Dirty Hero

Hero’s affordable and lightweight adventure motorcycle has finally hit the showrooms. But was it worth the wait?

- Shivank Bhatt

When Hero showcased the Xpulse concept at EICMA 2017, it catapulted most of us into a state of extreme excitement and anticipation. And, later, at the 2018 Auto Expo, when Hero confirmed that it’s certainly going into production, it only added to the intensity our excitement. But, then, for over a year, Hero went quiet – causing us to get anxious. However, they’ve finally got their act together – their lightweight and affordable offroader, the Xpulse 200, has now finally become a production reality. In fact, as if to compensate the long and tedious wait, Hero has launched not one but two derivatives of the Xpulse.

So, is the wait justified? Does the Xpulse make a case for the idea that ‘good things come to those who wait’? Or is it simply an example of being ‘too little, too late’? Let’s find out…

Bare bones

Although the Xpulse is offered in two variants, it’s the off-road version – the Xpulse 200 – that most of us are excited about. So, let’s talk about that first.

The design? In simple terms, it’s pretty basic. And Hero is making no bones about it either. It’s not supposed to be an aesthetically pleasing motorcycle – it’s all about function. The Xpulse 200 is a purpose-built bike, and its every part screams off-road.

The spoke wheels – 21-inch at the front and 17-inch at back – shod with meaty Ceat tyres, the long-travel suspension – 37mm dia front fork with 190mm travel and a 10-step pre-load adjustable mono-shock at back with 170mm travel – a tall handlebar with hand guards, a small windscreen, a robust engine bash plate and a high-mounted exhaust are dead giveaways that the Xpulse 200 has been single-handedly designed to take on the rough stuff. And I simply love the approach that they’ve taken!