Hero XPulse 210 First Ride Review

If the Maruti 800 was the car that put Indians on the road, the Impulse was the motorcycle that inspired them to get off it. The concept was clear from the beginning – build an affordable, dual-purpose motorcycle to take riders to unexplored trails on Sunday and then take them back to office on Monday.

However, something was missing. The Impulse had the grunt for what it was built to do, but it lacked the zest for anything more. You could take it to trails close-by because it worked well within the confines of the city but not so much for going beyond them. While it kept up with the times, rival motorcycles in the same price bracket outpaced it in terms of features and refinement.

Now, Hero MotoCorp seems to have had enough. They’ve built a motorcycle that aims to leave no stone unturned. But does it really?

Does it Look the Same?

Well, not to me. Sure, the Xpulse 210 retains the familiar silhouette of the Xpulse 200, but it now has a more compact and rugged aesthetic. The shorter fuel tank and stubbier rear end give it a more dual-sport-like appearance than before. Up front, the circular class-D LED headlamp retains a sense of familiarity, while the wide tank shrouds add to its ADV-like stance. One small but impactful change is a new kickstand design. It is thicker, more robust, has a larger base that doesn’t sink into the ground as easily, and a slight angle, which makes it easier to operate with off-road boots.

In terms of features, the Xpulse 210 leaves little room for complaint. Feature highlights include a new TFT display with mobile connectivity and three ABS modes – Road, Trail, and Off-road. Notably, the bike’s base variant features the same digital LCD display as the Karizma XMR. If I were to nitpick, I would say that the colour TFT can be difficult to read under direct sunlight, especially through a tinted visor. Also, I would have loved to see metal reinforcement on the hand guards for added strength.

What About Ergonomics?

Hero has tweaked the motorcycle to improve its on-road comfort. The wide, low-set handlebar falls naturally to hand when seated, while the 830mm seat height is manageable even for shorter riders, thanks to the bike’s lightweight construction and short, slim fuel tank design. That said, the standing ergonomics could be a bit better – the stock handlebar height feels a bit low when standing. Fortunately, Hero offers handlebar risers as an accessory. The footpegs also feel slightly undersized for off-road stability, especially when wearing proper off-road boots. Also, the lack of tank grip pads becomes conspicuously noticeable during aggressive trail riding. The standout aspect is the bike’s on-road comfort, thanks to the rider’s triangle, which makes long stints in the saddle relaxed and comfortable.

Performance & Handling

The 210cc liquid-cooled engine, borrowed from the Karizma, has been optimised for low- and mid-end power delivery. The final drive ratio has also changed, thanks to a larger rear sprocket (46 teeth compared to 42 teeth in the Karizma). The linear and responsive delivery makes the bike equally adept at handling highway stretches and city commutes. Moreover, the updated engine feels usable and tractable across all kinds of terrains. In terms of off-road riding, it’s significantly better at handling fast-paced trails than the Xpulse 200.

Another standout improvement lies in the on-road dynamics. The Xpulse 210 offers better torsional rigidity and weight distribution, while the longer wheelbase (1,446mm) enhances its straight-line stability. Yet, true to its ADV DNA, the Xpulse 210 feels at home off-road. The suspension setup – 41mm telescopic forks with 210mm travel and an adjustable monoshock with progressive linkage at the rear – has 205mm of wheel travel and absorbs bumps a lot better.

Verdict

The Hero Xpulse 210 marks a significant leap forward from its predecessor. It gets updated styling, modern features, and noticeably improved engine performance and handling dynamics. At its price, it offers incredible value as an all-rounder ADV motorcycle. For riders seeking a dual-sport bike under ₹2 lakh, which can handle city commutes during weekdays and challenging trails/long highways on weekends, the Xpulse 210 stands out as a compelling option.

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The Xpulse 210 has a familiar silhouette but a more compact and rugged aesthetic