Hero MotoCorp was one of the frontrunner in India that explored the adventure biking segment with the launch of the Impulse early this decade. The Hero Impulse was too early for the market and eventually got discontinued. However, with a growing interest in the adventure bikes, Hero has now decided to get back to the segment with a concept christened XPulse.
The launch of Hero XPulse has now made rounds during the festive season while emerging reports indicated an India launch by December 2018. Hero MotoCorp is currently focused on the launch of the Xtreme 200R, Duet 125 and Maestro Edge 125 and hence, delay in launch of the XPulse is expected.
"We're focusing on the Xtreme 200R, Duet 125 and Maestro Edge 125 launches. Once we are through this, our focus will shift towards the XPulse launch which we are really excited about," a Hero MotoCorp official was quoted as saying by Bikewale.
Both Xtreme 200R and the XPulse will share the new 200cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine of Hero MotoCorp. The mill in the Xtreme 200R will develop 18.2bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 17.2Nm at 6,000rpm mated to a five-speed gearbox. The same engine on the XPulse will come with a different state of tune to match its off-roading capabilities.
Hero MotoCorp claims that the XPulse is a dual-purpose and technologically advanced bike targeted at adventure biking enthusiasts. The motorcycle will boast off first-in-the-segment 'Turn-by-Turn' navigation which is spot on for off-roading and cross country rides.
In addition, the XPulse will have full-led headlamps, protective windshields, luggage rack and knuckle guards. On the safety front, the bike will be equipped with ABS and disc brakes on both ends.
The XPulse will be based on the high-tensile steel diamond frame. Features like aluminium skid plate, 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel with dual-purpose tires, 220mm ground clearance and mono shock at rear with 170mm travel will enhance the off-roading credentials of the XPulse.
