Hero MotoCorp is on a roll at EICMA this year, and after unveiling the new Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250R, Karizma XMR 250, and the updated Mavrick, the motorcycle maker has unveiled its latest concept, the flagship Xpulse 421. The motorcycle has been designed with inputs from Hero’s Dakar Rally Raid team, and the sketches look interesting.
Hero Xpulse 421 concept — What is it?
The Hero Xpulse 421 concept is an adventure motorcycle capable of touring and tackling trails. From the design sketches, the motorcycle looks appealing. The Hero Xpulse 421 ditches its traditional Xpulse design with a round headlight and high front fender. Instead, the motorcycle gets an angular headlight integrated into a high-mounted fairing.
The motorcycle looks premium and features a tall stance, a single-piece seat, a tall windscreen, side-mounted upswept exhaust, USD forks at the front and monoshock at the rear, wire-spoke wheels, lever guards, and what looks like a TFT instrument cluster. The motorcycle is built around a trellis frame and disc brakes at both ends take care of braking duties.
Hero Xpulse 421 concept — Engine and electronics
The new Hero Xpulse 421 concept will be powered by a 420cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. The engine could be tuned to make around 40–45bhp with the help of a 6-speed gearbox. More details about the engine will be known in due course of time.
In terms of electronics, the new Hero Xpulse could get traction control, while dual-channel ABS will be standard. The motorcycle could get rider modes, lean-sensitive ABS, and other safety nannies. When launched late next year, the Hero Xpulse 421 will compete with the KTM 390 Adventure R and hopefully the BMW F 450 GS as well.
