The upcoming Hero Xpulse 200 and Xpulse 200T have been spotted testing in India for the first time. These bikes appear to be in near production-ready form, which confirms quite a lot about what to expect. In the images, we can make out two Xpulse 200Ts and one Xpulse 200.
Earlier this month at EICMA 2018, Hero revealed that it will be launching two variants of the Xpulse in India. While the Xpulse 200 is the standard, adventure-focussed model, which was also showcased at Auto Expo 2018, the Xpulse 200T is the touring version of the bike.
The 200Ts that can be seen in the pictures are very similar to the model showcased at EICMA; both bikes ride on Xtreme 200R-spec MRF Nylogrip Zapper FYM 100/80-17 tyre at the front and MRF REVZ-S 130/70-R17 tyres at the rear. Similarly, the 200T also features the same smoked windscreen and the same handlebar that is lower, flatter than the Xpulse 200’s.
The 200Ts have been spotted in two shades – wine red and matte black, which is similar to the showcased bike. During the motorcycle’s unveiling, Hero revealed that the Xpulse 200T has a ground clearance that’s 30mm lower than that of the Xpulse 200; we expect that seat height will also be lower. According to Hero, “The Xpulse 200T offers an easy and comfortable riding position, thanks to its focus on ergonomics, and loading capability with its large luggage plate.”
The Xpulse 200, meanwhile, remains similar to the bike showcased at Auto Expo 2018. It features the same upright, tall stance and one-piece seat that extends to the fuel tank – an expected element on an adventure motorcycle. While it is still riding on the large, spoked wheels that were showcased at the motor show, it skips the premium Metzeler tyres for Ceat Gripp tyres that are also seen on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. However, this could be down to the fact that the model spotted testing is the carburetted one not the fuel-injected model. During the Auto Expo unveiling, the company had told us that more-expensive, fuel-injected variant may also come equipped with the Metzelers.
Both, the Xpulse 200 and Xpulse 200T will feature single-channel ABS, LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. The bikes are powered by the same 199.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine from the Xtreme 200R, where it makes 18.4hp and 17.1Nm of torque, with a five-speed gearbox. Hero will most likely tune the engine differently for use in the Xpulse variants.
As for when you can buy them, Hero has said it will launch the motorcycles together ‘early next year’. The ADV Xpulse 200 is likely to be more expensive than the touring-oriented Xpulse 200T. We believe prices will start at around the Rs 1 lakh mark, with the fuel-injected variant coming in at a higher price. Whether the FI version will be available from the start is unclear at the moment.
Hero has also showcased four concepts based on the 200T, check them out here.
Also see:
2018 Hero XPulse 200: 5 things you need to know
Pic credit - Vipin Ratnakaran