Upcoming Hero Xpulse 160 Spotted

A new test mule of a small-capacity ADV was recently spotted being tested in real world conditions. It looks like the XPulse 200 4V, bears a few signs that indicate that it is powered by a smaller engine. Based on that, we reckon that Hero is working on a new entry-level XPulse, likely to be XPulse 160. 

The test mule spotted here shows its being powered by an air-cooled engine. The radiator shrouds are also similar to the 163 cc engine on the Xtreme 160R 4V and this mill produces 16.66 bhp and 14.6 Nm on the naked sport bike. Will Hero retain the same or tune it for a better low-end performance remains to be seen. Unlike the XPulse 200 4V which equips petalled disc brakes, the test mule spotted here uses smaller circular disc brakes. 

While the tall ADV design and sculpted fuel tank looks the same as the XPulse 200 4V, the knuckle guard covers look less premium. Lastly, the absence of a tall windshield further reasserts a fact that the bike is not being designed for touring purposes. Beyond that, the bike seems to ride on the same 21-/18-inch wheels found on the XPulse 200 4V. 

Will Hero expand the XPulse portfolio to include a new 160 cc dual-purpose bike? They very well can. Ages ago, Hero brought the Impulse to our market, probably the first modern adventure motorcycle of the nation. It was practical, capable and was one of the most hardcore looking Hero bikes back in the day. The fact that it never really caught the attention to become a mass seller was simply because the Impulse was quite ahead of its time. But with adventure bikes becoming the preferred format for many, the new XPulse 160 might very well be that trendsetter to become the first ADV bike for many.

(Source)