Pro variant of Xpulse 210 that gets fully adjustable front and rear long-travel suspension for the ultimate off-road experience. Hero’s teaser hinted new design with Xpulse 210, but the image was of a BS4 Xpulse 200 with a few accessories from an aftermarket accessory company called HyperRider.
      4. New Vida V1 Variant
      Considering that electric scooters are witnessing a lot of action these days, Hero MotoCorp might showcase a new variant of Vida V1. We wish it is a more affordable variant and take on the rivals from Ather, Ola, TVS and Bajaj. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Bike

      New Hero 250cc Naked Bike Leaks (KTM 250 Duke Rival) – EICMA Debut Teaser

      by

      New Hero 250cc Naked BikeAs part of its portfolio expansion plans, Hero MotoCorp will introduce a new range of 250cc motorcycles
      With aspirations to rise above the commuter segment, Hero MotoCorp has launched new premium products such as Karizma 210 and Mavrick 440. The larger-displacement motorcycle portfolio will see some more additions in the form of new 250cc bikes. These are expected to be showcased at the upcoming 2024 EICMA.
      Hero new 250cc naked bike
      Earlier this month, a design patent image of the upcoming Hero Karizma 250 had leaked online. And now, another new image reveals that Hero is also working on the naked version of the Karizma 250. It is evident from the visuals that the new naked 250cc bike is based on the Hero 2.5R Xtunt concept motorcycle. The latter was showcased at last year’s EICMA. At 2024 EICMA, enthusiasts will be treated with the unveiling of the production model based on the 2.5R Xtunt concept.
      New Hero 250cc Naked Bike
      The basic difference between Karizma XMR 250 and the new 250cc bike is in the fairing. The latter can be described as a stripped-down version of the Karizma XMR 250. Overall, the new Hero 250cc bike has a sharp profile and dominating road presence. Features that instantly grab one’s attention include the aggressive headlamp cowl, track-ready slick tyres, USD forks in golden finish and chunky fuel tank.
      Karizma XMR 250 and its naked version will be the first Hero bikes to get USD forks. As of now, even the flagship Mavrick 440 does not get USD forks. Hero new 250cc naked bike has angular side panels covering the radiator, split seat design, sharp grab rails and an upswept exhaust. With the low-slung handlebar, the new bike is expected to have a committed riding stance. It seems similar to the one seen with the Xtunt concept. But in comparison to the concept that had clip-on handlebars, this production model comes with a tubular, single-piece unit.
      Hero 250cc naked bike – Performance
      Powering Hero’s 250cc bikes will be a new 250cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled engine. Estimates indicate that it could generate around 30 bhp and 25 Nm. The existing Karizma has a 210cc engine that makes 25.5 PS and 20.4 Nm. Most other core hardware specs will be common for both Karizma XMR 250 and its naked version. Both bikes will have 17-inch alloy wheels and disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS will be offered as standard.
      Hero has been making confident moves in the larger-displacement motorcycle segment. For its higher capacity bikes, the company is also opening premium outlets named Hero Premia to improve customer experience. As more new products are launched, Hero will be able to target a larger segment of users.
      Hero MotoCorp already has a strong grip in the commuter segment. With the entry-level segment already quite saturated, the only natural movement forward is the larger-displacement motorcycle segment. It will be interesting to see if Hero’s aspirations elicit the desired response from enthusiasts. More

    • 163 Shares179 Views

      in Bike

      Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup Sep 2024 – Splendor, Deluxe, Xtreme, Passion, Destini, Vida

      by

      New Hero Xtreme 125RHero MotoCorp sales list was headed by the Splendor and Deluxe models accounting for a combined 80% share
      Hero MotoCorp has reported a YoY and MoM growth in domestic sales in Sept 2024. Total sales improved by 18.56% YoY to 6,16,233 units from 5,19,759 units sold in Sept 2023. It was also a noteworthy MoM improvement by 25.41% from 4,91,367 units sold in Aug 2024. This growth was seen in the company key models while lower down the sales order some de-growth was observed.
      Splendor and HF Deluxe drive in most sales
      Hero Splendor was not only the best-selling model in the company lineup in Sept 2024, but was also the top motorcycle on sale in the country. Its sales were way above that of Honda Shine and Bajaj Pulsar. Splendor sales were up 17.58% YoY to 3,76,886 units, up from 3,19,692 units sold in Sept 2023 to command a 61% share. Its MoM sales also ended positively with a 24.08% improvement from 3,02,934 units sold in Aug 2024 when it held a 89.81% share in the company portfolio.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup Sep 2024 – YoY Comparison
      The HF Deluxe, also a popular model in the company lineup, has seen a 35.32% YoY and 34.54% MoM growth in sales to 1,13,827 units. There had been 84,118 units sold in Sept 2023 while in Aug 2024 sales had stood at 84,607 units. The HF Deluxe currently commands an 18.47% share. At No. 3 was the Hero Xtreme 125R with 37,520 unit sales last month. There had been 27,668 units sold in Aug 2024, relating to a 35.61% MoM growth. Hero Xtreme 125R finds a capable competitor in the TVS Raider while it also takes on the Bajaj Pulsar N125 and Honda Shine in its segment.
      Lower down the sales list at no. 4, Hero Passion posted a 30.56% YoY decline in sales to 25,157 units though its MoM sales performance improved by 10.51% over 22,764 units sold in Aug 2024. Hero Glamour too saw lower YoY sales by 44.26% to 19,831 units, down from 35,578 units sold in Sept 2023 but surged by 23.50% MoM from 16,057 units sold in Aug 2024.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales Breakup Sep 2024 – MoM Comparison
      Hero Pleasure (14,202 units), Destini 125 (13,095 units) and Xoom (5,847 units) each posted significant YoY decline. Sales of these three models however, saw improved MoM demand. Hero Vida sales surged on a YoY basis by 361.38% to 5,352 units in Sept 2024. This was well over 1,160 units sold in Sept 2023 relating to a 4,192 unit volume improvement. MoM sales however dipped by 11.16% over 6,024 units sold in Aug 2024.
      Hero Xtreme 160/200, Xpulse 200 Sales Decline
      At No. 10 on the sales chart was the Hero Xtreme 160/200, sales of which fell by 29.81% YoY to 2,306 units over 3,290 units sold in Sept 2023. Xpulse 200 also posted lower YoY sales by 26.81% to 1,993 units sold last month over 2,723 units sold in Sept 2023. Its MoM sales saw a slight improvement by 1.50% from 2,272 units sold in Aug 2024.
      Hero Mavrick 400, a relatively new entrant into the company portfolio, accounted for 1,169 unit sales last month. This was a massive 587.65% MoM growth over just 170 units sold in Aug 2024. Improved MoM sales increased share to 0.19% from 0.05% held in Aug 2024.
      Hero also had the Karizma 210 with an 84.62% YoY growth with 48 units sold last month. This was over 26 units sold in Sept 2023. MoM sales performance dipped by 81.40% when compared to 258 units sold in Aug 2024. Earlier this month, the company detailed patent drawings of the new Karizma 250. This fully faired motorcycle could be unveiled at EICMA this year. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      New Hero XPulse Teased For 2024 EICMA Debut – Future Of ADV Awaits

      by

      New Hero XPulse TeasedHero MotoCorp is getting ready to unveil an all new ADV motorcycle at the 2024 EICMA show next month – Is it the new Xpulse?
      India’s adventure motorcycle dream for the mainstream market was paved by Hero MotoCorp with the launch of Impulse. Later on, the company launched Xpulse 200, democratizing the ADV genre. Now, Hero is set to climb the next step in its ADV journey with new Xpulse, which will globally debut at EICMA 2024.
      New Hero XPulse Teased Officially
      For months, there have been speculations about Hero working on a larger displacement version of the Xpulse. While earlier expectations pointed to an Xpulse 210, recent clues indicate that Hero might be unveiling the Xpulse 440 instead. This would mark a significant step up in terms of performance and features, positioning the new Xpulse as a serious competitor in the mid-capacity adventure motorcycle market.
      New Hero XPulse Teased
      All of this hints at a possible global debut of an all new Xpulse. But will it be an Xpulse 210 or Xpulse 440, that remains to be seen. However, after a bit of digging into the bike shown in the teaser, it looks like the image belongs to an aftermarket parts manufacturer called HyperRider. The motorcycle in question is a BS4 Xpulse 200 FI equipped with a few accessories from HyperRider.
      If this is a boo-boo from Hero’s digital marketing team, then this reminds us of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza teaser where their marketing team had used images of an Audi Q3. Sure, the hype around Hero Xpulse 210 is real and it really is among the most-anticipated ADV motorcycles. However, this image used by Hero MotoCorp is probably not the correct motorcycle, while the real Xpulse could look a lot different.
      Image in the new Hero Xpulse teaser matches this image from Hyperrider
      What to expect?
      If it is the larger Xpulse 440 – This larger engine could deliver around 35-40 bhp and 35 Nm of torque, giving the bike much-needed grunt for high-speed cruising and off-road performance. The 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch will further enhance its touring credentials, allowing for smoother gear shifts and better control at higher speeds.
      Hero is expected to load the Xpulse 440 with a host of features aimed at both off-road enthusiasts and long-distance riders. The Pro Kit, which was earlier seen on the Xpulse 200, may make its way to the Xpulse 440 as well, including fully adjustable long-travel suspension, off-road-spec tyres, and handlebar risers for improved ergonomics. Additional features could include a larger windscreen, improved aerodynamics with tank shrouds, and a rugged tank cage to protect the fuel tank during off-road adventures.
      While the Xpulse 200 has been a capable entry-level adventure motorcycle, the new Xpulse 440 will likely cater to a wider audience looking for serious adventure touring and off-roading capabilities. With a larger fuel tank and enhanced cruising capabilities, the Xpulse 440 could emerge as a strong contender in the adventure motorcycle segment, appealing to riders who want a balance of performance, versatility, and affordability.
      If it is the Xpulse 210, it will get the same 210 cc DOHC 4V liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine from Karizma XMR 210. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch. Performance metrics might be around 26 bhp and 21 Nm. These updates will give Xpulse much-needed high-speed cruising capabilities, making it a more versatile product than it already is.
      A Strategic Move by Hero
      Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the 400cc segment is likely a strategic move to capture a growing market of adventure motorcyclists in India and beyond. By offering a larger Xpulse model, Hero will compete with popular mid-capacity adventure bikes such as Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure. The global debut at EICMA 2024 ensures that the new Xpulse will grab international attention, further solidifying Hero’s position in the global ADV market. More

    • 125 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Hero Karizma 250 Design Leaks – Upgraded Components And Aerodynamics

      by

      Hero Karizma 250 Design LeaksAs seen in the design patents, Hero Karizma 250 will feature upgraded componentry and improved aerodynamics to rival Yamaha R15
      With the launch of Karizma XMR 210, Hero MotoCorp made a very bold statement. For the first time, Hero MotoCorp made a massive leap in engine technology, componentry and equipment. Now, there seems to be an even better version of it as suggested by leaked design patents of what looks like Hero Karizma 250.
      Hero Karizma 250 Design Leaks
      World’s leading motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, is systematically upping its game in the premium segment. We have seen a new line of Premia dealerships dedicated to premium vehicles. These showrooms should be populated with offerings to increase footfall and that’s exactly what Hero seems to be doing.
      The company has showcased a bunch of probable upcoming vehicles at 2023 EICMA Show. Among these vehicles, one of the most interesting was Hero 2.5R Xtunt Concept. There have been test mules spotted in India of what looks like an Xtreme 210R, bearing design ethos seen on 2.5R Xtunt Concept.
      However, new design leaks from Hero has confirmed that there will be a new version of Karizma fully-fired motorcycle and it will feature much better components and improved aerodynamic design. As seen in the leaked design, Some of the components look like they are taken from the Xtunt Concept.
      Hero Karizma 250 Design Leaks
      Fuel tank looks like it is a lot more aggressive and bears resemblance to the one seen on 2.5R Xtunt Concept. There seem to be slight changes to the fairing, but we now get aerodynamic winglets at the front, which might be functional in adding a few kg of downforce for added dynamic capability.
      Also improving handling characteristics is the addition of USD telescopic front forks, for the first time on Karizma. The bike’s main frame and subframe along with wheels, seats and ORVMs look similar to the ones seen on Karizma XMR 210 on sale in India. One could speculate that it will bear an engine displacing 250cc, developing close to 30 bhp and 25 Nm.
      Is it a Pro version of Karizma?
      Considering all the similarities the upcoming Hero Karizma 250 has with current model, one could also speculate that the leaked design is a Pro version of Karizma XMR 210 with better components. A strategy that Hero follows with Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 200 4V Pro.
      Hero Karizma XMR 210
      If this turns out to be true, we can expect Karizma to retain its 210cc DOHC 4V single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with 25.15 bhp and 20.4 Nm. The 6-speed gearbox, dual-channel ABS and other features will continue as is. Notable additions will be USD front forks and aerodynamic winglets. More

    • 113 Shares159 Views

      in Bike

      Hero Xpulse 200 Pro ADV Review – Almost There!

      by

      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