Hero Xpulse 421 To Rival Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 And KTM Adventure 390: Patent Images Surface
Hero MotoCorp, which is the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India, has been eyeing taking on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 adventure motorcycle. For this, recently at the EICMA Show, it released a few design sketches of the XPulse 421. Now, it has been reported that the company has filed the patent for this adventure motorcycle. It is believed that the company is planning to launch the new Hero XPulse 421 in India by mid-2025.
Hero XPulse 421: Patent Filed
From the recently leaked patent image of the Hero XPulse 421, it can be noted that the company is very serious and wants to dominate the 450cc adventure motorcycle market. This bike boasts an aggressive adventure motorcycle styling, which includes a tall windscreen, single-piece LED headlight, sharp fuel tank extensions, and a beefy fuel tank.
It also gets a sump guard, adventure-ready rear parcel rack, handguards, and an upswept exhaust. The Hero XPulse 421 will also come with a single-piece seat, bold side body panels, and LED taillights in the rear. Overall, it will look very muscular and premium.
Features and Technology
In terms of features and technology, the Hero XPulse 421 will come equipped with full LED lighting, a TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and smartphone integration.
Other features of this bike will include ride-by-wire, multiple riding modes, traction control, and dual-channel ABS with rear deactivation for off-roading. Additionally, it will also come with a 15-litre fuel tank.
Hero XPulse 421: Mechanical Specifications
As for the mechanical side of things, the Hero XPulse 421 will come with upside-down forks at the front, which will be finished in gold to add a premium touch. Rear suspension duties will be handled by a linked monoshock suspension.
This upcoming adventure motorcycle will ride on 21-inch spoked front wheels and 18-inch rear spoked wheels. As for the brakes, both ends will get disc brakes coupled with switchable dual-channel ABS.
Coming to the main highlight of the Hero XPulse 421, this motorcycle will draw its power from the newly developed 421cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It will be able to produce a maximum power of 40-45 bhp, and torque will be around 40-45 Nm. As for the transmission, it will come equipped with a 6-speed gearbox.
Pricing and Rivals
Hero MotoCorp could launch the new XPulse 421 with a starting price of Rs 2.4 lakh. If the company does manage to launch this bike at this price, it could undercut the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 by Rs 40,000, which is its direct rival. Additionally, it will also be seen as a much more affordable alternative to the KTM 390 Adventure, which is priced at Rs 3.39 lakh. Hero is also planning to launch this motorcycle in international markets as well.
Hero MotoCorp Launched the XPulse 210
Recently, Hero MotoCorp has also launched the new XPulse 210 in India. This new affordable adventure motorcycle comes powered by a new and more powerful 210cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It is the same motor that powers the Karizma XMR.
This motor makes 24.1 bhp and 20.7 Nm of torque, which is more than the 18.9 bhp and 17.3 Nm of torque of the XPulse 200 4V. It also comes with new suspension that offers 210mm travel at the front, and at the rear, it offers 205mm. The XPulse 200 offered a 190mm front and 170mm rear suspension travel.