The Hero Xpulse 210 is an adventure motorcycle designed for both new and experienced riders, offering a user-friendly experience that makes tackling different terrains effortless. Right from the start, it impressed me with its easy handling and confidence-inspiring ride. Riding on gravel at 40-50 kmph felt surprisingly stable, and I never felt out of control a true testament to its off-road capabilities.
At the heart of the Xpulse 210 is a 210cc liquid-cooled engine producing 24 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 20.7 Nm at 7,250 rpm. One of the highlights is that 70% of the torque kicks in within the first 3,000 rpm, making it punchy in the low-end and allowing smooth acceleration, even when riding a gear or two higher.
However, the top-end performance feels lacking, and at higher speeds, the engine doesn’t feel as lively as one would hope. I couldn’t help but wish it had the 250cc engine from the Xtreme 250R, which would have given it the extra grunt needed for highway cruising.
One of the best aspects of the Xpulse 210 is its refinement. Unlike some adventure bikes, there are close to no vibrations throughout the rev range, making for a smooth riding experience. At cruising speeds between 95-110 kmph, the bike feels comfortable, and we even managed to push it to 140 kmph.
For an ADV, fuel efficiency is decent—even after pushing the bike hard, we achieved a mileage of 33-36 kmpl, which is respectable for a motorcycle in this category.
Also Read: Hero Xtreme 250R | First Ride Review
The minimalist bodywork is a great advantage. If you happen to drop the bike while off-roading, there’s very little plastic to damage, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking to improve their off-road skills without worrying about costly repairs.
That said, there are a few misses. The windscreen is non-adjustable and too short, offering minimal wind protection at higher speeds. Additionally, the instrument cluster feels outdated, which is a bit disappointing in an otherwise modern motorcycle.
At Rs 1.86 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hero Xpulse 210 is a great value-for-money proposition. While it could use a bit more power at the top end and some modern features, it remains an excellent option for adventure enthusiasts looking for an affordable, capable, and easy-to-handle motorcycle. If you’re new to the ADV world and want a bike that’s fun, reliable, and forgiving, the Xpulse 210 is definitely worth considering.
