Hero XPulse 200 4V: pros and cons

Hero Motorcorp entered the Philippines with a total of three models. One of the aforementioned is the XPulse 200 4V, which is looking to make a splash in the adventure bike segment. 

Being a new face in the market, it contends with veteran nameplates such as the Honda CB150X and Suzuki V-Strom 250SX. It is, however, priced relatively low at P140,000, so it has a huge chance to catch the attention of prospective buyers.

The question now is, what are the strengths of the all-new Hero XPulse 200 4V? Does it have any weaknesses as well? Let’s find out. 

Hero XPulse 200 4V: Pros

Slick design

Appearance-wise, the XPulse 200 4V is a certified head-turner. 

As expected from an adventure segment model, the said motorcycle gets a chunky side profile thanks to its bulky-looking fuel tank. It gets little in the way of fairings, but that’s to be expected from an adventure motor made to look like a dual-sport model. 

Likewise interesting are the shiny metallic bits on the motorcycle. Hero didn’t have to make the said parts look pretty, but the shiny grey finish on its fork, motorcycle pipe guard, and rear section looks pleasing to the eye. 

Also adding to the appeal of the model is its highly proportional body. The aforementioned was achieved thanks to its appropriately sized 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and its diamond-type frame. 

For perspective, the XPulse has a length of 2,222-millimeters (mm), a width of 862-mm, a height of 1,320-mm, a wheelbase length of 1,410-mm, and a ground clearance of 220-mm. 

Mind you, the Hero-branded motorcycle only gets three color options - Matte Nexus Blue, Black Sports Red, and Techno Blue. For most, the said selection feels limited, but all are well-suited to the shape of the ride. 

An ample amount of features

For a motorcycle priced at just P140,000, the XPulse provides plenty of features. 

Situated in the center of its handlebars, for instance, is a fully digital instrument cluster. The said display comes with Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a “Turn-by-turn” navigation system. 

Sure, smartphones nowadays have become the usual replacement for onboard navigation systems, but the one on the XPulse is touted to be accurate. As such, it can be used as an alternative when one doesn’t have access to a network signal or if one has run out of data. 

Buyers of the Hero adventure bike will also have nothing to complain about its lights. Both its headlamp and taillight are LEDs, after all. Plus, the said headlamp comes with an integrated daytime running lamp for even more safety on the road. 

Decent performance

The XPulse’s 200-cc single-cylinder engine provides decent levels of performance. For reference, it can generate up to 18.9 horsepower and 17.3 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

It isn’t the most powerful in its segment, considering some of its competitors are propelled by larger 250-cc mills. But the said bike has enough grunt for highway runs and off-road journeys. 

It also has mechanical bits comparable to those of its biggest rivals. Specifically, it is equipped with a wet-type multi-plate clutch, a five-speed gearbox, and a 13-liter fuel tank. It also has disc brakes, a preload-adjustable monoshock rear suspension system, and a telescopic front fork.  

In addition, the XPulse’s engine is oil-cooled, which comes with several advantages. One thing is that it makes the motor less prone to heat-related wear. It is also known to be good at keeping the engine at a constant temperature as well. 

Hero XPulse 200 4V: Cons

Simple rear swingarm

While it gets the advantages of a monoshock rear suspension, the XPulse uses a bulky rectangular swingarm. The said type of swingarm is known to be durable, but riders may find it heavy enough to negatively impact the motorcycle’s overall stability. 

It doesn’t really take away much from the XPulse, however, since having robust parts is a must for an off-road capable bike. In addition, more complex swingarm types are harder to repair and much costlier to replace. 

Final thoughts

All-in-all, the Hero XPulse 200 4V promises good value for money. It features an eye-catching look, decent performance, and an ample amount of features. It may not be the most powerful or the most well-equipped bike in the segment, but it can do well as a daily motorcycle or a suitable steed to tackle the boonies. 

For folks serious about getting a 200-cc adventure bike, though, do take the chance to give the XPulse a thorough test ride. Looking at article guides like this can be useful for research, but getting some real-life seat time on a bike will make for a better buyer experience in the end. 

Also read: 

Hero XPulse 200 4V vs. the competition

Hero Hunk 160R V4 vs. the competition

Here is Hero Motorcorp’s initial lineup for PH