Honda has introduced the CB200X, which aims to eat into the market share of the Hero Xpulse 200. So, let's look at the new CB200X and see how it fares against its main rival on paper.
Hero introduced the Hero Xpulse 200 in 2019. Despite being an off-road biased adventure motorcycle, the Xpulse 200 successfully captured a fair share of the affordable commuter market. And even though the Xpulse 200 was updated to meet the stringent BS6 emission norms, the motorcycle only saw a nominal price hike – it currently retails at Rs 1.21 lakh (ex-showroom).
Recently, Honda two-wheelers India introduced its contender, the Honda CB200X, in the affordable adventure motorcycle space. In terms of performance figures and cubic capacity, both the Honda CB200X and the Hero Xpusle 200 are closely matched. However, in terms of pricing, the Xpulse 200 seems to have an edge. But is it really so? Let's find out.
Engine
The Xpulse 200 is powered by a 200cc motor, which uses an oil cooler for improved heat management. The Honda CB200X gets a slightly smaller capacity engine, which displaces 184.4cc. Also, the CB200X misses out on an oil cooling mechanism; instead, it uses air cooling for heat dissipation.
| Honda CB200X | Hero Xpulse 200 | |
| Engine | 184.4cc air-cooled single-cylinder | 199cc oil-cooled single cylinder |
| Power | 16.3bhp at 8,500rpm | 17.8 bhp at 8,500rpm |
| Torque | 15.5Nm 6,000rpm | 16.45Nm at 6,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Weight | 147kgs | 157kgs |
The Hero Xpulse 200 has the upper hand in terms of power and torque figures. Not only is the Honda CB200X less powerful than the Xpulse 200 but also the Honda Hornet 2.0, which uses the same engine as the Honda CB200X.
Cycle parts
The Hero Xpulse shines in this department, with spoke-wire wheels and long-travel suspensions. There is a ‘Rally Kit’ that Hero provides for its customers at an added cost, which enhances the off-road capabilities of the Xpulse 200.
The Honda CB200X, on the other hand, shares its suspension components with the Honda Hornet 2.0 – they even have the same suspension travel and braking setup.
| Honda CB200X | Hero Xpulse 200 | |
| Suspension - Front | Upside-Down Forks | Telescopic Forks, 190mm travel |
| Suspension - Rear | Mono-shock, Pre-load Adjust | Mono-shock, Pre-load Adjust |
| Brake - Front | 276mm disc, Single-channel ABS | 276mm disc, Single-channel ABS |
| Brake - Rear | 220mm disc | 220mm disc |
| Ground Clearance | 167mm | 220mm |
| Seat height | 810mm | 823mm |
The Honda CB200X is lighter than the Hero Xpulse 200 by 10kgs and has a more accessible seat height, which gives it an edge over its competitor in terms of manoeuvrability, at least on paper.
Features
The Hero Xpulse 200 gets features such as a USB charging dock, which is located under the seat, and smartphone pairing for turn-by-turn navigation. The Honda CB200X misses out on the navigation feature, but the rest of its features are on a par with that of the Hero Xpulse 200.
Pricing
In the recent past, the prices of most Honda motorcycles launched in India have been raising eyebrows, and the CB200X is no exception, for it has been priced at Rs 1.44 lakh (ex-showroom). The new ADV is Rs 14,000 dearer than the Honda Hornet 2.0, on which it is based. For an added cost, the CB200X gets ADV-like styling, added weight (5kgs), and lower power output. It seems, then, that the Hero Xpulse 200 makes a stronger case, as it offers more off-road biased equipment at a substantially lower price.
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