Hero Xpulse 200 4V Vs Kawasaki KLX 230: Spec Comparison

The Hero Xpulse 200 4V finally seems to have a real rival, and it wears Green clothing. Yes, the prices of the Kawasaki KLX 230 are yet to be announced. However, if we go purely by the numbers, there's no doubt that buyers will be looking both motorcycles.

That's why, we are going to look at both motorcycles closely, but first make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest automotive news and updates!

Hero Xpulse 200 4V Vs Kawasaki KLX 230: Design

Being dual-sport motorcycles, both of them are tall and slim, but the Kawasaki is just a bit more slender, giving it a more hardcore dirt-bike look. In fact, if one were to remove the turn-indicators and replace the headlight with a closed-off panel, this bike could easily be mistaken for Kawasaki's non road-legal dirt bikes. The seat itself is rather slim and in most cases, it will not be comfortable enough for two.

The higher-mounted exhaust pipe is similar to what we see on the Xpulse, and that makes things useful when wading through water-logged areas. It's from the rear that the KLX looks pretty basic, and the slimmer rear tyre only adds to that feeling.

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In comparison, the Xpulse 200 4V looks well-rounded and more like a road-legal bike that can double up as your daily rider, and also teach you various aspects of off-roading on the weekend. It's got a proper LED headlamp, a larger, properly usable fuel tank, and a big enough seat for two people. The rear does not look like an afterthought, and the fatter rear tyre looks confidence-inspiring as well.

Styling is definitely is a subjective thing, and while the Kawasaki might grab more attention with its hardcore dirt-bike design and recency bias, it's the Xpulse which looks and feels more complete, and it has a design that has continued to age well. Heck, I am actually considering getting an EMI for one!

Hero Xpulse 200 4V Vs Kawasaki KLX 230: Hardware

Let's begin with the newer bike here. The KLX 230 is powered by a 233cc, air-cooled, two-valve engine, producing 17.8bhp at 8000rpm and 18.3Nm of torque at 6400rpm. These numbers may not look astronomical, and despite the higher displacement, the KLX actually produces marginally lesser power than the Xpulse, but slightly more torque. These figures also come at slightly lower rpms, and when you factor in that 139kg kerb weight, all of this should result in the KLX being a very nimble, agile motorcycle.

At 880mm, it also seats you higher than the Xpulse, and that might result in tip-toeing the ground for a lot of riders. However, the slim profile and the light weight should make things easier both on the road, and off of it as well. Its perimeter frame makes use of 37mm forks up front with 240mm of travel, and a Uni-trak linkage-based preload adjustable monoshock, with 250mm of travel.

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Braking is taken care of via a 265mm petal disc with a dual-piston calliper up front, along with a 220mm petal disc at the rear with a single-piston calliper. Unlike the Xpulse, you also get dual-channel ABS, which we can expect to function better than the iffy single-channel system on the Xpulse.

This should likely result in a ride experience that's pliant, yet firm enough and it shouldn't be overwhelming or intimidating for even beginner-level riders who are just getting with the art of off-road riding.

In comparison, the Hero Xpulse is a proven machine in these regards, and there is a reason why it continues to be a strong seller. The 199cc, oil-cooled, four valve powertrain puts out 18.9bhp and 17.35Nm of torque. This engine is a proven performer on off-road conditions and is decent enough in the city as well. In fact, highway touring is also possible, but it is not the best at doing that, and you will feel a certain power handicap, since it feels like it will run out of breath at higher speeds.

The Xpulse also makes use of 37mm forks up front, followed by a 10-step pre-load adjustable monoshock at the rear. The Pro variant takes this a step further, by giving compression and rebound adjustability on the front fork. The Pro variant also comes with 250mm travel on the front, and 220mm travel on the rear. The suspension setup is proven, as it keeps things comfortable both on and off the road, resulting in a forgiving ride experience, and yet enough to be able to teach you various aspects of off-roading.

In terms of braking, the Xpulse also makes use of petal discs; a 276mm disc at the front, and a 220mm disc at the rear. The single-channel ABS system is not really known to be the best, and it has the tendency to get engaged on surfaces where you would want to slide.

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Hero Xpulse 200 4V Vs Kawasaki KLX 230: Equipment

In terms of equipment, both bikes come with a LCD digital cluster with bluetooth connectivity, incoming call/SMS alerts. However, the KLX comes with dual trip meters, a gear position indicator, vehicle battery health, rider profile log and maintenance logs.

The Xpulse comes with three ABS modes; road, rally, and off-road, and it also gets a USB charging port and on-board navigation, which is a must in daily ride conditions.

Lastly, while prices of the Kawasaki remain unknown for now, given its history, we don't expect the KLX to be very affordable. As for the Xpulse, prices range between Rs 1.47 lakh to Rs 1.56 lakh (ex-showroom), which still makes it a very recommendable bike to people who are looking to learn off-road riding, or simply for those who want a motorcycle that can ride over both good and bad roads.