Hero XPulse Rally 200 vs Stock XPulse 200 4V: Photo Comparison

The rally bike uses the same base as the standard model, although with a list of alterations

The Hero XPulse 200 recently received a very crucial update in the form of a 4-valve setup. We even rode it thoroughly, and here’s what we like and dislike about it. Now, the XPulse 200 is a pretty capable off-roader and is also used as the base for the rally bike by the Hero Motorsports team. 

However, the rally bike, better known as XPulse Rally 200, gets some significant alterations to fit the bill. Here’s a thorough look at both the race bike and standard bike, side by side.  

The XPulse Rally 200 gets a new quad projector headlight setup with a peripheral LED DRL that differs from the stock bike’s setup with a LED unit and horizontal DRL. 

It’s topped by a fresh headlight cowl, whereas the standard bike gets a transparent screen up front. 

Even the fuel tank, seat and side panels have been redesigned to better assist the ‘rally’ motive. The handlebar on the race bike is flatter and the footpegs have also been repositioned for better ergonomics. On the road-going model, you sit pretty upright and relaxed. The handlebar is quite wide and the footpegs are neutrally placed. All this makes for quite a commuter-ish rider triangle.  

Both bikes are powered by the same 199.6cc 4-valve motor. While the output figures are unknown for the rally bike, it’s tuned to deliver higher torque and better acceleration. As for the standard bike, it dishes out 19.1PS and 17.35Nm.  

Hero has also reworked and employed a new full system exhaust on the race bike which is tucked neatly under the new side panels. On the other hand, the standard bike uses the more road-legal unit.  

The XPulse Rally 200 is sprung by a meaty fully adjustable USD fork and an improved monoshock. Both get longer travel. Meanwhile, the XPulse 200 4V is sprung by a conventional 37mm telescopic fork with 190mm travel and an adjustable monoshock with 170mm travel. 

Even the braking hardware on the rally bike has been altered, as it seems to be equipped with a lighter front disc mounted on the left side. The standard model uses a 276mm front and a 220mm rear disc. 

And to make the most of the performance gains, Hero has managed to cut down 20 percent weight on the XPulse Rally 200 as well. For reference, the stock bike’s kerb weight is 158kg, so the rally bike should technically tip the scales at around 127kg. 

It also rides on new lightweight reinforced aluminium spoked wheels shod with knobby Maxxis tyres. You can opt for the same tyres on the standard bike with the rally kit. But without the kit, it’s equipped with a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear spoked wheel wrapped in dual-purpose rubber. 

Last but not least, the Hero Motorsports XPulse Rally 200 will stay exclusive to the race team and isn’t road legal either. But you can buy the standard XPulse 200 4V and opt for the rally kit that includes a new taller front suspension, new seat, knobby tyres, and extended gear pedal, flatter seat and a few more goodies, all for a total of Rs 46,000.