KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Xpulse 210 is easily the most capable motorcycle in this list.
- The V-Strom SX is the most expensive in this list, but not as capable.
- The NX200 is essentially a rebadged CB200X with additional features.
The Honda NX200 is not really a new motorcycle, but we'll get there in a bit. If you're someone looking for a dual-sport motorcycle but aren't too keen on shelling out too much, we have got the Honda NX200 going up against the Hero Xpulse 210 and the Suzuki V-Strom SX.
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Also read: Honda NX200 Launched At Rs 1.68 Lakh; A Rebadged CB200X
Honda NX200 Vs Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX
What Are They?
Let's first understand a few basic things about each of the three motorcycles in this list. The Honda NX200 is essentially a rebranded version of the CB200X. Since it is based on the road-going Hornet 2.0, the two motorcycles share a lot of components. Honda has styled the NX200 to make it look like a dual-sport motorcycle, but the Xpulse 210 has the edge over the NX200 when it comes to off-roading capabilities.
The Xpulse 210 is the latest and most important upgrade to the Xpulse lineup. Hero MotoCorp has been selling the Xpulse 200 4V for many years now, and while it is a very capable motorcycle in its own right, there are some areas where it still feels rather rough around the edges. Shown at the 2025 Auto Expo, the Xpulse 210 shares its platform with the Karizma XMR 210, and it aims to resolve most of the not-so-good bits of its predecessor.
The Suzuki V-Strom SX may seem like it is in a similar vein to the NX200, as both are based on street motorcycles. However, the V-Strom SX gains some touring chops due to the extra firepower from its 249cc powertrain. It can also handle some mild off-roading, but it is better suited to touring duties.
Also read: Kawasaki Versys 1100 Launched, Prices Start From Rs 12.90 Lakh
Honda NX200 Vs Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX: Powertrain And Hardware
The NX200 continues with the same 184.4cc, single-cylinder engine, but it is now compliant with the latest OBD2B emission norms. There is not too much difference in terms of the power and torque output, and in terms of hardware, it is built on the same diamond frame as the Hornet 2.0, and makes use of similar components. At 147kg, it is also the lightest motorcycle in this list, and with a seat height of 810mm, it will be very easy for shorter riders to handle.
| Criteria | Honda NX200 | Hero Xpulse 210 | Suzuki V-Strom SX |
| Engine | 184.4cc | 210cc | 249cc |
| Power | 16.7bhp at 8500rpm | 24.5bhp at 9250rpm | 26.1bhp at 9300rpm |
| Torque | 15.7Nm of torque at 6000rpm | 20.4Nm of torque at 7250rpm | 22.2Nm of torque |
| Gearbox | 5-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch | 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch | 6-speed |
The most capable motorcycle in this list, the Xpulse 210 is built on a semi-double cradle frame, and while it does not get USD forks like the NX200, it gets plenty of suspension travel on both ends, along with petal discs. At 170kg, the Xpulse 210 will be the heaviest motorcycle of the three, but it should still be quite manageable. It is the only bike here to come with a 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheel, and much like its predecessor, the Xpulse 210 should be fairly easy to ride when standing on the pegs.
Also read: Bajaj Pulsar NS125 Updated With Single Channel ABS - Launched
Like the Xpulse 210, the V-Strom SX also does not come with USD forks. Suzuki has not specified the amount of suspension travel. It gets a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup, and with a kerb weight of 167kg, the V-Strom SX is not that far behind from the Xpulse 210, but it will still be quite manageable. Our experience tells us that while the V-Strom SX can handle mild off-roading, its low handlebar position and slightly rear-set footpegs make it very difficult to ride when standing on the footpegs.
| Criteria | Honda NX200 | Hero Xpulse 210 | Suzuki V-Strom SX |
| Chassis | Diamond frame | Semi-double cradle | Tubular steel frame |
| Front Suspension | USD forks | 41mm forks with 210mm travel | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | 10-step adjustable gas-charged monoshock with 205mm travel | Monoshock |
| Front Brake | 276mm disc | 276mm petal disc | Disc |
| Rear Brake | 220mm disc | 220mm petal disc | Disc |
| Kerb Weight | 147kg | 168kg (Base), 170kg (Pro) | 167kg |
Honda NX200 Vs Hero Xpulse 210 Vs Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX: Features
The NX200 finally gets a set of features it had lacked for a long time, such as 4.2-inch TFT screen with bluetooth connectivity via the Honda RoadSync app, which enables access to turn-by-turn navigation and calls/SMS alerts. There is also a USB C-type port available as standard.
The Xpulse 210 is available in two variants; Base and Pro. Both variants give you the option to choose from two paint schemes; the Base variant can be had in either Glacier White or Wild Red, while the Top variant can be had in either Azure Blue or Alpine Silver. While both variants come with a 4.2-inch screen, the Base variant makes do with an LCD unit, while the Pro variant comes with a TFT unit. Some other features include dual-channel ABS with three modes, bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
The V-Strom SX also gets an LCD screen with bluetooth connectivity via the Suzuki Ride Connect app, enabling turn-by-turn navigation, ETA, calls/SMS alerts, a speed limit alert, and a USB port among other things.
Verdict
This may just be an on-paper comparison, but if capability alone were to decide this match, it would have to be the Xpulse 210. However, there will be many kinds of riders out there, who do not want that capability, but instead prefer something that they can handle without getting intimidated. In that case, the V-Strom will be likely be preferred by tourers, while city slickers may choose to go with the NX200.
