Hero Xpulse 210 first ride review — Good things come in tall packages

The new Hero Xpulse 210 is a hot topic — it gets a bigger heart. The Xpulse platform has been a great beginner’s motorcycle but for the experienced, the motorcycle lacked grunt, especially out on open highways. Now, with a bigger, more powerful engine, has Hero nailed the mantra for a light adventure motorcycle? Let’s find out in our Hero Xpulse 210 first ride review.

Hero Xpulse 210 first ride review — What’s changed?

Hero has based the new Xpulse 210 on a new platform — a twin cradle frame that holds the new engine. The wheelbase is longer – nearing the 450cc competition bikes – and the ergonomics have been made better — much better. The tank is smaller and the pegs, handlebar, and seat have been redesigned, giving the rider a better posture on or off the road.

The motorcycle gets a better headlight, a new TFT instrument console with phone connectivity, and the design is also updated with new shrouds around the tank that cover the radiator. Hero has finetuned the pillion comfort and the handlebar can be tweaked a few mills and for those wanting more height, Hero offers raisers as well.

Hero Xpulse 210 first ride review — The ride

Although a tall motorcycle, the narrow profile takes away the saddle height factor. The engine purrs into life with a throaty note that sounds similar to a dirtbike and the ergonomics are upright and comfortable. The pegs are right below the hips and the arms have enough bend in them when reaching out to the bars.

On the go, the initial power delivery is good and strong, but it tapers out soon owing to the larger rear sprocket. The clutch action is so effortless that it took me just one finger to operate — on and off-road. The engine is tractable and the Xpulse 210 happily sits between 45–50 kmph in sixth gear. There are vibes at higher revs, however, the ribber pegs dampen down most of them.

Around twisty roads, the Xpulse feels at home and despite the tall suspension setup, the motorcycle flicks into corners easily. Off-road, the Xpulse 210 is in a league of its own. This is where a lot of the changes in ergonomics are visible. Transitioning from sitting to a standing position is effortless and one need not tug on the bar at all.

Once standing, the Xpulse transforms itself into a dirtbike. When up on the pegs, you are over the handlebar and this posture, along with the Xpulse’s leggy nature just takes on any terrain you throw at it, and the thicker front suspension and the link-type rear monoshock do a good job. Trust the front and all you need to do is go braap! The Xpulse is so predictable and has enough grunt to take on some gnarly stuff. The brakes have good bite and the trail mode (ABS) keeps the front ABS on while turning off the rear completely, allowing all the slides one wants off-road.

Hero Xpulse 210 first ride review — A few letdowns

While the new Xpulse is extremely fun off-road, the biggest letdown is its highway capabilities. 100kmph is fine and anything beyond that, the motorcycle is under stress. Any changes to the sprocketing will hamper its off-road capabilities. One may ask why not the 250 engine from the Xtreme? The answer as of now is not yet. The second issue to address is heat dissipation — Hero has paid attention to this but just a few minutes on the new Xpulse 210, and the engine heat is directed towards the rider’s left thigh.

Hero Xpulse 210 first ride review — Should you buy one?

I would. The highway manners are something I will learn to live with. The Xpulse 210 will not be my first motorcycle for sure, however, it will be a great addition to my garage alongside my Kawasaki and the Enfield. I would wait for the official accessories kit and opt for the rally suspension and the flatter seat — this will increase the saddle height considerably but will be well worth it as a weekend ride and to sharpen my off-road skills.