Hero will commence bookings for the new XPulse 210 from March 20 in India, and deliveries are most likely set to begin at the end of the month. Initially showcased at EICMA last year and launched at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, the XPulse 210’s bookings were supposed to begin last month, however, there has been a delay. The Hero XPulse is a capable off-roader and with the update, the motorcycle has gained more power.
Hero XPulse 210 — The KTM 390 Adventure rival?
While on paper the KTM 390 Adventure is far more powerful, expensive, and comes with a host of electronic aids, most of these won’t matter off-road. The XPulse 210 gets all the right equipment for it to be a capable off-roader, including long travel suspensions at both ends and a narrow profile between the legs — similar to the 390 Adventure.
However, one crucial aspect that may make or break the deal with the XPulse is the engine — the new 210cc liquid-cooled motor makes 24bhp, more than the XPulse 200. The engine is also mated to a 6-speed gearbox, which should give it good highway manners. The engine is perfect for entry-level riders who want a capable machine that doesn’t rob away confidence owing to too much power.
| Engine specifications | XPulse 210 | 390 Adventure |
| Displacement | 210cc, single | 399 cc, single |
| Power | 24.2 bhp | 45.3 bhp |
| Torque | 20.7 Nm | 39 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
The KTM 390 Adventure, on the other hand, gets similar, but superior equipment. It gets fully adjustable suspension at both ends, better electronics, and most importantly, a powerful engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The 390 Adventure is better suited for more experienced riders and will be a good step up from the XPulse 210.
The Hero XPulse 210 advantage
The XPulse has one big advantage for those looking to get professional off-road, the rally kit. This includes many bits, along with adjustable long travel suspension, that give the motorcycle more capability, quite possibly leaving the KTM 390 Adventure far behind when things get demanding. The 390 adventure does not have this option in India, yet.
Hero MotoCorp has also revealed their off-road racing prototypes of the XPulse 210, which gets the same engine, albeit with more power. They also get premium cycling parts meant for competition use. Unfortunately, these are factory bikes and are not for sale to regular consumers.
