Racing Pedigree Infused

With the new Xpulse 210, Hero MotoCorp are offering customers a piece of their racing pedigree from the Dakar

- Joshua Varghese

DURING THE PRESS BRIEFING, Hero MotoCorp told us that they raced prototypes of the Xpulse 210 in national championships. Their Dakar riders were also instrumental in the development of this motorcycle. That immediately raised our expectations because Hero MotoSports are successful both on the regional and international stage. Furthermore, a motor sport influence always adds positively to motorcycle development.

The following morning, before sunrise, we were heading out of Udaipur in Rajasthan on a top-end Hero Xpulse 210. As someone who owns an Xpulse 200 4V, the improvement in comfort offered by the 210 was immediately evident. Hero were able to build this motorcycle from the ground up and a new double-cradle frame was among the first upgrades. That has allowed them to re-position the seat, handlebar, and foot-pegs, thereby offering a more relaxed and undemanding riding position. While the ground clearance remains the same, the seat height has increased to 830 millimetres which may reduce accessibility for some. On the bright side, tall riders will not be as cramped when riding standing up. Furthermore, we were told that the height of the handlebar can be adjusted using optional accessories. A useful piece of kit to have.

Next, I must draw your attention to the engine because this is the first time an Xpulse is getting a liquid-cooled unit. It is the same 210-cc, DOHC, four-valve mill from the Karizma XMR and the addition of a sixth gear has improved the Xpulse’s touring capability. In sixth gear, 100 km/h comes up at 7,000 rpm and we were able to cruise comfortably up to 110 km/h. When pushed beyond that, the motorcycle is capable of going up to 140 km/h but the engine is clearly out of its comfort zone at that speed. This was one among the many times when we felt that the Xtreme’s 250-cc engine would have been a more appropriate upgrade for the Xpulse.