Adventure motorcycling in India has grown rapidly over the last five years. Riders now expect bikes that can handle city commutes, long weekend rides, and rough off-road trails without breaking the bank. Hero MotoCorp, known for affordable and reliable motorcycles, has been steadily improving its Xpulse lineup to meet this demand. The Hero Xpulse 210 is the latest evolution, offering more power, modern features, and improved capability.
But like any motorcycle, it isn’t perfect. While it offers 22 solid reasons to consider buying it, there are also 9 clear drawbacks that might make some riders look at alternatives. Let’s break it down in detail.
22 Reasons to Buy the Hero Xpulse 210
1. Strong and Reliable Performance
At the heart of the Xpulse 210 is a 210cc liquid-cooled engine. Unlike the older 200cc air-cooled motor, this one produces more consistent power and torque across rev ranges. For Indian riders, that means you can comfortably overtake on highways, carry luggage on weekend trips, and still manage bumper-to-bumper city rides without the bike feeling underpowered.
Liquid cooling also ensures better heat management. In cities like Delhi or Pune, where traffic jams can leave engines idling for long periods, this technology makes a big difference in performance stability.
2. Smooth 6-Speed Gearbox
One of the most notable upgrades is the 6-speed gearbox. Riders in India often struggle with 5-speed motorcycles that rev too high at highway speeds. With the Xpulse 210, the extra gear allows smoother highway cruising at around 80-90 km/h without straining the engine.
It also makes long trips less tiring. For example, riders traveling from Bangalore to Coorg or Delhi to Manali can now expect fewer vibrations and better fuel economy at steady highway speeds.
3. Beginner-Friendly Handling
Adventure bikes are often tall, intimidating, and heavy for new riders. Hero has tuned the Xpulse 210 to remain accessible to beginners. With upright seating, balanced weight distribution, and predictable handling, it’s a motorcycle you can grow with.
This makes it appealing for college students or young professionals buying their first ADV-style bike. It offers the confidence of a commuter while giving a taste of adventure biking.
4. Long-Travel Suspension
The suspension is one of its strongest suits. With 210 mm front and 205 mm rear travel, it swallows potholes, speed breakers, and broken village roads effortlessly.
For riders in states like Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand, where uneven terrain is common, this feature ensures you don’t need to slow down every few meters. Even in cities like Mumbai with poor monsoon roads, this suspension makes daily riding smoother.
5. Rugged and Premium Design
Hero has worked hard on styling. The Xpulse 210 now looks more like a true adventure bike with contemporary ADV design cues, premium paintwork, and accessories.
It doesn’t feel like an entry-level motorcycle anymore. For Indian buyers, who often balance practicality with appearance, the rugged yet modern styling adds to the appeal.
6. Competitive Pricing
Price remains a major decision factor in India. Hero has priced the Xpulse 210 aggressively against rivals. You get liquid cooling, ABS modes, and premium design at a cost much lower than international adventure motorcycles.
For budget-conscious buyers, this makes it a smart option compared to stepping up to 300-400cc bikes, which often cost nearly double.
7. Fuel Efficiency and Touring Range
Despite being liquid-cooled, the bike delivers 30-35 km/l in real-world conditions. With a large enough fuel tank, this translates to about 400 km range per fill.
In India, where petrol prices cross ₹100 per litre in many states, efficiency combined with range makes a big difference for riders who tour frequently.
8. Improved Off-Road Capability
The block-pattern tyres, softer suspension setup, and clever chassis design mean it can handle sand, gravel, and muddy trails.
This is especially useful for adventure groups heading to places like Spiti Valley or Rajasthan deserts. Even casual riders can explore village paths or unpaved roads without hesitation.
9. Selectable ABS Modes
Hero has given the Xpulse 210 three ABS modes: Road, Off-road, and Rally. Riders can choose settings depending on terrain.
On city roads, Road mode keeps braking safe and controlled. Off-road mode reduces ABS intrusion, while Rally mode offers maximum freedom for skilled riders. For an affordable motorcycle, this flexibility is rare.
10. Modern Digital Features
The TFT/LCD instrument cluster supports Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and call/message alerts.
For riders who use Google Maps heavily on rides, built-in navigation saves them from strapping a smartphone onto the handlebar. It adds genuine utility for Indian roads, where routes and diversions change often.
11. Assist and Slipper Clutch
The assist and slipper clutch makes gear shifts smoother and safer. During aggressive downshifts, it prevents the rear wheel from locking up.
This matters in hilly regions like Sikkim or Nilgiris, where sudden braking and gear changes are common on descents.
12. Comfortable Ergonomics
The upright riding position makes it comfortable for both city rides and trail adventures. The seat height may be tall for shorter riders, but overall comfort is improved compared to earlier Xpulse versions.
Tourers can ride 200-300 km in a stretch without feeling cramped, which is rare at this price point.
13. Long Warranty Coverage
Hero offers a 5-year / 70,000 km warranty, which is among the best in this segment.
For Indian riders, many of whom keep motorcycles for 7-8 years, this coverage provides peace of mind and reduces ownership costs.
14. Hero’s Service Network
With the largest service network in India, Hero ensures riders in remote regions won’t struggle for spares or service.
This is a huge advantage over premium brands like KTM or Royal Enfield, whose parts or service may not be available in smaller towns.
15. Stable Ride at Speed
The motorcycle feels more planted at highways speeds and while cornering. The semi-double cradle frame and well-distributed weight give confidence, especially for riders new to ADVs.
Indian highways, with their mix of sudden curves, trucks, and uneven tarmac, demand this kind of stability.
16. Strong Frame for Mixed Use
The semi-double cradle frame provides both agility and durability. It allows riders to tackle off-road sections without worrying about frame flex or weakness.
For riders who want one bike for office commutes and weekend rides, this versatility matters.
17. Braking Performance
The 276 mm front and 220 mm rear petal disc brakes deliver strong, fade-resistant stopping power.
On Indian highways, where sudden braking for stray animals or unexpected traffic is common, this braking system adds real-world safety.
18. Clear Dashboard Visibility
While some limitations exist, the TFT instrument cluster is an improvement over older designs. It offers better sunlight visibility, allowing riders to track navigation or ride data even on bright summer days.
19. ABS Variant Flexibility
Hero offers single-channel ABS on the base model and dual-channel ABS on the premium version, giving riders choice depending on budget and safety preference.
20. LED Projector Headlamp and Taillight
The LED projector setup offers brighter, wider illumination than halogen lamps. For night riders on highways like NH48, this is an important upgrade.
21. Practical Exhaust Design
The upswept exhaust not only improves ground clearance on trails but also produces a sportier sound. It makes the bike feel closer to a true ADV machine.
22. Attractive Color Options
Finally, Hero offers four color schemes to let buyers personalize their motorcycle. This may sound small, but in India, styling and color choices influence many first-time buyers.
9 Reasons to Skip the Hero Xpulse 210
1. Heavier Than Rivals
The Xpulse 210 weighs more than many 200-250cc motorcycles. While this adds stability, it reduces agility on trails. For new off-road riders, lifting the bike after a fall can be tiring.
2. Not Ideal for Long High-Speed Touring
The engine performs best up to 90-100 km/h. Beyond that, it feels strained. Riders planning frequent trips on expressways like Delhi-Jaipur may find it less comfortable than larger 300-400cc ADVs.
3. Noticeable Vibrations
Despite improvements, vibrations above 7,000 rpm are still present. On long rides, this can be tiring, especially if you’re carrying luggage.
4. Unproven Long-Term Durability
Since the engine is all-new, its reliability over 50,000+ km is still unknown. Buyers who plan to keep the bike for a decade may hesitate until real-world feedback comes in.
5. Limited Touring Features
The bike lacks cruise control, quick shifter, or a tall windscreen. Riders looking for advanced touring comfort may prefer premium rivals like the BMW G 310 GS or KTM Adventure 250.
6. Short Service Intervals
The Xpulse 210 requires service every 6,000 km, which is more frequent than some competitors. For riders covering 1,000 km a month, this means at least two service visits a year.
7. Console and Charging Limitations
The TFT screen struggles in direct sunlight despite improvements. The USB charger feels basic, especially when many riders expect fast-charging or multiple ports for GPS and gadgets.
8. ABS Variant Gap
The base version gets only single-channel ABS, which is less safe compared to the dual-channel setup available in the top model. Safety-conscious buyers may find this disappointing.
9. Missing Touring Accessories
Hero hasn’t offered integrated panniers, larger windscreens, or luggage racks from the factory. Riders will need to spend extra on aftermarket parts for serious touring.
Summary – Hero Xpulse 210 Strengths & Weaknesses
The Hero Xpulse 210 is a significant step forward for affordable adventure motorcycles in India. It strikes a balance between daily usability, weekend adventure capability, and budget-friendly ownership. For riders who want to explore beyond city limits without spending ₹3-4 lakh on larger ADVs, it’s one of the strongest contenders.
But it isn’t flawless. If you plan to ride long distances on expressways at sustained triple-digit speeds, or if you demand premium touring features, the Xpulse 210 may fall short. For that, you’ll need to look at higher-capacity ADVs.
For most riders, however, it’s a smart mix of practicality and adventure at a price point that remains accessible. That’s why the Hero Xpulse 210 will likely remain a popular choice among young adventure seekers, city commuters wanting more versatility, and touring enthusiasts on a budget.
Check price and more details at official website – https://www.heromotocorp.com/en-in/motorcycles/Xpulse-210.html
