Hero XPulse 200 4V

Price: The XPulse 200 4V offers two variants to choose from: the Base and the Pro. The Base variant comes with a price tag of Rs 1,47,391, while the Pro model is slightly higher at Rs 1,54,766 (both prices are ex-showroom Delhi).

Design: The Hero XPulse 200 comes with a rugged and functional design and looks every bit an authentic dual-purpose bike. The beak-like front fender, knuckle guards, windshield, long-travel suspension with a fork gaiter, a flat seat, and an upswept exhaust, all of it add to the robust appeal.

Features: The XPulse's updated circular LED projector headlight is much brighter than before. Hero claims it's 230 percent more intense than before. The tail-lamp is also LED, while the blinkers use halogens. Plus, it now has a handy USB-charging port. The bike features a fully-digital instrument console with a malfunction indicator light (MIL) and Bluetooth connectivity. This console offers various functions, including speedometer, tachometer, odometer/trip-meter readings, gear position, real-time mileage, and an Eco mode prompt. It's not just about tech; the XPulse 200 4V also offers better protection with its metallic bash plate. In the BS6.2 update, it gets fuller, closed-loop hand guards for added safety. You'll also appreciate the 60mm taller windshield, which helps protect against wind blasts. The switchgear has been revised, and the USB port is now conveniently located on the instrument cluster. The bike also introduces 3 ABS modes that you can toggle via console-mounted buttons. For improved comfort during stand-up riding, the XPulse 200 4V has 35mm lower and 8mm more rear-set rider’s footpegs. And if you're into off-road adventures, consider the Pro variant, which boasts a fully-adjustable, longer travel front and rear suspension, handlebar riser, taller seat, extended gear lever, and a longer side stand, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

Engine: The Hero XPulse 200 4V packs a 200cc, air-oil-cooled engine, delivering 19.1PS and 17.35Nm. It's mated to a 5-speed gearbox and equipped with a 13-litre fuel tank. The engine is now compliant with BS6.2 standards and is E20 compatible. There's a 37mm telescopic fork with 190mm travel (or 250mm for the Pro variant with full adjustability) and a 10-step preload-adjustable rear monoshock with 170mm wheel travel (or 220mm for the Pro variant). Braking duties are handled by a 276mm front and a 220mm rear petal disc, and it features single-channel ABS as standard. There are three ABS modes on offer as well: Road, Off-road, and Rally. The XPulse 200 4V rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels, shod with 90-section front and 120-section rear dual-purpose CEAT tubed tyres. If you opt for the standard variant, the seat height stands at 825mm along with a generous 220mm ground clearance. However, the Pro variant offers an increased seat height of 850mm and an even more impressive 270mm ground clearance. The base XPulse 200 4V weighs 159kg, while the Pro variant tips the scales at 161kg, while both share the same 13-litre fuel tank.

Rivals: The XPulse 200 4V has no natural rivals, given its pocket friendliness. It undercuts superior adventure tourers such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Suzuki V-Strom SX and the KTM 390 Adventure by a significant margin, yet rivals (if not betters some of them) them in terms of off-road prowess.

Variants: In terms of color options, the Base variant of the Hero Xpulse 200 4V offers three dual-tone paint schemes to choose from: Matte Nexus Blue, Techno Blue, and Black Sports Red. On the other hand, the flagship Pro model comes with a standard colorway but adds a sporty touch with Rally Edition graphics. Besides the unique graphics, the Pro variant also boasts several off-road-friendly enhancements, including fully-adjustable, longer travel front and rear suspension, a taller seat, and handlebars.

Its successor has been spotted testing, which looks bigger and has a more powerful engine. Here’s the full story.

The Hero XPulse 200 4V is the most affordable adventure bike in India. It's the perfect tool for beginners to get into the world of off-roading. It also happens to be the manufacturer's first ever motorcycle that came with a 4-valve engine.