Hero MotoCorp appears to be working on a new adventure motorcycle under 200cc, and it has been spotted on test runs for the very first time. Could this be the long-awaited successor to the Hero Impulse, a bike that exited the market over a decade ago? Judging by the latest spy shots shared by Rushlane, it certainly seems possible.
Launched back in 2008, the Impulse was a niche offering that arrived before its time, leading Hero to discontinue it by 2014. However, with adventure motorcycles now gaining popularity in India, the country’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer seems ready to re-enter the segment.
Source : Internet
The recently surfaced spy images suggest that the upcoming ADV will feature a smaller engine than the 210cc liquid-cooled motor currently seen on the XPulse 210. Despite being heavily camouflaged and with the engine casing concealed, it appears to house a simpler, air-cooled engine setup.
Interestingly, this new engine seems more compact compared to the XPulse 200 4V’s 199.6cc oil-cooled unit, which produces 18.9 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 17.35 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Based on Hero’s current lineup, this new powertrain could be the 163.2cc 4-valve engine that delivers 16.6 bhp and 14.6 Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox.
Design-wise, the new ADV borrows several styling cues from the XPulse 200 4V, including a raised front fender and conventional front forks with rubber gaiters. The bike is also expected to carry forward the same wheel sizes as the XPulse 200, featuring a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear setup. Notable differences include the use of standard round disc brakes instead of the premium petal-type discs.
Feature-wise, the upcoming XPulse 160 is likely to offer modern essentials such as all-LED lighting, a fully digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging port, and ABS. With this promising package, Hero MotoCorp could soon have a strong player in the affordable adventure motorcycle space, delivering a balance of capability, features, and value.
