Hero MotoCorp has finally rolled out the Xpulse 210, the next evolution of its highly successful Xpulse 200 series. While the brand is known for keeping things accessible and commuter-friendly, the new 210cc iteration attempts to bridge the gap between city comfort and dual-sport capability. But is the Xpulse 210 a true upgrade, or has Hero played it too safe?
We took a brief 2 km test ride and here’s our first-hand breakdown of what’s new, what works, and what still needs refining.
Engine Refinement – Smoother, Not Significantly Stronger
At the heart of the new Hero Xpulse 210 is a refined engine, offering a noticeable improvement in smoothness compared to the older Xpulse 200 BS6. However, in terms of outright power delivery, the gain feels modest—around 10–15% more punch, at best.
The bike feels eager at low speeds, possibly due to a larger rear sprocket that boosts initial acceleration. However, twist the throttle further, and the response doesn’t scale proportionately. The engine sounds like it’s ready to fly, but the actual pull doesn’t match the soundtrack. That said, for city use and light weekend riding, this engine does feel better tuned and smoother overall.
Ergonomics & Seating – Upright and Relaxed
Hero has done a good job with the rider triangle. The ergonomics remain upright and commanding, ideal for both city and trail rides. The footpegs are still slightly forward-set, just like the old Xpulse, though not as pronounced. Compared to rivals like the KTM 390 Adventure, it’s definitely more commuter-oriented in posture.
The seat has also received a revamp. It feels softer than the old Xpulse, with similar width, which makes short to medium rides comfortable. Long-distance comfort will need a proper day test, but the cushioning seems suited for urban runs.
Exhaust Note – A Welcome Surprise
One of the surprising upgrades is the exhaust note. While the older Xpulse sounded utilitarian and muted, the 210 has a more pronounced and throaty sound, making it feel more alive. It’s not aggressive, but it adds a bit of character that was missing in the previous generation.
Suspension – Soft and Supple, But Not Built to Fly
This is where the Hero Xpulse 210 draws a clear line between commuter and adventure. The front and rear suspension are extremely soft—in fact, among the softest we’ve experienced in this segment. On city roads, this translates to an incredibly plush ride. Broken patches, potholes, and speed bumps are dismissed with grace. For urban riders, this plushness will be a big win.
But this softness comes with trade-offs. Even mild braking causes significant nose dive, making it feel like you’re on a boat bobbing on a gentle sea. Off-road riders or those who want to push the bike on trails might find the lack of stiffness disappointing.
This also means the bike lacks sharp feedback from the road or terrain. For regular users, it’s great for bad roads. But for serious trail junkies or fast dirt riders, it could feel vague and underprepared.
Hero seems to be reserving the off-road-specific suspension setup for the upcoming Rally variant, which may feature stiffer springs and longer travel for actual trail use.
Brakes and Gearbox – Average, But New Bike Syndrome?
Braking performance was just about adequate. The test bike was brand new, so some bedding-in may be needed before judging its full potential. The bite isn’t sharp, and lever feedback is average.
The gear shifts felt notchy, especially in the lower gears. While this could smooth out after a few hundred kilometers, it’s something potential buyers should check on longer test rides. The side stand spring, on the other hand, felt impressively strong—a small but noteworthy touch.
Build, Weight, and Price – Worth It?
The bike feels slightly heavier than the Xpulse 200 but remains easy to manage in traffic or low-speed scenarios. It’s no featherweight, but its balance and upright position make it user-friendly.
At ₹2.4 lakh on-road in Bangalore, the top variant of the Hero Xpulse 210 might seem a little steep for budget-focused buyers. However, given the updated engine, enhanced refinement, better sound, and super plush suspension, the package does have its appeal—especially for those upgrading from smaller commuter bikes.
Final Verdict – Urban-Friendly, Trail-Ready Later?
The Hero Xpulse 210 isn’t trying to be a hardcore adventure bike—at least not in its current form. Hero seems to be targeting urban commuters who want more comfort and a stylish upgrade from their 125–150cc rides. With its refined engine, comfy seat, soft suspension, and relaxed ergonomics, it delivers a smooth city experience with occasional off-road aspirations.
However, if you’re someone looking for trail-hopping thrills or rally-level suspension, waiting for the Rally variant may be the smart move. The Xpulse 210 is a great evolution of the Xpulse lineup—but it’s clear that Hero has reserved the real adventure DNA for another day.