Hero MotoCorp’s motorcycle lineup is impressively diverse, featuring everything from naked bikes and sporty faired models to reliable commuters and rugged off-road machines. Among these, the Hero Xpulse 200 4V stands out as a favorite for beginners looking to delve into off-roading. To enhance its appeal, Hero also offers a Pro variant of the Xpulse 200 4V, equipped with upgraded hardware. We spent some time with this bike to explore what distinguishes the Pro trim and how it enhances the overall experience.
Styling and Build Quality
In terms of design, the standard Xpulse 200 4V and the Pro variant share a similar aesthetic, featuring a round LED headlight, clear visor, upswept exhaust, compact tail rack, and a slim, single-piece seat. However, the Pro model sets itself apart with its notably taller stance, thanks to its extended suspension travel. Additionally, it sports a striking white, red, and black color scheme, with a red engine head casing that adds a stylish contrast to the predominantly black setup.
When it comes to build quality, the Hero Xpulse 200 4V holds its own reasonably well. The bike features extensive use of plastic, which makes sense for an off-road motorcycle where the chances of drops and tumbles are higher. The plastic panels are flexible enough to endure minor impacts and are relatively inexpensive to replace if necessary. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly with the switch-cube quality. During our test ride in the rain, we noticed that the engine kill switch and headlight switch were prone to malfunction, often requiring multiple presses to respond correctly. While the instrument console didn’t show significant moisture buildup, the screen did fog up occasionally, making it difficult to read the display.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Xpulse’s ergonomics are designed with off-roading in mind. The seat is narrow, allowing riders to easily plant their feet on the ground, but this comes at the cost of comfort. For short commutes of around 25-30km, the slimness of the seat isn’t a major issue. However, during longer rides, the lack of padding becomes noticeable. That said, the bike’s standing ergonomics are well-suited for off-road riding, allowing riders to stand on the pegs, catch a breath, and return to the seat with ease.
Performance and Handling
The Xpulse 200 4V Pro is powered by the same 199cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine as the standard model, delivering 18.9bhp and 17.35Nm of torque. This engine is well-suited for city commuting, offering a strong low-end punch and smooth acceleration without being overwhelming. The bike handles city traffic well, maintaining a responsive feel in the mid-range without straining the engine. However, the Pro variant lacks top-end performance, feeling less comfortable at higher revs. While the engine can reach speeds above 100kmph, it doesn’t feel natural or ideal for sustained high-speed touring. Therefore, if you’re considering the Xpulse 200 4V Pro as an all-purpose, go-anywhere motorcycle, its touring capabilities may not fully meet your expectations.