Hero XPulse 200: Pros, Cons, Should You Buy One?
Here's what works in favour of the most affordable adventure tourer in India and what doesn't
Here's what works in favour of the most affordable adventure tourer in India and what doesn't
Hero MotoCorp launched the Impulse back in 2011. It was the company's first attempt at an off-road bike. Though the bike seemed promising, it was well ahead of its time, and therefore, poorly received by the masses. That said, the market has evolved over the years and enthusiasts are more aware of the different genres available in the motorcycle space. Hence, Hero revisited the growing adventure-touring segment a couple of months ago with the all-new XPulse 200. A more flexible, slightly more powerful ADV with some segment-first features. Here’s what works in favour of the bike and what doesn’t.
Pros:
Most affordable adventure tourer:
The Hero XPulse 200 takes the crown of being the most affordable adventure tourer in India, a spot formerly occupied by the Royal Enfield Himalayan 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The bike is offered at a price of Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and pretty well kitted for the amount. To put things into perspective, it features long-travel suspension, dual-purpose tyres, a high-mounted exhaust for better water wading capabilities, single-channel ABS and protective guards to keep crucial components safe.
Segment-first features:
Aside from being the most affordable ADV in India, the bike also comes with some segment-first features like an LED headlight and a full-digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity which displays incoming call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation apart from the essential readouts.
Comfortable ergos:
The XPulse 200 offers a comfortable riding posture both on and off the road. Its tall and wide handlebar is easy to reach and provides enough leverage to zip through city traffic or manoeuvre your way through trails. The seat is set relatively low at 825mm with slightly rearset footpegs which enable you to ride on-road and off-road quite comfortably.
Cons:
Poor illumination:
Though the full LED headlight setup looks good, it isn't practical at night as it fails to provide enough illumination on poorly lit roads.
Vibey engine:
The bike’s 199.6cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder motor is fairly refined below 6,000rpm, but post that the vibes tend to creep in through the handlebar, tank and footpegs.
Isn’t a highway cruiser:
The Xpulse 200 has enough low-end grunt for off-road duties and short, quick overtakes within city limits. However, out on the highway, it loses steam post 90kmph and isn’t comfortable maintaining triple-digit speeds.
Should you buy one?
If you’re a novice rider on a budget who’s learning the ropes of adventure touring, the Hero XPulse 200 could be a good start. The bike has enough kit on offer to tackle light trails and even fulfils the role of an urban commuter pretty well. That said, the bike's 199.6cc engine is its biggest drawback, and if highway touring tops your list, the XPulse 200 may fall short of your expectations.
Hero XPulse 200 4V User Reviews
- Best in the segment.Fabulous bike for people who commutes daily and also for long rides. This bike goes everywhere, does everything. Great mileage, works great on highways and off roads. Top speed of this bike is 130 kmph. Comfortable to ride, easy to handle in traffic. This bike have all good features. Must buy and comes under budget also. ABS also works like a charm of this bike. Must recommended.Read More1
- Great, But if you add on a bit extra to stock bikeBike is really good, if you choose to ride a stock vehicle, you might feel a bit comfortable, but if you get some accessories on it, it will be your friend for life. Just like i have added accessories like, seat modification with extra foam, handle bar riser, Fog light(for sure), Center stand, Top rack with back rest.Read More2
- Hero x pulse 200 4V review after 22000 kmsI am five eleven and it suits me for my height. Comfort of a rider not a pillion and mileage is a plus for this bike. Maintenance cost is also very good and cheap you can get service done from any of the authorised hero service centres. I have been driving since almost twenty two thousand kilometres so far and im fully satisfied with the performance of this bike. I just changed chain socket and fuel motor in the fuel tank. Ride comfort is very good for rider not for pillion thats only negative. Yes I would definitely recommend this bike to those who have height above five eight. I am driving this bike since two thousand twenty two and no major faults or damages done to bike. I am fully satisfied with this bike.Read More5 3
- Best choice for Bad Roads and Daily Use.I chose Hero Xpulse 200 4V for its comfort on bad roads while still being easy to ride daily. The suspension works great on potholes, the engine is smooth for city rides, and maintenance stays affordable. Ride quality has been comfortable so far, especially on rough roads. Mileage is decent for daily use, handling feels light and confident, and while top speed isn't aggressive it's stable and relaxed at cruising speeds. Yess -- I'd recommend it for daily riders who want comfort on rough roads, easy handling in traffic, good mileage and reliable performance. Not ideal if you want high speed or aggressive sport riding.Read More3 2
- Perfect offroad machineIt's a perfect bike for beginners who want to learn more into offroading and motocross. Along with that you can use it for your day to day life and even long tours . Perfect for solo riding. Low maintenance, good mileage. I have ridden it for more then 30000km . From plain to hills to high altitude area. It's good for offroading, even rode it in off road track it performs pretty good. Not good if you want to go for long tour with pillion. If you want to learn motocross or rally or offroad trails you can definitely go for it. Even looking into the Indian road conditions it perfect. You can do long high way ride with decent speed of 80-90kmph.Read More1