Hero MotoCorp secures design patent for the Xpulse 421

Hero MotoCorp is gearing up to introduce its most powerful adventure motorcycle yet – the Xpulse 421 – with the company recently filing a design patent for the model in India. 

Hero Xpulse 421 details
Hero’s upcoming ADV will come with a 421cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine paired with a six-speed gearbox. Notably, the motorcycle seems to feature a long-travel USD front fork and a rear mono-shock to handle rough terrain.

The design sketches showcase a taller frame, characteristic of an adventure bike, featuring a scooped single-piece seat, a flat headlight unit paired with a taller visor, and angular radiator shrouds. The rugged look is further emphasised by handlebar guards, a top-box rack, and an underbelly pan. 

For braking duties, the Xpulse 421 will feature a petal disc at the front and a regular disc at the rear, both mounted on spoked wheels wrapped in block-pattern tyres. It is likely to get an 18-inch rear and a 21-inch front wheel configuration. The bike is also expected to include standard ADV features like an upswept exhaust, although the exact styling of the end-can may see refinements before launch.Hero first showcased this model through a concept sketch at EICMA 2024, hinting at its bulky yet robust design. However, some aesthetic refinements could be introduced before the final version hits production.

The motorcycle is expected to position itself and be priced against established rivals like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the next-generation KTM 390 Adventure, and TVS’ rumoured Apache RTX based on the new RTX-D4 engine.