The bikes appear to be in final phases of testing, launch likely in March 2019.
Indian bikers had previously been dejected that the XPulse 200 wouldn’t be launched until March 2019. But recent spyshots show the Hero XPulse 200 and its sibling the XPulse 200T were spotted testing in India for the first time. Clearly in an almost production-ready form, the photos confirm a lot about what we can expect. There are two XPulse 200Ts and one XPulse 200 in the spyshots.
At EICMA 2018 held this November, Hero unveiled two variants of the XPulse 200 in India. The XPulse 200 is the standard, adventure-focused model and the XPulse 200T is the sibling designed in the touring capacity. The XPulse 200 was also showcased at the Auto Expo 2018.
The XPulse 200 has similar looks to the bike showcased at Auto Expo 2018. It features the upright, tall stance and one-piece seat extending to the fuel tank which is a fundamental element of an adventure motorcycle. The XPulse was seen using Ceat Gripp tyres, instead of the the premium Metzeler tyres, which is different from the model revealed.
However, this could be down to the fact that the model captured in the spyshots is carburetted and not the fuel-injected model. Hero had mentioned during the Auto Expo unveiling that the fuel-injected variant will be equipped with Metzelers.
Both XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T are powered by the same 199.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which is taken from the Xtreme 200R. It can generate a maximum power of 18.4 HP and 17.1 Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Hero will most likely tune the engine differently for the XPulse variants.
The 200T also features a smoked windscreen and the same handlebar which is placed lower and is flatter than that of the XPulse 200.
The 200Ts were spotted in two colours – wine red and matte black. At the unveiling, Hero revealed that the XPulse 200T will have a lower ground clearance than the XPulse 200 by 30 mm. We can expect the seat height to be lower as well.
Hero claims that the XPulse 200T’s focus on ergonomics will provide the rider with an easy and comfortable riding position and loading capability with its large luggage plate.
While the launch date is tentatively around March 2019, it is expected that the XPulse 200 will be more expensive than the touring-oriented XPulse 200T. Prices are expected to start around Rs. 1 lakh mark, with the fuel-injected variant coming in at a higher price.
Hero XPulse 200T Spotted
– Both bikes spotted during testing in India
– Both bikes have features similar to the model revealed at EICMA 2018
– XPulse 200 expected to be more expensive than XPulse 200T
Source – AutocarIndia.com