KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Bigger Xpulse likely to debut by Diwali festive season
- Possibly to be powered by the 440cc engine
- Will rival the new Himalayan and KTM 390 Adventure
After a long time without any sighting, the upcoming Hero Xpulse 440 test mule has been spied on once again. The bigger Xpulse is awaited by a lot of potential customers, and it is very much possible that the brand could launch it by the upcoming Diwali festive season. Read all of the known details about the bigger Xpule model below. Also, do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp channel to get the latest auto updates.
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Hero Xpulse 440 - Design and Features
The earlier test bikes of the big Xpulse were spotted long ago in the upper Himalayas. However, the blurry photos were not able to reveal a lot about it. Now, the latest photo is clear and it shows that its design will be an evolved version of the current Xpulse. The relaxed riding position, tall windscreen, long beak, round headlight, and knuckle guards; all hint the same.
The test bike has a large fuel tank with a typical ADV design. The seat setup is split and the presence of luggage mounting racks on the tail makes sure that it is a proper ADV. The test bike is also seen with dual panniers, which might be offered as accessories with its launch. Other design details look similar to the current Xpulse, like the tail section with LED setup, and the upswept exhaust as well.
Being a premium ADV motorcycle, it will be equipped with necessary features like a digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, a USB charging port, and more. We also assume that it will be equipped with an LED headlight and taillight.
New Engine, Gearbox, and Hardware
When the development of the bigger Xpulse began, the internet was full of rumours that Hero was making a new 400cc liquid-cooled engine. In fact, test bikes were seen testing it in the upper Himalayas as well. However, the spotting of test bikes halted, as it is believed that Hero ditched this 400cc engine due to being insufficient in performance. Later on, the Mavrick 440 was launched, which proved as a strong pivot for Hero to enter the premium bike segment. Its 440cc air-oil cooled engine is very torquey and grunt-rich to ride and customers love it.
We assume that the same 440cc engine will power the bigger Xpulse too. However, Hero will change the ECU tuning and gear ratios of the 6-speed transmission, to achieve the best combo of power and torque. There is also a possibility that it will be equipped with different riding modes. The current Xpulse's biggest con is its underpowered engine. With the bigger engine, touring buyers will probably jump towards it.
In terms of hardware, the visible elements include a long travel front telescopic suspension. It will be non-adjustable, to keep the cost low. Also, the rear suspension will be a preload-adjustable monoshock. Being an ADV, it will be equipped with spoke rims and tube tyres. The front tyre appears to be a 21-inch while the rear wheel looks like an 18-inch setup, identical to the Xpulse 200V Pro. Both brakes are discs and probably equipped with a dual-channel ABS as well. Hero might offer different ABS and traction modes on the 440cc Xpulse.
Launch Timeline, Price, and Rivals
Currently, Hero has sealed its lips on the topic of a bigger Xpulse. But, online reports suggest to us that the bike is nearing its production-ready phase. It can possibly debut in the upcoming festive season, which is very important for two-wheeler manufacturers. Hence, the Xpulse 440 might launch before Diwali in India. If so, its pricing will be a few thousand higher than the Mavrick. We assume that it will be positioned in between Rs 2-2.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Its primary rivals will be the new Royal Enfield Himalayan and the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure Rally.
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Verdict
Hero Xpulse 200 became a game changer with its aggressive pricing and superb trail riding capabilities. But, the owners did not like the underpowered engine, especially when used for touring. Therefore, the bigger engine Xpulse is the best solution to it and the ADV segment buyers would love to own the Xpulse moniker with this new engine.
