Honda CB200X Vs Hero XPulse 200: Photo Comparison

Can the newly launched CB200X trump the XPulse 200’s popularity?

Foraying in the 200cc adventure bike category, Honda India launched the CB200X. However, it’s not the only ADV present in the segment, we have the Hero XPulse 200 as well. So we pit the two bikes against each other visually and see which one emerges on the top. 

Design-wise, the CB200X packs a bit of muscle, thanks to its CB500X inspired styling. It gets LED illumination all around and even gets knuckle guard mounted side indicators. Meanwhile, the Hero XPulse 200 gets a round LED headlamp and conventional knuckle guards. Design-wise, it’s pretty slim owing to its off-road-ready nature. 

The Honda CB200X is powered by the Hornet 2.0-sourced 184.4cc, single-cylinder engine that develops 17.26PS and 16 Nm. Hero has plonked an oil-cooled 199.6cc motor that makes 18.8PS and 16.45Nm. Both the bikes get a 5-speed gearbox. 

On the feature front, Honda has kept it pretty straightforward with the CB200X. You get an LCD with the basic tell-tale details. The Hero XPulse 200 features smartphone connectivity which gives you access to turn-by-turn navigation and phone-call notifications. 

The suspension setup on the Honda ADV consists of the same golden USD fork and a monoshock borrowed from its streetfighter sibling.  The XPulse 200 is sprung by a 37mm gaitered telescopic fork and a 10-step adjustable rear shock. Moreover, Hero also offers a longer travel suspension for hardcore off-roading, if that’s your taste. 

Both the bikes employ a 276mm front and a 220mm rear disc with single-channel ABS as standard. 

The CB200X rolls on 17-inch alloys wrapped in 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres whereas the XPulse 200 uses a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear spoked wheel shod with 90/90 and 120/80 tyres, respectively. 

With a seat height of 810mm, the CB200X can be more manageable to get on and off when compared to the XPulse 200’s 823mm saddle height. 

Honda has equipped the CB200X with a 12-litre tank whereas the Hero XPulse gets a 13-litre unit. 

At 167mm, the Honda’s ground clearance is 53mm less than the Hero’s 220mm. 

Asking price for the Honda CB200X is set to Rs 1,44,500 (ex-showroom Gurugram) and the Hero XPulse 200 retails at Rs 1,20,800 (ex-showroom Delhi). So, if you are looking for an out-and-out dirt friendly bike, the XPulse 200 makes sense.