Hero Xpulse 200T 4V 3000km Long-Term Review: Excitement Max

Let me paint you a picture – It is a Monday morning, and you are ready to go to the office in an all-crisp outfit for the day, but you are still half asleep from the weekend hangover. Now the only thing that’s between your home and office is the commute, and hopefully, this commute can energise and prepare you for the day to come. What will be your vehicle of choice?

You see, your choice of vehicle isn't just about transportation; it's about the emotions it will evoke. Motorcycles, in particular, have a unique way of connecting with riders on an emotional level. And to give me that excitement on my daily commute to the office has been the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V, and here’s why.

Yay - Excellent City Performance

Living in a bustling city with an intricate web of traffic is what a big city is all about, and for that the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V is an ideal companion. Thanks to its really peppy 200cc engine, it effortlessly combines low-end torque with quick acceleration. A mere twist of the throttle propels you out of sticky situations, making city commuting a breeze. What I do most of the time is slick through traffic and revel in the thrill of navigating those fun turns, and am seldom late to get to places, even if there is a traffic jam.

Boo - Gasping for Breath at High Speeds

As impressive as the Xpulse 200T is in city confines, it loses some of its lustre on the open highway. Beyond 90kmph, the engine peppiness gives way to vibrations and lacklustre performance, especially compared to the Bajaj Pulsar N160. Although really fun. Beyond the 95kmph mark, the pull takes a hit, but the happy thing here is that on our roads, you won’t have to worry about this so much. So, while it's quick, it struggles to keep up at higher speeds and starts gasping for air.

Yay - Handling

If spirited riding and escaping city traffic are your goals, the Xpulse 200T shines. Its lightweight, agile, and flickable nature makes overtaking and sharp turns a smooth affair. This bike not only complies with your need for speed but encourages you to push your limits with its fantastic handling. One of my favourite things to do, to escape the main road traffic, is to enter the narrow lanes with multiple turns, and that is where the handling really mesmerises you.

Boo - Poor Fit and Finish/Okay Design

While the Xpulse 200T flaunts retro styling and flashy colours, it doesn't quite hit the mark in the looks department. Despite its sporty graphics, it appears as a modest upgrade from a basic commuter. Furthermore, the fit and finish quality of the body parts don't exude a premium feel.

Yay - Fantastic Braking

However, when it comes to braking, the Xpulse 200T truly excels. The braking hardware imparts a premium feel, offering sharp feedback from both the discs and levers. Its well-calibrated system ensures reliable performance, with the ABS at the front doing an excellent job of bringing the bike to a halt without wheel lockup. And that is something you REALLY need in the bumper-to-bumper city traffic, believe me, it saves you from getting into a lot of sticky situations.

Boo - Poor Fuel Efficiency

Regrettably, the bike's performance doesn't translate to your wallet. With fuel efficiency ranging between 30-35kmpl, it's relatively low for a 200cc bike. This affects the overall cost-effectiveness of your commute.

Yay - Ride Quality

On the bright side, the Xpulse 200T impresses with its ride quality. The suspension tuning adeptly absorbs sharp undulations, allowing you to confidently tackle potholes and speed bumps without discomfort. Its ergonomic design, mid-set footpegs, and wide raised handlebar ensure a comfortable riding posture for extended journeys. Even the seat is plush and supportive.

Verdict - Versatile, or finding its place?

In the world of motorcycles, the Xpulse 200T 4V seems to stand out from the narrowed genres. You see, it's not an adventure bike like its off-road-focused sibling, nor does its design lend itself to a sporty appeal. It finds itself in a category that raises questions – why opt for a 200cc commuter bike? But the thing is, the Xpulse 200T functions remarkably well as a commuter, but it's not without its shortcomings.

Price (Ex-showroom Delhi): Rs 1,40,246

While it might not fit neatly into predefined categories, one thing's for sure: if you're seeking a bike that delivers pure fun, the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V is a worthy contender in the two-wheeler world.