Hero Is Bringing In An Even More Hardcore, Rally-inspired, XPulse 200 4V

Automotive brands that race tend to take their learnings from the track (or the dirt) and implement them in their road-going vehicles. Looks like Hero MotoCorp, which’s cut its teeth at rallying in competitions like the Dakar, is all set to do the same with a hardcore Rally Edition XPulse 200 very soon.     

A recent type approval document filed by Hero has the new XPulse Rally Edition listed as an ‘additional variant.’ The Hero XPulse 200 4V has amassed a considerable fanbase with its off-road prowess. The Rally kit sold as an extra by Hero further takes things up a notch. Hence it makes you wonder, what could possibly be new?   

What’s new?

Well, the type application isn’t a full spec sheet, but there are small easter eggs in there that suggest this isn’t just a paint job. To begin with, the biggest change is a 17mm longer wheelbase when compared to a stock XPulse 200 4V and 8mm longer than an XPulse equipped with the Rally kit. 

The influence could come from different suspension or possibly even an altered rake, but the change surely puts a smile on our faces. Furthermore, the upcoming bike will be longer too. New body kit? Not to forget, we’ve also seen a new LED headlight on the XPulse sold in Turkey–maybe that could come too.

What’s still the same?
Looks like almost everything else. We’ll see no changes to the 199.6cc engine making the same 19.1PS and 17.35Nm. The same diamond frame and rider aids like ABS too. Despite being a more focused motorcycle than before, it will still hold onto some road manners.

Price and finally thoughts:
The base variant of the XPulse 200 4V costs Rs 1,32,350(ex-showroom Delhi). Add another Rs 46,000 for the Rally kit and you get a pretty hardcore bike. Hence, we feel this new Rally Edition could cost somewhere around Rs 1,82,000(ex-showroom Delhi), keeping it premium while justifying the extra asking price.