Hero could finally bring in its much anticipated adventure bike Impulse 200 in the Indian market soon. We’re saying this because the bike has been spotted in its full glory in an Instagram post by Motopixel TV recently, which means that its official launch is not far away now.
But Hero Impulse is unlikely to be the sole adventure bike to make its way in the coming months. You’ve also got KTM with its 390 Adventure, which is heavily borrowing its elements from the Duke 390 series.
We’ve got a good idea about how the bikes are expected to look, what they’ll offer in terms of power output and how off-road capable they are expected to be.
Hero Xpulse 200T
The Hero Xpulse is powered by a 199.5 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, which pumps out maximum power of 18.1 bhp and 17.1 Nm of maximum torque. The same has been drawn from the Hero Xtreme.
The Xpulse, from the images available, looks to be featuring round headlights and a windscreen, and also receives enduro-style handlebar and handle guards as standard. The bike has an upright riding posture which is perfect for off-roading. It also comes with a muscular-looking fuel tank that adds more meat to the bike’s look.
The motorcycle comes with large 19-inch off-road tyres and high ground clearance, which means it’s the perfect vehicle for off-road riding.
Hero MotoCorp is looking to push the Xpulse in the Indian market as an affordable off-road motorcycle, which is also performance based. Hence, one can expect it to be priced somewhere between Rs 1.1 to 1.2 lakh.
KTM 390 Adventure
The KTM 390 Adventure will be the sixth Adventure model in the KTM's adventure tourers lineup. In comparison to the Hero Xpulse 200, KTM is vying for its space in the market against the Royal Enfield Himalayan 400 with ABS.
The Adventure 390 will most likely house the 373 cc engine we have seen on the 390 Duke and the RC 390, but will be tuned to give it better off-road capabilities.
Its off-road credentials are evident from its raised stance, along with a longer suspension on the front, high mounted front fender and a rear swing-arm with mono shock suspension. Also, given KTM's history with rally racing, one should expect a very capable off roader.
Thanks to its local partners Bajaj, KTM will likely manage to price the 390 Adventure in the Rs 2.5 to Rs 3 lakh price segment.
Over the past 12 months or so, we’ve seen the entry of BMW with the GS 310 and Benelli with the 500cc adventure bike foraying into the Indian market. More are expected to line up their products, but Hero and KTM are likely to carry the biggest threat for the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
One, because of its affordability (and a smaller engine) and the other because of its ability to counter the Himalayan’s shortcomings, especially in straight-line speeds.
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