Hero XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T: Differences Explained

What separates the 200cc ADV from its touring cousin

[Update: Hero MotoCorp has launched the XPulse 200, XPulse 200T and the Xtreme 200S. Head here for the launch story]

Hero MotoCorp unveiled the production version of its 200cc adventure bike - the XPulse - at this year’s Auto Expo. Later, the homegrown manufacturer showcased a touring variant of the bike called the XPulse 200T at EICMA 2018. While both may look similar, subtle differences set them apart from each other. Let’s take a look at what they are:

Different suspension tuning

Since the XPulse 200T is a road-biased touring model, it gets different suspension settings to cope with the streets rather a dirt track. While Hero has not revealed the specifics, we expect the XPulse 200T to have a stiffer suspension setup, as it will spend most of its time on tarmac, rather than plowing through off-road trails like its “sans-T” sibling. 

Smaller wheel with alloys

The hardcore XPulse gets a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels. However, the XPulse 200T gets 17-inch alloy wheels on either ends that are more suitable for on-road use. It also gets more road focused MRF radial tyres at the rear instead of the Xpulse’s knobby Ceat tyres.

Lower ride height

Compared to the XPulse, the rider sits 30mm lower on the XPulse 200T. This is the result of a lowered suspension setup and smaller 17-inch wheels. 

Shorter handlebar

The XPulse, being an ADV, gets tall and wide handlebars for better maneuverability in the rough stuff. The touring-focused XPulse 200T, on the other hand, gets a shorter handlebar for better comfort over longer distances. And of course, the handguards which are present in the standard XPulse are notably absent in the 200T.

Different exhaust position

Given its off-road ambitions, the regular XPulse gets a high-mounted exhaust to be able to keep water out of the engine while fording streams. Even it’s header pipe bends straight back from the cylinder. Since the XPulse 200T is expected to be used on the road, its exhaust system is mounted in a more conventional manner, with the header pipe tracing a path under the bike, culminating in a standard low-mounted end can. This change will allow riders to easily place panniers or saddlebags without the worry of it fouling with the exhaust. To accommodate the exhaust routing, you also get a different rear footpeg assembly.

Taller gearing

Given the XPulse 200T is expected to offer a relaxed ride at touring speeds, it might get taller gearing in the form of a smaller final sprocket. The XPulse 200 is expected to come with a larger rear sprocket to help it clamber over rocks and other obstacles off the road.

Plastic bash plate

The XPulse 200T gets a plastic bash plate compared to the metal one on the standard XPulse. It doesn’t need the full metal plate as it’s not expected to tackle really rough terrain like its off-road-oriented sibling. This should save weight and manufacturing costs, while being capable enough to protect the engine sump from small rocks and debris thrown up by the front tyre.

Regular discs

The XPulse shown at Auto Expo 2018 and even EICMA 2017, came with front and rear petal discs. The XPulse 200T, meanwhile, was showcased at EICMA 2018 with conventional looking front and rear discs that look like they’ve been lifted off the Hero Xtreme 200R. This could be to keep costs low and price it much lower than the standard XPulse 200. Both bikes will get ABS as standard.

Cosmetic changes

Hero has made a few cosmetic changes to differentiate the bikes as well. The XPulse 200T was showcased with a matte black paint scheme and minimal graphics while the XPulse 200 was seen with a gloss white paint job and substantial amount of livery. The touring variant gets a black tinted flyscreen while the standard ADV has a clear one. The standard XPulse also gets rubber fork gaiters to keep the fork stanchions free of dirt and muck during its time off-road. It’s a feature the touring variant misses on. The touring variant also gets a better padded seat for more comfort.

Other than these changes, the XPulse 200 and 200T share the same 200cc, air and oil-cooled motor that puts out 18.4PS and 17.1Nm of torque. Both motorcycles will be based a single downtube frame and get telescopic front and rear monoshock units. We expect both bikes to be launched early next year with an expected price of around Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom).