Hero XPULSE 200 BS6 | Why I changed my mind

Hello!
Today I am talking about why I have changed my mind about the Xpulse 200. Since the day I bought this 1.4 lakh motorcycle I have been enjoying it especially with respect to Sunday riding exploring unknown roads and trails. I was used to the Himalayan and found the Himalayan a bit too heavy for the kind of stuff that I was beginning to enjoy more especially post the outbreak of the pandemic. But my gripe about the Xpulse has been the highway performance. Every time out on the highway the motorcycle wheezes and screams for mercy at speeds above 90 kmph and I was not enjoying the ride. The engine clatter and the high rpm scream was really bothering me. And since there was nothing, I could do about I just had to manage it.
But on Sunday there was a new learning. So, here is the buildup of things that lead me change my mind about the Xpulse 200. This sunny Sunday, Dirt Don and I headed out to an interesting place called Gummanayakan Fort about 3 hours from Bangalore. It’s about 3 hours from Bangalore and most of it is on the fast and wide-open highway to fast Hyderabad. Considering the fact that the destination was dirt roads and the plan was to explore the surrounding trails, the Xpulse was the obvious choice for today’s ride. But my concern was the 2 hours of open highway.
Anyway, had to do it so we left quite early and headed out. Catch up on the rest of the happenings, in the video.
Cheers!
#heroxpulse200 #artofunwinding #motorcyclelife
/ artofunwinding

[@blessedbackpacker222]

i use ear plugs and tour all day long on my pulsar 200NS on 120 130 kmph. crossed 70K kms with it and engine is still strong.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Using ear plugs is a wise choice. Yes, modern engines easily last 100k kms and more.

[@CowKora]

Quality content thank you Bosky, summer time and you still stick to your passion... Cheers

[@bigbearbangalore]

Cheers!

[@VishakPillaiNagercoil]

I have a Xpulse 4v fitted with 2V's chain sprocket. Highway rides are awesome now. 4V comes with 45 teeth rear sprocket and 2v comes with 38 teeth rear sprocket. With this change the gearing has become taller and able to touch 100kmph speed at 6000 rpm and highway touring is very good.

[@bigbearbangalore]

👍👍👍

[@milindsoni7869]

Hii bosky,, great video as always. My Himalayan is in pipeline but fortunately I got a chance to ride xpulse one morning and that was a 90 kms in total with some offroading on the hill top. It was a wonderful experience

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! Thanks. You’ll enjoy the Himalayan. It’s a great all rounder.

[@vimeetgautam7679]

Sir, very well pointed out about the ear-plugs, I recently discovered that I can rip my Gixxer SF out on an open highway with good quality ear-plugs in, and tour at around 100 - 105 kmph for almost an hour, but the engine even at those high rpms feels refined and smooth. Regards, Vimeet

[@bigbearbangalore]

Tinnitus is a problem that creeps upon riders unnoticed. There is no cure and only management of this disease. And I am going thru this since I’ve been riding for decades and did not realise the hearing damage that wind noise can cause. So, as far as possible I only ride with earplugs to keep this problem in check. Cheers!

[@NikhilKumarM]

I have the gixxer 250 sf as well. Looking to buy the ear plugs this weekend. Update : bought the No Noise earplugs from Bikenbiker in Bengaluru and it does the job very well. Can effortlessly cruise at higher speeds and the engine notes sound sweeter and more refined. Thank you Bosky for staring your experience. Now I can't wait to test ride Xpulse.

[@bigbearbangalore]

If not ear plugs at least use cotton. Cheers!

[@MrMRSAF]

Rode there last weekend on a d390 and a road king took the scenic route through siddlaghatta instead of the boring highway. Unfortunately gmaps directs you to the guest house and not the entrance which is round the corner. Lot of trails around Great job looking forward to your next video.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Nice to hear. Yes the highway is boring. We took that route because we had to be back in town by a specific time. Else the Siddlaghatta route would have been the choice since its more entertaining to ride. Cheers!

[@Ashir_karuna_daya]

Just like listening to a feel good story.. Enjoyed the video.❤

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks much!

[@dTm259]

Great perspective as always Bossky sir. Thanks for sharing your views on this. Ones perspective to a machine does make a difference in loving or loathing your machine.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad you liked the video. Well said! The learning is to give anything time to understand and gel. No need to jump to conclusions. After having ridden a bunch of Royal Enfield motorcycles in the recent past, I had to unlearn that riding style to enjoy the Xpulse. So it is not always about the machine. Cheers!

[@abdulazeez5284]

Nice to hear a mature voice on the trail riding scene. I too have returned to the saddle after close to two decades and have chosen an Xpulse for the job. Would be fun to tackle the Tumkur terrain with you if you lads plan a trip this way. ✌

[@bigbearbangalore]

Cheers! Best wishes. Thanks.

[@jerryfernandez2466]

Hi Bosky Superb videos a BIG Thumbs Up Just curious to know as to when you are gonna complete 10k and give your honest review of the reliability of the Xpulse200BS6 engine Take Care n Safe riding

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks. Sure will do. You take care too. Cheers!

[@alharris1508]

I really appreciate & enjoyed your honest review...

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you. Happy to hear you enjoyed the vid. Cheers!

[@isohamkanade]

i completed 10000kms on my xpulse bs6 if you want to do long rides on high speeds like 100 and 110 kmph use fully synthetic motul oil the engine runs smoothly on higher rpms with little bit of buzz. Don't underestimate xpulse it can go anywhere and can do anything it's a all-rounder.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks for sharing your inputs. Cheers!

[@sukhdeep47]

Now it is coming with karizma 210 25 ps engine. That will be jack of all trade

[@bigbearbangalore]

@sukhdeep47 waiting for that.

[@devendracabral6146]

Just Golden words sir 👍🏻 Im now a big fan of yours 😇🖐🏻

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙇‍♂️

[@motomonk1321]

Yet another interesting video Bosky 👌🏼🤟🏼. With every video I'm getting closer to being convinced in buying the Xpulse. Hopefully soon it should become a reality. Cheers 🍻

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks. Best wishes. Cheers!

[@usomnath]

The same observation about the engine noise issue stands true for Himalayan also, I believe..

[@bigbearbangalore]

It is a bit noisy too. Nowhere near as loud and noisy like the Xpulse.

[@amitkrupal1234]

Wait what himalayan has more engine noise at 100 kph, how?

[@bigbearbangalore]

The BS3 Himalayan has a bit of combustion clatter from the engine at higher RPMs. The BS4 and BS6 are more refined.

[@arcaneformula]

Bought it a week ago. Looking forward to those trails! 😁

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats! Am sure you’ll enjoy the ride.

[@airfoil]

Thanks for another enjoyable video! You may want to consider some engine mods to your Xpulse, along the lines of what KZbinr Abhinav Bhatt and some other Delhi trail riders have done. Reliability and/or longevity *may* be impacted somewhat; your gains may outweigh the perceived losses and besides, you could create a more enjoyable and powerful motorcycle to take on the highways and trails. Bangalore based NMW racing makes some interesting parts and even some stage 1 mods could transform your ride along with select parts from the Rally kit.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad you liked it. Yes I am considering the options proposed. However, I'll first ride more and explore more and understand the motorcycle better before the performance mods. As it is the engine is rough and sounds agricultural and by squeezing it I am afraid that it may break. Cheers!

[@jaytemkar8077]

Nope. Don't do those changes. He struggled a lot at ladakh ride due to those changes. Expulse just requires somewhat bigger engine. Now They are also launching 4 Valve expulse which will increase its power.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Agree! After having clocked more miles and travels to more places, I’ll leave it stock. Am enjoying it this way. Thanks!

[@Hiya400-c2k]

BTW I have got my xpulse delivered on 31st March, its fun till now.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Awesome! Congrats!

[@jerryfernandez2466]

Hi Bosky Keep up the classy videos you post Could you give a long term review of your xpulse especially the reliability of the engine

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks! Yes will post a review once I complete about 10k kms. Cheers!

[@DirterXaap]

Man...I want to talk like you bout bikes 💯

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙏

[@milindsoni7869]

I came to know from one of the RE guy that Himalayan metamorphosis is under works with a brand new platform. It will be more on power, slipper and assist clutch, combined instrument cluster, tubeless tyres with spokes wheel, traction control and all this with reduced weight. Nov 2021 is the time frame. Have you heard anything like This. If it's for sure ,I shall keep my booking on hold. Please do reply 👍

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! I have no clue about the new Himalayan. And if all the specs are true it will also be much more expensive. Besides, waiting for a newer model is a constant wait. New models will keep coming always from all manufacturers. However, it’s your call to buy what’s known and available now and start your journey or patiently wait on speculation without an element of certainty. Cheers!

[@milindsoni7869]

@@bigbearbangalore that's definitely going to be expensive element considering the demands from the riding community regarding its shortcomings. I guess serious riders won't mind in paying 100k more for all these goodies if they get to experience a completely refined beast in hummy,,😂

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes! And since normally from a leaked image or a spy shot to actual launch takes about 12 months, looks like the bigger Himmer may come, if at all, sometime mid next year.

[@milindsoni7869]

@@bigbearbangalore bigger,,? It's neither 411 not a 650,,it will be altogether a newer sibling from the RE stable,, perhaps between them.

[@bigbearbangalore]

That’ll be cool. Cheers!

[@DilipPrashanth]

Nice overview and very well put across. Its like a Kripal Amanna Biker version review 😁. I ride an Xpulse too and looking at mods 👍

[@DilipPrashanth]

Any leads on where to procure outex kit for the rear only

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! Glad you like it. The Outex can be got at Big Bear Bangalore and they can be reached on 08040966600. Cheers!

[@adithyard3000]

GREAT VIDEO BOSS🙂🏁

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@akshayshinde7416]

Here you are talking about 2V, 4V must have been more refined and better on the highway?

[@bigbearbangalore]

This is 2V and yes 4V is better.

[@akshayshinde7416]

@@bigbearbangalore One personal question, going for MY first bike and I want a perfect all rounder bike equal in all three areas city,highway and off-roads, which bike would you suggest(Scrambler 400x is out of my budget) I have shortlisted some options Xpulse 200/ Yawa Adventure/ Old Himalayan 411 BS6, Which one should I go for??

[@apurvagupta4450]

Brilliantly done!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@keyurkambli75]

Great Video Bosky... why didn't you opt for your mud hog interceptor for this ride..

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks and glad you liked it. The terrain was unknown and so decided to err on the side of taking the Xpulse. Besides am glad I did because now I know that with earplugs I can rip this bike on the highway :-) . Cheers!

[@keyurkambli75]

@@bigbearbangalore Cheers!!!

[@Ka05simplyVideoMaker]

Can u tell me in Kannada plz is this xpluse 200T ok for long raid

[@bigbearbangalore]

Can be. Try it.

[@justtube4602]

Hey Guyz!!! What do you think is the best color of this bike? Speak neutrally

[@bigbearbangalore]

Is there anything neutral at all in color choice? It’s a personal choices I like the matt grey.

[@Arun1147]

Man! Your interceptor look sick.

[@bigbearbangalore]

👍🙏🏻

[@monsieursolitaire]

Hello! nice video!

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hey, thanks!

[@Hiya400-c2k]

Is your xpulse a bs4 or bs6? If it is a bs4, have you checked if the bs6 has improved on the engine noise issue?

[@bigbearbangalore]

It’s a BS6. 😊

[@Hiya400-c2k]

@@bigbearbangalore dang it, but its still a really good beginner friendly motorcycle, enjoying it

[@blessedbackpacker222]

hows the engine holding on 100 - 110kmph cruising speed after an year of use? edit: speed corrected

[@bigbearbangalore]

I haven’t tried to cruise at 200 kmph and neither have I tested the top speed. And if I manage to hit 200, it will be I that will be holding on and not the engine!

[@blessedbackpacker222]

@@bigbearbangalore I mean to say 100-110 corrected in first comment as well

[@bigbearbangalore]

Ooook. The only perceptible difference from when new to post 10k kms is that the engine is smoother now at higher rpm and speeds. Basically it is better and I think it will easily sustain current performance and smoothness for at least 100k kms.

[@RajeshYadav-qb3ms]

It doesn't make any sense in comparison of xpluse with himalayan 🤦 . . Xpluse as its own purposes...

[@bigbearbangalore]

Agree! Just shared my view. And thanks for sharing yours. Cheers!

[@lazybun_india5134]

... waiting for outex kit reveiw

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! I have not installed the Outex kit on this yet!

[@lazybun_india5134]

@@bigbearbangalore many youtube channel tells its only for Himalayan Rim .... its bit expensive also... also one needs to find a good mechanic who could install it properly....anyway keep motorcycling

[@bigbearbangalore]

Outex can be installed on tubeless compatible rims only. Himalayan rims are not compatible. For example, the Interceptor rims are compatible. I had it on my Interceptor and on my Tiger 800 and worked quite well.

[@lazybun_india5134]

@@bigbearbangalore thanks for correcting.. will it work on xpluse

[@bigbearbangalore]

No sir! Xpulse stock rims are not tubeless compatible. I have changed the rims on my Xp to Excel aluminium rims and these are compatible. I bought there rims online from Motousher.com

[@apjohny]

Can we really afford to ignore the protestations from the engine by just muffling them out?

[@bigbearbangalore]

You have a point. Well guess I will find out soon! 😀 Besides it’s combustion noises that I am choosing to ignore well within the operating rpm and these are not mechanical noises. It’s more to do with the refinement than with a mechanical fault. Cheers!

[@bonjovi1354]

I am also not very happy with my xpulse ..as it's my first and only ride ...even I as amature can really see this bike is not that great.. if yamaha launches their new fzx or wr155r .. I will sell my xpulse 200

[@bigbearbangalore]

I am happy overall with the Xpulse and the only area that I am not pleased is the engine refinement. Apart from that it’s great and serving my trail and adventure purposes very well.

[@kaushikpatil8689]

which handlebar ur using bro??

[@bigbearbangalore]

That's a TAG aluminium handlebar and it was imported. Cheers!