Hero MotoCorp debuted its 200cc platform, which included the XPulse 200 off-roader, XPulse 200T tourer, and a fully-faired sporty Xtreme 200S. Hero promised the launch of its 300cc platform a few years ago, but it has yet to happen.
Gowtham Naidu spotted two new motorcycles being tested in the Leh Ladakh region. The first is an adventure motorcycle, while the second is a fully faired motorcycle. Hero debuted a 300cc engine mated to a trellis frame in 2020. Hero currently does not have any trellis-frame products, with the exception of the Hero 450RR Dakar Rally motorcycle (which is not road-legal). The highlighted frame, like the race-only 450RR, had a red finish on its frame.
Gowtham Naidu mentions in the video that it is a Himalayan 450 test mule. However, upon closer inspection, we noticed the same clutch cover, red trellis frame, front spoked wheels with petal disc, same swingarm, and chrome finished side stand as seen in the February 2020 concept. The test mule also has the RJ 14 registration plate, which represents Jaipur, the location of Hero R&D.
When it comes to Hero’s fully-faired 300cc test mule, it appears to be a substantial product rather than the lean and sharp KTM RC 390. Going by previous fully-faired Hero bikes like the Karizma ZMR, we can expect the Xtreme 300S to be a sizable product. The Xtreme 300S comes with a well-designed fairing, alloy wheels, sporty clip-on handlebars, and much more.
If everything goes according to plan, the XPulse 300 and Xtreme 300S will be available in early 2023. The upcoming Hero MotoCorp XPulse 300 and Xtreme 300S will be extremely affordable, in typical Hero MotoCorp fashion. They will also significantly undercut the competition.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure, Yezdi Adventure, and BMW G 310 GS will be competitors for the upcoming off-roader. The 300S would be a suitable replacement for current faired machines such as the RC 390, BMW G 310 RR, and Apache RR 310.
