BREAKING: The Updated XPulse 200 Is Here!

Just after we talked about it yesterday, Hero has launched the updated XPulse 200 4V! But there are a lot more changes than expected. Here’s everything the new bike gets:

What’s The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

With its prices starting from Rs 1,43,516, the XPulse’s base trim costs Rs 4,750 more than before. The bike also gets a new variant namely Pro, which is priced at Rs 1,50,891 (both ex-showroom Delhi). In fact, the Pro variant is Rs 1,209 cheaper than the XPulse 200 Rally Edition that was launched last year.

What's New?

• First up, the 199.5cc air-cooled engine is now an OBD 2 and E20 compliant one. While the output figures (19.1PS and 17.35Nm) are the same, it makes its peak power 500rpm lower down the rev range. 

• Three ABS modes: Road, Off-road and Rally. That said, there’s still no dual-channel ABS unfortunately. Here’s what each mode does: 

• 60mm taller windscreen which should provide better wind protection. 

• New LED projector headlight which has a claimed 230 percent better intensity! That should ideally make night riding a lot better. 

• Updated rider footpegs- 35mm lower and 8mm rear set. We hope that makes for a better position to grip the tank. 

• Bigger, closed-loop knuckle guards

• Updated, bungee hook-friendly rear rack to secure luggage a lot better. 

• Bigger gear lever to accomodate thick off-road boots

• Updated, higher-capacity USB charging port relocated near the console. 

• The bike can now be ridden with only the DRL on. 

As we said, the XPulse also has a new Pro Variant, which is essentially the (erstwhile limited) Rally Kit edition being sold as a variant. So you have fully adjustable suspension, 250mm of suspension travel (front) and 220mm wheel travel (rear). These things combined with 270mm ground clearance and handlebar risers means this XPulse is quite truly ready to demolish ANYTHING you throw at it. Despite these Dakar-ready specs, the seat height is still a very reasonable 850mm. 

The bike’s available in three colour schemes in the base variant (Matte Nexus Blue, Techno Blue and Black Sports Red) and the attractive Rally Edition Graphics in the Pro variant.

What Should Have Been Changed?

We wish Hero had also thrown in a dual-channel ABS system for the Xpulse 200 4V. You can never be too safe! 

That said, Hero truly has thrown the kitchen sink at the XPulse, especially with the Pro edition. It’s essentially the Rally Kit (without the knobby tyres & flat seat) but you end up paying nearly Rs 50,000 less than what you effectively would for the previous-gen XPulse 200 with Rally Kit purchased separately. All of this with a seat height that’s a lot more accessible than the vertigo-inducing Rally Kit. In fact, the Rs 1,50,891 price makes it the most affordable bike in India with fully adjustable suspension. Insane value for money!

ZigSays

The XPulse 200 4V was already the perfect entry-point for anyone who had gnarly off-road dreams. But with the Pro variant, the bike’s VFM quotient has gone up a notch! The Pro variant is the closest you’ll ever get to authentic dirt bikes like the CRFs and KLXs of the world.