Hero MotoCorp is working on a sub 200 cc adventure motorcycle and for the first time, it was caught testing. Is Hero finally bringing back the Impulse ADV replacement after a gap of over 10 years? We certainly think so based on the new spy images posted by Rushlane.
The Impulse made its debut back in 2008, but as the niche product was way before its time, Hero MotoCorp was forced to pull the plug in 2014. With the Indian two-wheeler market now opening up to the ADVs, India’s number one two-wheeler is gearing up to launch a version.Â
Hero XPulse 160: What to expect?
The spy images reveal that the adventure motorcycle could be powered by a smaller powertrain than the 210 cc liquid-cooled available in the XPulse 210. Even though the motorcycle was fully camouflaged and the engine completely cladded, the motor appears to be a more basic air-cooled one.
The new ADV’s new engine looks to be more compact than the XPulse 200 4V’s 199.6cc oil-cooled engine, which makes 18.9 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 17.35 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Based on Hero MotoCorp’s current lineup, this new engine could be 163.2cc 4V with an output of 16.6 bhp and 14.6 Nm of torque that is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.Â
Hero XPulse 160: Hardware
The XPulse 160 retains plenty of body panels and design from the XPulse 200 4V like the raised front fender and traditional front forks with rubber seal covers. The new motorcycle could get the identical wheel size of the XPulse 200 with a 21-inch in front and 18-inch at the rear. We noticed some subtle changes like the disc brakes are standard circular ones and not the premium petal ones.
The XPulse 160 is expected to come loaded with features such as all-LED lighting, a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB charging port, and ABS. With this list of feature sets, Hero MotoCorp could have a winning contender in the affordable adventure motorcycle segment, offering both capability and value for money.
