TVS Apache RTX 300 vs Hero XPulse 210: Detailed Comparison

The TVS Apache RTX 300 is the newest sub-300cc ADV in the market and the Hero XPulse 210 is also the brand’s newest offering as its entry-level (and currently flagship) ADV. But, how do they compare against each other?

Price & Variants

• The Hero XPulse 210 is the more affordable option in this comparison, making it a more attractive package based on just this segment for someone looking towards stepping up to a bigger bike from their current 150cc machines.

• While the base TVS Apache RTX 300 is quite affordable, the top-end BTO variant is significantly more expensive. Planing to get the TVS Apache RTX 300 on loan? Here's a detailed EMI buying guide.

Dimensions & Design

• The spec sheet doesn’t really paint the correct picture for either of these bikes.

• To put it rather simply, the XPulse is more off-road biased, while the RTX is more road-focussed. 

• XPulse’s higher ground clearance should help with its character, while the RTX doesn’t need it to be as high.

• That said, 200mm ground clearance should help the RTX glide over the tallest of speedbreakers without scraping the underbelly.

• The Hero XPulse 210 has a slightly shorter seat height, making it slightly more accessible for shorter riders who want to start their off-road and ADV journey with the XPulse.

• The XPulse 210 is 10kg lighter, making it easier to flick the bike in off-road conditions and have some sideways fun. On the road, the lighter kerb weight makes the bike feel light and agile.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300’s heavier kerb weight makes the bike feel more stable on the open road at high speeds. 

• In terms of design, the TVS Apache RTX 300’s design looks fresh and sharp with clean design lines striking a good balance between edginess and cohesiveness.

• The bike’s muscular design is also evident in its big road presence.

• The Hero XPulse 210 has sharp, sleek design lines like a Dakar bike, making it feel at home in the off-road wilderness.

• In the Lightning Black colour option of the TVS Apache RTX 300, the fuel tank is finished in a stealthy black shade, while the bronze accents on the headlamp cowl, tank extensions and tail section complement the overall design really well. The contrast gives the bike a premium and purposeful stance on the road.

• The Pearl White colour scheme carries a similar theme on the headlamp cowl, tank extensions and tail section, but pairs it with a white-painted fuel tank and front fender highlighted by red accents. This combination makes the bike stand out nicely in broad daylight and adds a sporty touch to the overall look.

• In the Metallic Blue option, the blue finish on the fuel tank and front fender instantly makes the RTX 300 pop, giving it a youthful and vibrant presence. It’s a colour scheme that grabs attention without looking overdone.

• The Tarn Bronze variant uses a bronze finish on the fuel tank and front fender, paired with brown paint on the headlamp cowl, tank extensions and tail section. Together, the shades blend well to create a cohesive and mature design language.

• Among the five colour choices, the Viper Green scheme easily stands out as the most striking. It gives the Apache RTX 300 a butch, aggressive character while still managing to look stylish and appealing at the same time. Check out our detailed explanation about all the colours of the RTX 300.

• The Hero XPulse 210 Top variant’s Alpine Silver colour scheme has black paint on the front fender and tank extensions with red accents while the fuel tank, side panels and the tail section are finished in silver paint.

• The Azure Blue is the more vibrant colour option with a good blend of blue, white and red paint. 
  

Underpinnings

• The TVS Apache RTX 300 gets a more sophisticated suspension setup up front in the form of an upside-down fork, with full adjustability in the BTO variant. 

• The longer wheel travel on the XPulse 210 enables it to tackle jumps and absorb harsh impacts on off-road conditions quite well.

• The XPulse’s overall larger 21-inch front and 18-inch wheel setup suits the bike as the mountain goat.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300’s smaller 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup suits the bike as more of a road-biased ADV with some capabilities to handle the off-road sections.

Features

• For the price tag it commands, the Hero XPulse 210 has a very good features list with a TFT instrument console that shows speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, gear position indicator and clock readouts.

• It also gets Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts and turn-by-turn navigation. 

• The bike also gets full-LED lighting and three ABS modes: Road, Trail and Off-Road. Trail mode disables ABS on the rear wheel and Off-Road mode disconnects the ABS on both wheels.

• The TVS Apache RTX 300 has the more extensive feature list with a TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, call and SMS alerts.

• It also gets all-LED lighting, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), cruise control, 3 ABS modes, 2-level traction control and 4 riding modes: Urban, Rain, Tour and Rally.

• It also gets adjustable front and rear suspension on the BTO variant, a bi-directional quickshifter and adjustable clutch and brake levers.

Performance

• The TVS Apache RTX 300’s engine offers smooth and gradual acceleration, making it suitable for enjoying long road trips. It can handle speeds of 100-120kmph easily, letting you cruise for long distances at a stretch.

• It has good low-end and mid-range grunt, making it capable of being ridden at low speeds in 3rd or 4th gear in the city as well as on the off-road trails. 

• The Hero XPulse 210 feels comfortable on the highway and the 6th gear certainly helps in maintaining speeds of 90-100kmph on the highway. But beyond that, the engine feels strained, urging you to come back to 90kmph immediately. Overall, the engine feels refined and relaxed. 

• In off-road conditions, the Hero XPulse 210’s engine flexes its muscles as the perfect off-road partner.

Verdict

The Hero XPulse 210 is the more off-road focused bike of the two. With a sleek and sharp design, upright riding position, pliant suspension setup that soak up the bumps and jumps on off-road trails, a feature list that’s more than functional with the TFT console and switchable ABS and an engine that offers great refinement and grunt, the Hero XPulse 210 is the perfect bike for you if you want to start your off-roading and want a very affordable with great value for money proposition.

As the more road-focused ADV in this comparison, the TVS Apache RTX 300 also shines considering its intended use cases. It is meant to be a touring machine that you ride for hours on the highway effortlessly and also handle the occasional off-road trails. As such, its muscular road presence with fresh looks, comfortable riding ergonomics, pliant suspension setup, extensive feature list with creature comforts and a smooth, refined engine fits the bill perfectly. So, if you are looking for such a bike at an affordable price tag, then the TVS Apache RTX 300 is the one for you. If you want more in depth information about the TVS Apache RTX 300, then check out our Ultimate Buying Guide.

Comparisons With Other Rivals:

• In terms of everyday touring usability, the RTX feels a bit more practical and comfortable than the 250 Adventure.
• The Yezdi Adventure is similarly priced to the RTX, but the TVS offers better overall value with its feature list.
• When comparing the RTX 300 to the V-Strom SX, the TVS clearly leads in performance thanks to its larger engine.
• If you are looking for a feature-rich bike at a more accessible price, the RTX makes more sense than the Versys 300.
• While both bikes offer good safety equipment, the RTX gets more features than the Dominar.
• The RTX feels like a more complete package compared to the Ultraviolette X-47 base variant.
• Between the RTX and Honda NX200, the TVS is better suited for long-distance touring.
• There are also several other options for around the same price as the RTX 300.