Mystery Hero Xpulse test mule spied with large-capacity engine

A pair of new liquid-cooled Hero motorcycles have been spotted testing. The first of these is an adventure bike that will almost certainly sport the Xpulse nametag, but is quite different to the Xpulse 400 that has been spotted over a year back. The other is a naked streetfighter that seems to be powered by the same engine, and if Hero continues with its current naming strategy, then this second bike could sport the Xtreme moniker.

1. LED headlight, long-travel suspension on Xpulse
2. 17-inch wheels on streetfighter, 21-inch front on Xpulse
3. Likely to be larger than the 210cc Karizma XMR engine

Reports suggest that these bikes are using the 210cc engine from the new Hero Karizma XMR, but we think otherwise. The shape of the side covers, and the positions of the oil inspection window and oil filter are all different to the Karizma’s, which leads us to believe that this is a different engine. The overall size of the engines and the radiators also suggest that this will be a larger motor. However, there are some points to consider.

The biggest factor here is that earlier Xpulse 400 spy shots show it to be running an upside-down fork, while this test mule gets a conventional telescopic fork. Further, the previous  Xpulse 400 test mule had its front brake rotor on the left side, while this new bike has its disc on the right. These differences suggest that this latest spotting is not the same as the Xpulse 400. At the same time, it doesn’t seem to be based on the Karizma’s 210cc engine either. Perhaps it will be a lower-cost version of the Xpulse 400, or it’s possible that Hero could be working on a different engine altogether.

Between these two latest test mules as well, there are subtle differences in the shapes of the engine covers, and this could actually be down to the different frames that the bikes use. The Xpulse has a split double-cradle frame, while the streetfighter doesn’t have a cradle element for the engine, suggesting it will use a spine or perimeter-type frame. This will result in different mounting points, which could be the cause for the subtle structural differences on the engines.

Other differences between the two test mules include suspension and wheels, with the streetfighter running an upside-down fork and 17-inch wheels, while the Xpulse appears to sport a 21-inch front wheel.

There’s an LED headlight on the Xpulse, and the streetfighter should get one too. It’s safe to expect fully digital instrumentation and Bluetooth connectivity, like Hero offers on its smaller models. Ride-by-wire, though, does not seem to be part of the package, with the bikes sporting cable-operated throttles.

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