Adventure bikes are gaining popularity quickly around the globe, especially the sub-500cc machines such as the new KTM 390 Adventure, CFMoto 450MT, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and the upcoming BMW F 450 GS. To cash in on the segment, Hero is also ready with the Xpulse 421, which we first saw at EICMA, and then the patent for the motorcycle. Now, as per reports, Hero plans to launch the motorcycle in March 2026.
Hero Xpulse 421 India launch
Capitalising on what the Xpulse 200 did to the entry-level segment, the Xpulse 421 will be an ideal step-up. Designed on a new platform and developed closely with the company’s rally-raid team and using the Dakar Rally expertise, the Xpulse 421 will be more of an adventure tourer than an outright dirtbike.
The motorcycle will have USD forks, a d monoshock at the rear, typical adventure bike styling with a tall fairing, wire-spoke wheels, disc brakes at both ends, and a side-slung exhaust. The motorcycle will also get a new 450cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. The engine is expected to make around 40bhp, taking the competition right to the Himalayan.
Hero Xpulse 421 — Competition in India
The Hero Xpulse 421 will sit in a highly competitive segment that currently includes the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the recently launched KTM 390 Adventure. Amongst the two, the KTM 390 Adventure is more powerful and light, giving it an edge over the Himalayan when the roads get rough, however, the suspension setup is soft when stuff gets gnarly.
That said, there is more competition arriving in the form of the TVS Apache RTX 300 and the BMW F 450 GS. Both motorcycles will be built in India by TVS. The RTX 300 will be more road-biased with alloy wheels and the more hardcore off-road capable version will arrive at a later stage. However, with the F 450 GS, BMW is expected to go all in with wire-spoke wheels, adjustable suspension, ride modes, lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, and a host of other tech from the BMW parts bin.
