The first product from Hero Motocorp, the impulse ushers in a new class of motorcycles that ideally should have been introduced long ago. But, Better late than never they say and the Impulse surely is here to stay with its charming adventure bike poise matched by an equally competent off-road friendly dynamics. This Hero has a lot more to it than what meets the eye

Despite being the second largest motorcycle market in the world, the Indian motorcycle space has always had a massive void with regard to diversity of products. While there have been some bold initiatives in the context of off-roaders and cruisers, their makers have failed to keep the steam going. The off-roader segment in particular holds tremendous potential in India, but no manufacturer has had a single decent offering since the Bajaj SX Enduro happened in the nineties. But all that is set to change with the arrival of the impressive off-roading machine from Hero MotoCorp, the Hero Impulse, which seems ideal for Indian  roads and is a much needed shot in the arm for the steadily evolving Indian two-wheeler industry.


The origins of Hero MotoCorp’s first entrant in the Indian market can be traced to Brazil, where Honda sells this gorgeous looking 150cc off-roader as the Honda Bros 150. Unveiled amidst a lot of fanfare at the brand launch in London, Hero MotoCorp ensured that the Impulse drew enough eyeballs,  what with top Bollywood celebs and stars in attendance. Interestingly, the Hero Impulse has what it takes to be the centre of attraction, since it has no competition in the Indian market currently.

But besides looking different from the current crop of motorcycles sold in India, the Impulse also signifies Hero MotoCorp’s bold move to venture into an all-new domain, leaving behind its ever popular 100cc-125cc commuter bandwagon. And they seem to have got their act right again with a new,  fresh yet practical offering like they did almost three decades ago with the CD 100 SS, when two-strokes ruled the roost. What the Impulse brings to the table has a lot to do with where the two-wheeler industry is heading. The number of enthusiastic buyers looking for more than just commuters is growing with each passing day and everyone is looking for that extra bit for their moolah. And Hero has hit the nail right on the head with the Impulse’s exclusive true blue go-anywhere appeal and committed off-roader stance.

Besides looking the part, the Impulse is also brilliant at doing its job, which is what we shall speak about before getting to the design or tech talk. Packaged around a semi double cradle frame made of high tensile steel tubing which holds the 149.2cc engine in place, the feel and feedback from the chassis is outstandingly spot-on and precise with regard to what is happening between the tyres and the road, or in this case, dirt. The trademark off-roading long front forks with 180mm of travel do a fantastic job at damping the shocks and bumps on the road without any of it reaching the rider and without compromising the handling at the cost of overall ride quality.

Hero Impulse Photo Gallery: