Hero MotoCorp targets premium bike buyers with new XPulse 200, 200T and Xtreme 200S

With the premium motorcycle segment seeing a strong wave of demand in the recent past, Hero MotoCorp is looking to make gains. The company, which is the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, today launched three new motorcycles – the XPulse 200, XPulse 200T and Xtreme 200S. The trio follow the  Xtreme 200R launched in the second quarter of FY2019, thereby expanding the premium bike portfolio to four.

The XPulse 200, India’s first 200cc adventure motorcycle, is priced at Rs 97,000 with the fuel-injected variant of the XPulse 200 bearing a sticker of Rs 105,000. Meanwhile, the XPulse 200T tourer costs Rs 94,000 (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

Hero MotoCorp plans to soon commence customer bookings of new X range of motorcycles, and the vehicles will be available for retail sale at Hero MotoCorp dealerships across the country in a few weeks.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, chairman, Hero MotoCorp, commented: “With our customer base spread across three continents – Asia, Africa and South and Central America – we are now riding into the next phase of our bold ‘premium’ journey with a range of new, technologically advanced and aesthetically appealing motorcycles. These premium motorcycles have been designed and developed by our engineers at the Hero Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT), thereby reiterating the rapid enhancement of our in-house R&D capabilities. With these motorcycles, we now have one of the youngest product portfolios on offer and I am sure, our new motorcycles will appeal to the youth around the world."

“Over the next 12 months, the domestic two-wheeler industry in India will go through a tectonic shift with the implementation of new safety and emission norms. We are completely geared up for this transition and to lead the industry into the next growth phase in the world’s largest two-wheeler market as well as in our global markets,“ he added.

Speaking at the launch today in New Delhi, Dr Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said, “These new motorcycles are the outcome of years of concerted and determined product development efforts at the Hero Centre of Innovation & Technology (CIT). Our 200cc line-up now comprises of four powerful, performance-oriented and contemporary motorcycles. Going forward, we will continue to focus on developing distinct products for higher-capacity segments as we move up the value chain.”

Malo Le Masson, Head - Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “These three new bikes showcase our focused product portfolio approach for the premium segment. We have now successfully developed and appointed a horizontal strategy for our premium bikes. By developing a versatile 200cc platform, we can cater to various customer segments – for roads, no roads, cities, and highways.” 

The Xtreme 200S is a fully faired version of the Xtreme 200R. At Rs 98,500, it is  Rs 7,600 more expensive than the Xtreme 200R that costs Rs 90,900. While the Xpulse 200T costs Rs 94,000, the XPulse 200 carbureted version costs Rs 97,000 and the fuel-injected version Rs 98,500.

While its styling might suggest otherwise, the company says that the Xtreme 200S is targeted at riders looking for ‘character and comfort’ in their daily city ride. It is not a sporty motorcycle. However, Hero has said that the fairing will give the 200S better wind protection on the highway than its naked sibling – the 200R. Hero adds that the 200S uses the same chassis and geometry as the 200R.

The 200S also comes equipped with a full-LED headlight and taillight. The instrument cluster on the motorcycle is also Bluetooth-enabled like on the XPulse models which were launched today as well. This instrument cluster displays information like navigation, gear position and more.

The Xtreme 200 S uses the 199.6cc from the 200R that develops 18.4hp at 8,000rpm and 17.1Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. Transmission is via a five-speed unit and the engine is a conventional, carburetted, air-cooled two-valve unit. Braking is taken care of by a 276mm disc up front and a 220mm disc at the rear. Single-channel ABS is part of standard equipment. Like the 200R, the 200S isn’t available with fuel-injection.

In terms of competition, the Xtreme 200S goes up against Suzuki Gixxer SF, prices for which start at Rs 98,076 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Hero Xtreme 200S is available in three colours – red, brown and black.

Also see: Hero Xtreme 200S image gallery