Hero MotoCorp has recently been in the news for their association with Harley-Davidson for their upcoming X440 which is supposed to hit the shelves pretty soon. But other than that the Indian brand has been majorly absent from the global scene. But things could have been very different. Ever heard of Honda? Yes, the same Japanese heavyweight. There was once a time when there existed a Hero Honda and the motorcycle manufacturer was at the pinnacle of the Indian motorcycling scene. In 2010, Hero and Honda signed an agreement to dissolve their partnership. Ever since then, Hero has gone back to its roots, and it’s safe to say that the brand has done pretty well for itself.
Xpulse is a motorcycle from the group that has captured the imagination of riders around the world, offering a unique blend of adventure, affordability, and reliability. While the Xpulse has been primarily available in the Indian market, it's worth exploring why this versatile machine would have been a great buy for adventure enthusiasts in the US.
10 Off-Road Capability
The Hero Xpulse boasts impressive off-road capabilities, allowing you to confidently explore untamed terrains. The motorcycle is equipped with long-travel suspension - 190mm and 170mm at the front and rear respectively, a 220mm ground clearance, and dual-purpose tires, that make it capable enough to conquer rough trails and challenging obstacles. To add to its off-road prowess, there is the even more capable ‘Pro’ trim that boasts these numbers even further.
9 Cheap
Affordability is a key factor that sets Hero Xpulse apart from its competitors. With a price tag that remains significantly lower than many dual-sports motorcycles in the US market, the Xpulse offers exceptional value for riders looking to embrace adventure without breaking the bank. It comes at just under ₹ 1,50,000 mark, which translates to around $1,800. If we take into consideration other duties and taxes, it would most definitely come under the $5,000 mark in the US. A new, nimble, light and adventure-ready motorcycle for that price is a steal!
8 Fuel Efficiency
India as a market is extremely sensitive to fuel economy. Hence, for any motorcycle to make a strong impression in the country, it has to revel in the economy department. The Xpulse in particular, was designed with the same factor in mind.
In the Indian market, the Xuplse claims to get you a mammoth 50 kilometers per liter. Translate that to US metrics, and you have at your hands a mileage of almost 120 miles per gallon! What a feat that is considering the motorcycle comes with decent power as well. It would ensure that you would be able to embark on long journeys with fewer refueling stops. What a relief that would have been.
7 Lightweight And Maneuverable
One of the most significant factors the Xpulse is what it is because of its light weight. In this department, Hero has hit the sweet spot, making it on par with most other notable entry-level dual sports. Weighing in at just 157 kg (346 lbs), the Xpulse is remarkably easy to maneuver and feels really nimble, making it easy to handle in diverse riding conditions. Find yourself stuck in a busy city? No problem. Find yourself on a technical trail? No problem. Its agile nature will allow you to tackle tight corners with confidence. The only department it might need to improve in is cruising on open roads. But this bike isn’t meant for that at all.
6 Long-Distance Touring Capability
While the Xpulse is renowned for its off-road prowess, it also offers comfort and capability for long-distance touring. No doubt, you will crave a little more power when you let the throttle open completely, and yes a 6th gear would have been nice too. But let’s be honest, what do you expect a 200cc motorcycle to do? After all, its 18.9 horsepower is enough for what it's meant to do. And then there is the rather comfortable seating position, the tall windshield, and a generous fuel tank capacity of 3.4 gallons that make it a suitable companion for riders embarking on longish journeys.
5 Reliability And Durability
Hero MotoCorp is known for producing motorcycles that are renowned for their reliability and durability, and that may very well be the reason why Harley chose the company to manufacture their lightweight roadster as well. And the Xpulse is no exception. You will not for once feel that you are sitting on a $4,000 motorcycle. Parts do not feel cheap and are rather robust and built to withstand rough terrains and adverse conditions. And that is what makes the Xpulse handle the demands of off-road riding while maintaining its performance and reliability over time.
4 Adventure-Ready Design
There are not many frills to the Xpulse. It supports a conventional design language. The whole design utilizes a minimalist motif, making the bike appear even more purposeful, and although it may not dazzle you, it is likely to garner you second looks on the road. With its sharp lines, high-mounted exhaust, and aggressive stance, this motorcycle exudes a sense of adventure, signaling its capability and intention to explore the unknown.
3 Presence Of All Important Electronics
Do not for once think that Xpulse overlooks any important features because of its rather subtle, bare-bones approach. It’s not only an adventure-ready machine but also incorporates advanced technology to enhance your overall riding experience.
It comes standard with a digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, all-LED headlights and even multiple ride modes with its latest 2023 update. While there is nothing spectacular in these offerings, it makes sure that the bike is equipped with the most basic features that one might come to expect in today’s motorcycles.
2 Easy Maintenance
Most of Hero’s motorcycles are fairly basic machines. There’s not much you will not be able to work on with a basic tool kit by your side. This is the case with most Indian motorcycles. This is what has helped Royal Enfield in foreign markets as well - the ability to take apart the complete motorcycle and put it back together with a matter of just a few wrenches and screwdrivers.
On top of that, Hero MotoCorp has an extensive service network in Asia, making it easier for Xpulse owners to get their motorcycles serviced and maintained. Availability of basic spare parts is easy plenty too - you will be able to get your hands on almost every nut and bolt that goes on the motorcycle at your local hardware shops or even at your mechanic.
1 Hero's Reputation And Legacy In The Motorcycle Industry
Let’s make no bones about it - Hero MotoCorp has a long-standing reputation in the motorcycle industry for producing reliable and high-quality machines. As the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, Hero's legacy inspires trust and confidence among riders, making the Xpulse a reliable choice for adventure enthusiasts. Their partnership with HD will only strengthen this claim. So maybe, after all, it is only a matter of time till you see Hero exploding on the international stage.