Hero Impulse 223cc review, test ride

On the downside, there’s a lot more vibrations at the handlebars once closing in on 90kph, which has been a bugbear on all larger engine equipped Impulses we’ve tried to date, this intruding on riding pleasure and the single largest dampener of the package. However, looking up, an indicated 100kph feels brisker, the bike clocking an indicated top speed of 110kph as well, which is just not possible astride a regular Hero Impulse. This newfound quick sprinting capability makes the larger hearted Impulse that much more addictive once on the go.

 

The grippy CEAT tyres upfront and at rear provide enough grip to hold steady on tarmac, lock tiles and cemented roads, and never giving us a chance to complain. We even took the bike off the road, and just like the regular Impulse, this one too feels an eager off-roader, only complemented with some more power, always a good thing. The weight difference is negligible, and was never a bother.

 

The 223cc Impulse does trade-in a bit of its plush ride quality on the road, only to make way for a punchier performing engine that makes you want to ride the motorcycle more. Those looking to sacrifice a small share of comfort and gain extra excitement on their Impulse should definitely go for the engine-swap treatment.

It’s not cheap however, for Chinmoy and Kobad can swap the regular engine in your Hero Impulse for Rs 40,000, the transition taking them no more than two days to complete.

Interested? Get in touch with Kobad at Kobad23@gmail.com