Hero Xpulse 200 2020 Review - Prices, Specs, Variants, Features and Mileage

What's at the heart of this Hero?

How powerful is the 200cc engine in Hero Xpulse 200?

The stats will give you a “deja-vu” moment as it is the same as one other offering from Hero, i.e. the Xtreme 200R. Both the motorcycles share the same pot and are even tuned similarly. This explains a lot of its quick first gearing which isn’t much help for going up inclines.

The engine, however, is flexible and doesn’t sweat it out on the trails for which the Xpulse 200 is destined for. City rides are also quick as the torque comes up quick and linearly which makes it a calm mover. Highway rides will be a rigorous exercise as the 200cc engine tends to become nervous after the 90 kmph mark.

The Xpulse 200 is not a handy tourer but if you can keep it under 90 kmph, then it can stretch a muscle or two. But the air-cooled unit is sufficient for you consequent trips to the unknown and the engine holds up well which is confidence-inspiring. It questions the flexibility of the likes of Royal Enfields which are known for their robust off-road character for a long time now.

How quick is the 2020 Xpulse 200 up the hill?

Acceleration is linear for this off-roader as the torque comes up slowly and progressively. The gears are closely packed which makes it a rather quick sprinter for a 200cc motorcycle. Another impressive feat is the kerb weight which helps it be quick despite having a performance handicap.

The 5-Speed gearbox is quick and the tall gearing helps you scale those mountains with ease. Urban rides are also comfortable due to this character. But the engine strains out on highways as it was not exactly made for long hauls.

The Fuel Injection system makes sure to provide you with uninterrupted fueling. But still, the injection rate was not smooth and you tend to stall the motorbike, if not revving high. The top speed of 110 kmph is not much but respectable as an off-road needs it the least.

How bitey are the disc brakes on 2020 Xpulse 200?

Hero has equipped the Xpulse 200 with disc brakes at both ends and provides with a strong bite even on those inclined surfaces. The brake levers are well-modulated and there is no lag whatsoever in the actuation of brakes.

A single-channel ABS assists braking and thus helps you in knee-deep situations. A dual-channel ABS would have made it better but Hero went with the single-channel setup to keep the cost down.

It also gives you leverage to have a bit of fun as the rear tyre can lock and thus a bit of sliding in the dirt would not harm! The others are all equipped with a dual-channel system and thus instil more confidence which comes at a premium.

How efficient is the 200cc pot of Hero Xpulse 200?

Hero has always focused on efficiency in their products and this one is no different. The off-road-ready Xpulse 200 chucks out more than 40 kmpl on the long run and that is what attracts this dirt ready motorcycle to the masses.

Below figures are of the FI variant and carbureted one would have a marginally lowered set of numbers, which is not much of a difference with an overall 40.35 kmpl. The linear power delivery also maintains fuel consumption to return the best possible mileage figures.

Fuel capacity is towards the lesser side with 13 litres. But the impressive mileage figures compensate for this and thus rewards you with a lot-leading range. We had pitched in the Yamaha FZ 25 to compare Xpulse’s mileage figures and is at par with the 250cc cruiser.

How well can you handle and be comfortable on this potent off-roader?

The impressive suspension setup is to be praised here as the 190mm of travel will leave you forgetting of potholes and rocks. It glides over them easily without any discomfort. The rear 10-step adjustable mono-shock is focused on the rider. That being said, this motorcycle is best suited with one on board, pillion riders will have a hard time holding up with the narrow seating and flat rear end.

If comfort is on your priority list, then this is the wrong motorcycle for you. The hard and narrow seat is there for you to sit down occasionally while offroading. It is also best for a few hours of commuting before you give in. This is purely built for off-roading and we are pleased to see such an inexpensive focused-motorcycle.

The handle-bar is wide and you sit upright for a relaxed position. The footpegs are, however, higher up which brings your knees higher. Royal Enfield has cracked this code to provide the most comfortable seating while you get all DIRT-Y.

How off-road-ready does the Hero Xpulse look?

The first impressions are very nostalgic as the Xpulse 200 has a strong resemblance with the Hero Impulse. Yes, this isn’t Hero’s first try at off-roading. The Xpulse 200 might have taken inspiration from the Impulse but we assure you, this is a completely different offering.

On closer inspection, Hero has surprised us with a very well built motorcycle that is high on fit and finish. The split LED headlamps distinguishes it easily on the roads as well as the trails. The various off-road specific components remind you that this one is not a tell-tale but talks serious business.

Aesthetic Features

• Windshield

• Aluminium Bash plate

• Upswept exhaust

• Full LED Split headlamp

• Half-cut front fender

• Knobby dual-purpose tyres

It shares the tank with its sober brother, Xpulse 200T which is a touring focused motorcycle. This makes it comparable to the Yamaha FZ 25 which is also touring specific. But Royal Enfield Himalayan is the one that is closest to this in terms of riding dynamics and purpose friendly.

What are the various safety and class-leading features in the Xpulse 200?

The Xpulse 200 is laden with a host of advanced features to make riding easier and keep the rider connected at all times. The most unique addition is the Bluetooth connectivity which has its own space on the full-colour TFT display. 

Hero has its application both for Android and iOS which helps a smartphone connect to the motorcycle’s instrument cluster. Once connected, you can navigate turn-by-turn through it, a very needy feature nowadays. Call and message alerts are also displayed which eliminates the need to stop riding.

Hero has taken a modern approach for the Xpulse 200’s safety features. It gets single-channel ABS and disc brakes on both ends. The wider crash bar helps keep the components as well as the rider safe in the event of a crash. Bluetooth enabled screen on the instrument cluster keeps the rider from being diverted and keeps eyes on the road.

The bash plate is a very important fitment which helps save the fragile heart from being pierced. The upswept exhaust gives you the liberty to go deeper through the river beds without causing any harm. The competition does get extra bits like a dual-channel ABS setup and more importantly more powerful engines, but at a cost of added premium.

How does the competition stack up against the Xpulse 200?

Hero Xpulse 200 vs Royal Enfield Himalayan

The cheapest Off-roader from Royal Enfield is now having a taste of its strategy. Hero Xpulse 200 is now the cheapest off-roading motorcycle available in India, undercutting the Himalayan. Hero has made a lot of sacrifices to achieve this feat but riding dynamics and offroading capabilities are not on the list. This makes it as much capable as scaling the mountains as much as Himalayan. Xpulse 200 is the perfect companion for a newbie and would not cost a bomb. Hero steals the throne here.

Hero Xpulse 200 vs Royal Enfield Trial Works Replica 350

We don’t see the reason for Trial Works Replica 350 to exist! Nevertheless, Royal Enfield made an off-road rip-off of its largest selling motorcycle. But this creation was stuck in between and failed to clarify its purpose. The Xpulse, on the other hand, was a clear cut off-roader and didn’t sacrifice on efficiency. We would go for the Xpulse 200 to have cheap thrills and be both, mentally and financially satisfied at the end of the day.

Hero Xpulse 200 vs Yamaha FZ 25

You might be confused as to why we took a perfectly competent cruiser against an entry-level off-roader. This is to showcase similarities of the humble Xpulse 200 with the more powerful FZ 25. Hero has managed to close on the gap of good cheap motorcycles and thus it makes sense to give you all an insight into how diverse the future would look like. Both these motorcycles have their perks, one is a straightforward off-roading machine and the other is a no-frills muscular tourer.  

Whom does the Hero Xpulse 200 motivate to go off-roading?

Hero Xpulse is a very potent motorcycle that does what it says, off-roading, and is pretty good at it. Hero has managed to bring out a pocket-friendly offering which is going to be a learner motorbike for many aspirants who don’t mind getting dirt on them.

Until the Xpulse 200 came out, it was the Himalayan which many looked up to. But then again, it is a pricey affair. So, the Xpulse 200 would cater perfectly to the beginners who want to have fun without burning a hole through their pockets.