The ADV motorcycle segment in India has seen explosive growth, expanding eightfold over the last five years. However, it wasn’t as popular when Hero MotoCorp entered the dual-sport category with the Impulse back in 2014. Now that the segment is evolving, the bikemaker has been competing in it with the Xpulse brand. The nameplate has already crossed the 3 lakh unit sales mark and is currently sold in over 30 countries. And what we are discussing today is the latest addition to this lineup, the XPulse 210.
We recently had the opportunity to ride it in Udaipur, where we did a route that was mostly smooth tarmac with a few rugged off-road stretches. Well, I should point it out – a fairly enjoyable off-road trail towards the end of the route. So without further ado, here are our first ride impressions on the new Xpulse 210.
Hero Xpulse 210: Design
Design-wise, the Xpulse 210 sports a more aggressive and purposeful look as compared to its 200 4V sibling. It gets a revamped front fascia, featuring a round LED headlamp cluster with H-shaped LED DRLs. It clearly gives the motorcycle a modern, edgy appeal. Besides that, it now dons refined graphics and the fuel tank is sleeker, sculpted and looks more purposeful than before. It also gets a tail rack and a a grab bar under the headlamp to pull the bike out of tricky situations if it gets stuck. A very thoughtful addition. Kudos to the Hero design team as they have added much more to the bike’s character without straying too far from the Xpulse DNA.
From the side, the bike looks sharper and more aggressive than before. It now sports a sleeker tail section with a redesigned LED tail lamp, a long single-piece seat, and an extended rear fender for a fresh look. The compact, upswept muffler means that it will have better water ingress protection. Another update that we liked is the brass-coloured engine casing. Overall, it’s a stylish yet purposeful motorcycle that grabs attention.
Hero Xpulse 210: Ergonomics and comfort
The moment I took my position on the bike, it just gives you an idea of how comfortable it is. The bike retains its tall, upright riding posture. The seating position is comfortable, and the bike’s geometry allows for a good grip, with the design making it easier to tuck in your knees while standing on off-road trails.
The footpegs are well-placed for both seated comfort and confident standing during off-road rides. Besides that, the riding position is very commanding and you get a clear view of the road ahead, despite the windscreen, which by the way, has also been revamped and looks more sophisticated. It also blocks the wind blast quite efficiently.
The suspension setup has seen notable improvements too. The front telescopic forks and the rear monoshock deliver extra travel (210mm and 205mm), which significantly improves the ride quality on rough surfaces. The suspension does absorb the undulations and doesn’t break a sweat, for even a moment, while going off the tarmac. It makes you feel like it has been sourced from a higher-capacity motorcycle and pinned to this one.
Braking setup comprises a 276 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, equipped with dual-channel ABS. The brakes inspire confidence and will take a little getting used to as they are not as progressive. Nothing to break the deal, though!
Hero Xpulse 210: Engine and performance
Now, speaking of the engine, a 210cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit sourced from the Karizma XMR, offers 24.6 hp and 20.7 Nm. This is a clear 30% increase in power compared to the Xpulse 200 and it is clearly felt while riding on highways.
The motor delivers strong low-end torque. Besides that, the acceleration is linear, and the bike responds predictably in different conditions. I also liked the engine’s tractability, which allowed it to pull cleanly at speeds as low as 18 kmph in fourth and fifth gear.
While riding, I noticed a slight vibration on the footpegs and handlebar between 7,000 and 7,500 rpm, but it was not intrusive enough to spoil the overall fun. That said, the motorcycle is most enjoyable between 70-80 kmph, with that aurally-soothing grunt of the exhaust. That said, the experience was largely positive. On the road, the bike can comfortably cruise at speeds up to 90-95 kmph, and thanks to its sixth gear, it even pushed past 100 kmph with ease. However, it isn’t as refined beyond 105 kmph.
Hero Xpulse 210: Features
Another upgrade that stands out is the inclusion of a fully digital TFT instrument cluster on the top-spec Xpulse 210 Pro variant. The display is crisp and easy to read, featuring Bluetooth connectivity for call and text alerts as well as turn-by-turn navigation. You also get hazard lamps.
Hero Xpulse 210: Should you buy it?
Of course! This bike is a clear upgrade from the XPulse 200 4V, outperforming it in all areas. It does everything better. Starting from Rs 1.76 lakh (up to Rs 1.86 lakh for the top-spec variant, ex-showroom), it’s available in two variants. It’s a good choice for both new and experienced off-road riders. The engine is smooth, it’s a good value package, the design is fresh and appealing, and it’s definitely worth looking at.