Budget off-roader face-off: Hero XPulse 200 4V vs. Suzuki VStrom 250 SX

Hero Motocorp has introduced the XPulse 200 4V not too long ago, expanding the options for Filipino motorcycle buyers who want to ride home a budget two-wheeler that can go beyond paved thoroughfares.

Its arrival was met with a warm welcome from staples in the middleweight segment, specifically the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX — a motorcycle that comes from a lineage of off-roaders that have a strong following from enthusiasts, here and abroad.

Wondering how the Indian-made motorcycle stacks up against its Japanese competitor? Join us as we pit them against each other in this budget off-roader rough-up to see which nameplate best suits your needs.

Body

The Hero XPulse 200 4V was made to look the part of an adventure-ready motorcycle, providing Filipino motorcycle buyers with an appealing ride that won’t break the bank.

At the fore, it wears a circular LED headlamp, complemented by turn signals that protrude on each of its sides. Above it is a rally-style windshield that helps protect riders from the elements, bugs, as well as debris that could hit them while sitting atop the Hero XPulse 200 4V’s saddle.

And while we’re on the topic of rider protection, Hero Motocorp’s rough and rugged motorcycle is equipped with new closed-loop knuckle guards that can help keep one’s hands safe whether it’s squeezing into tight spots or encountering an untoward incident when exploring uneven terrains.

Its mid-section boasts a semi-bare engine that gets a durable-looking cover to protect its underside. A decent amount of fairings and claddings house the fuel tank as well as the electrical and other mechanical components of the Hero XPulse 200 4V.

Here, one can also find a high-mounted exhaust system, metal foot pegs, and a sleek-looking seat.

The rear end of the Hero XPulse 200 4V is adorned by a solid-looking grab bar, an angular taillamp, two turn signals, and a fender — with a reflective piece — that also serves as the plate holder for the motorcycle.

Not to be outdone, the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX draws from its strong off-roading pedigree to provide motorcycle buyers with a two-wheeler that will look at home on both open roads and city streets.

At the front, the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX gets a duck bill-styled fairing — a trait it shares with its bigger brothers, the VStrom 800 DE and VStrom 1050 DE.

Here, one can also find an angular LED headlamp, two turn signals, and a decent-sized windshield. Like the newcomer, it also gets knuckle guards on the handlebar.

The side profile of the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX looks more sculpted that its competitor, to the point that its tapered fairings look like they have been aerodynamically designed in a wind tunnel.

An engine guard can be found on its lower torso sitting close to its metal foot pegs. The exhaust system is positioned close to the wheels, while a two-part saddle (one for the rider and one for the pillion) make the middleweight motorcycle a flexible option.

Its hind side gets a rigid grab bar (which looks like it can accommodate an aftermarket utility box), a taillamp, two signal lights, and a fender that will also hold the motorcycle’s number plate.

Overall, the Hero XPulse 200 4V and the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX are new and neck in this round as both motorcycles offer their would-be owners a handful of adventure-ready appointments.

That said, we call this round a tie.

Chassis, suspension

The Hero XPulse 200 4V is built on a diamond-type frame that is made with a telescopic front fork with a friction brush. Here, a 21-inch wheel is installed wrapped in a 90/90-sized tire.

Its rear is equipped with a rectangular swing arm with a 10-step preload adjustable monoshock that houses an 18-inch wheel with a 120/80 series tire.

On the other hand, the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX comes with a chassis with an oil-damped, telescopic front fork with a coil spring. Fitted here is a smaller wheel (19 inches) shod in a chunky 100/90-sized tire.

At the back, the motorcycle uses a swing arm-type suspension — also oil-damped and with a coil spring. Here, one can find a 17-inch wheel with a fat 140/70 series tire.

While the wheel and tire size of both motorcycles are not exactly the same, they seem to balance out their differences. As mentioned above, the Hero XPulse 200 4V gets larger wheels but skinnier tires. Meanwhile, the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX packs smaller wheels with beefier tires.

On that note, we call this round a tie.

Power, performance

The Hero XPulse 200 4V is fitted with a 199.6 cubic centimeter (cc), oil-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve engine mated to a five-speed constant mesh transmission. It makes 18.9 horsepower with 17.35 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

Stopping power comes from a pair of petal-style disc brakes front and back.

As for the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX, it is endowed with a formidable 249 cc, oil-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve engine paired with a six-speed constant mesh transmission system.

On paper, the abovementioned setup dishes out some 26.1 horses with 22.2 Nm of pulling power.

Handling deceleration and halts are disc brakes on both ends, equipped with anti-lock braking technology.

With a more powerful engine, this round goes to the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX.

Pricing

Hero XPulse 200 4V: P140,000
Suzuki VStrom 250 SX: P229,000

Price-wise, the clear winner is the Hero XPulse 200 4V. The Suzuki VStrom 250 SX costs almost twice.

Verdict

Since the fight between the two middleweight off-roaders appear to be closely contested, we call this bout a draw.

Choosing between the Hero XPulse 200 4V and the Suzuki VStrom 250 SX will boil down to personal preference. On one hand, you have a budget-friendly motorcycle that offers decent features. On the other, you have a more powerful machine with a rich history but will set you back a little more.

Also read:

Middleweight motorcycle melee: Hero Hunk 160R 4V vs. Honda CB150X

Here is Hero Motorcorp’s initial lineup for PH

Here are the PH-market Hero XPulse 200 4V's 3 available colors