Hero XPulse 200

As is expected of any off-road worthy motorcycle, the Xpulse features a raised front fender and a secondary semi-mudguard that’s mounted closer to the front wheel. Its adventure-ready credentials are reaffirmed by the large 21-inch (front) and 18-inch (rear) wire-spoke wheels running Ceat Gripp off-road biased tyres. It looks tough and ready to mud-plug, thanks to the long travel fork with rubber gaiters, an elaborate sump guard to protect the engine, serrated footpegs for the rider and a dirtbike-style exhaust that’s routed parallel to the cylinder head. The Xpulse may not seem radically different from the Impulse, but in reality, the two have nothing in common in terms of the bodywork.

What’s undoubtedly new is the headlight - a small, round, full-LED unit which adds the ‘neo’ to this largely old-school design. Sadly, it doesn’t work very well, as we learnt over a short night stint. 

In terms of quality, the XPulse felt built to last, however, the finish of the exhaust joints and the pillion footpeg subframe lacked premium flair.

Also helping it in this aspect are the decently configured underpinnings. The 37mm telescopic fork enables 190mm of front wheel travel while the 10-step preload-adjustable gas-charged monoshock allows for 170mm of wheel travel. Impressively, despite being 20kg heavier than the Impulse, the XPulse felt as agile, if not more! Ride quality is a bit firm at lower speeds, but over demanding off-road surfaces, the XPulse displays confidence and sturdiness that is again a notch better than the Impulse. The brakes too offer a good balance between the bite needed on the road and the progression required off the road, and it helps that the front wheel can be kept in check, thanks to the unintrusive single-channel ABS. The rear disc will be a boon for dirt riders as it will stand up to abuse much better than the drum brake seen on the Impulse.