Hero MotoCorp has delayed the launch of its most-awaited adventure motorcycle once again. The XPulse launch has now been pushed further to December 2018. It has been almost one year since the bike was first unveiled to the world at the 2017 EICMA. However, the focus of the company has shifted to the Xtreme 200R across the country before bringing in yet another product. The launch of the Xtreme 200R will be followed by that of the Duet 125 and the Maestro Edge 125 scooters. These three launches are at the forefront of the company’s schedule; the only one suffering is the XPulse.
A source from the company said, “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.”
The XPulse draws its power from the same 200cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine as the Xtreme 200R. However, there is a slight difference; the gearing has been revised on the XPulse. The engine produces a maximum power of 18.4 hp and a peak torque of 17.1 Nm. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox, that pushes out a mileage of around 32 kmpl. The fuel tank has a good capacity of 14 litres, allowing the bike to run for around 450 kilometres on a single full tank.
When we look at the XPulse, we see an off-road style front mudguard, visor, hand guards, and engine sump guard. To provide the bike with a great agility, the suspension duties are handled by forks with 190mm of travel at the front and a 10-step adjustable monoshock at the rear with 170mm of travel. The ground clearance of the bike is a healthy 200mm, allowing the bike to handle the rough terrains.
The bike is expected to be launched in India at a price of under INR 1 lakh. Currently, there are no rivals to the bike and it will dominate its segment for the years to come.
