Hero Xpulse 450 unveiled with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

The wait is finally over, as Hero has taken the wraps off the Xpulse 450. We now know that it is powered by a brand-new 421cc liquid-cooled engine. With its power figures, Hero clearly wants to position the flagship Xpulse at a much higher rung than the Xpulse 210 by offering significantly more power and torque. The manufacturer has revealed that the Xpulse 450 will launch in global markets first.

1. 421cc engine makes 46.7hp and 38Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox
2. Front suspension has 15mm longer travel compared to the Xpulse 210
3. No official launch timeline or prices yet

Hero Xpulse 450: What we know

Long-travel suspension and segment-leading connectivity features

The Xpulse 450 has been in development since 2020; we’ve seen it as a rolling chassis prototype and later as a concept sketch at past editions of EICMA. Hero says the motorcycle is built with direct inputs from the Hero MotoSports team. As mentioned earlier, the big highlight is the brand-new 421cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine capable of delivering 46.7hp at 9,100rpm and 38Nm at 7,500rpm. It’s mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and Hero has confirmed that a slip-and-assist clutch will be available as standard. For comparison, the Xpulse 210 makes 24.6hp at 9,250rpm and 20.7Nm at 7,250rpm.

The other highlight is the long-travel, adjustable front suspension powered by KYB. The 43mm cartridge-type USD fork has 225mm travel (versus 210mm on the Xpulse 210, non-adjustable) and 22-step adjustability for compression and rebound, whereas the rear suspension’s specifications remain unknown. Hero has shone the spotlight on a segment-first feature: built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality via (what appears to be) a 7-inch TFT display. While a full specification list is awaited from the brand, Hero has made the Xpulse 450’s off-road preparedness very clear with tubeless spoke wheels wrapped in what appear to be a 19-inch tyre at the front and a 17-inch tyre at the rear. The brand has indicated that the Xpulse 450 will join the other dual-sports in the line-up: the Xpulse 200, Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition and Xpulse 210 MX.

Hero has yet to announce the price or an official launch timeline for the Xpulse 450, but it has clarified that the bike will reach global markets first. In India, it will compete with the likes of the KTM 390 Adventure (S and R, priced at Rs 4.06 lakh and Rs 3.87 lakh, respectively) and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (Rs 3.08 lakh).