More Hardcore Hero XPulse Under Development

Expect Hero to showcase the bike sometime after the launch of the XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T

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

• Expect the hardcore variant to have slightly more rugged design elements.
• Engine is likely to be in a different state of tune.
• A larger sprocket for better low-end performance could also be on offer.
• Longer travel suspension could be a part of the package too for better off-road dynamics.

Hero MotoCorp is likely to launch the XPulse 200 and the XPulse 200T in the country by the end of this month. Interestingly, we got to know from our sources that the Indian bikemaker will showcase a more off-road-centric version of the already promising XPulse 200 sometime later. We also got to know that this motorcycle will have a more purpose-built design language - a bit more spartan, dual-purpose-like.

While details are scant at the moment, expect the motorcycle to have knobby tyres with a more aggressive profile for off-roading. Additionally, the suspension travel could also be higher on this bike than the XPulse 200. If that’s the case, expect the seat height to go up a bit too. Its braking setup is likely to include same size discs on both ends with a single-channel ABS as standard.

Since it’s a more focussed model, it would be fitting if Hero tunes the 200cc motor for a little more low-end torque. A bigger sprocket would help in the bike’s off-road dynamics even more. The XPulse 200’s fuel-injected engine produces 18.7PS of power and 17.1Nm of torque, working alongside a 5-speed transmission.

We really hope Hero launches this variant within this year, unlike the XPulse 200 which seems to be taking nearly a year and a half to hit the market after it was showcased at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.