Hero XPULSE 200 vs Royal Enfield HIMALAYAN | Which one would you buy?

Hello!
Today we ride to understand more about 2 motorcycles that are frequently compared, the Royal Enfield Himalayan & the Hero Xpulse.
This debate has been raging since the launch of the Xpulse with riders and experts sharing their opinions and the debate still goes on. So, Dirt Don and I decided to take the two motorcycles out together to find out first hand which motorcycle does what better.
We rode them on highways, on winding tarmac, on flat dirt, on tough dirts, on loose soil and steep inclines. At the end of it all we had a good idea of the strengths & weaknesses of each.
Stay tuned to find out what we learnt.
And we hope you enjoy watching this video.
Cheers!
#himalayan #xpulse200 #artofunwinding #royalenfield #heromotocorp
/ artofunwinding

[@VikramSingh-iv1hv]

Thats what all we need, not over dramatic review Simply informative and awesome review....🔥

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad you liked it! Cheers!

[@parthabiswas7942]

Not into these motorcycles since I bought the Meteor 350...... but your style, simplicity and honest review just earned one subscriber more..... keep it up big brother .... ❤️❤️

[@bigbearbangalore]

Super! Have a great time on your Meteor. Best wishes. Thanks!

[@samirsait]

You're right Bosky, both need to hit the gym, for different reasons- Himalayan to shed 50 kgs and Hero to build some muscle- 300 from current scrawny 200🙂

[@bigbearbangalore]

True! :-) One needs to lose weight and the other needs more muscle. Cheers!

[@ShashiMaurya6]

Very nicely summarized the last bit.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks!

[@CowKora]

Bosky another quality review thank you for sharing your thoughts. How would an old two stroker something like the RX or the Shogun fare?? Acknowledge the suspension of both needs to be sorted out before hitting the trails

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks! An old 2-stroke can be fun because they weigh less than 100 kgs and can be literally manhandled in the trails. The two areas that may leave the rider wanting more are, one, like you said the suspension, especially the rear because there is practically no travel and hence getting the tyre to bite and generate traction can be a challenge. And because of this the ride can become very bouncy, uncomfortable and tiring. And two, the peak torque output is not much and comes high up in the band that it can make riding tight trails again a bit tiresome. Technology has evolved much since the 1980s especially the suspensions. So the bottom line is that the old 2-strokes may not deliver close to the fun that one can have on a modern off-road motorcycle like the Xpulse. Cheers!

[@ThatBaDassRider]

Such a chilled out review and explanation! 🍻

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank. Glad you like it.

[@Whatreally123]

Agree completely about the slight increase in power of the XPulse. I've owned the Pulsar 200 NS and Duke 200 and now the XPulse and those engines at 23 odd bjp were just about perfect. Bajaj has the engine and they can really design a good adv.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yeah, Bajaj has the engine and needs to build a proper adventure frame and suspension. Not just fit a fairing and call it the Pulsar AS !!!!

[@shaikhmimran13]

Hello Bosky, good video. I couldn't understand the Himalayas comment. Why would you choose the Himalayan for the mountains over the Xpulse ?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks! The Himalayan has more power at the bottom end and also the mountain roads are more open, broken and steep and there are hardly any really tight twisty trails there. Also, the bikes will be loaded with much luggage. So the Himalayan will be more handy there. Cheers!

[@gopalprasadpatel270]

Awesome review sir 👍👌❤️ I m looking a bike for day to day ride, occasional and weekend touring for fun and exploring nature with light luggage. Looks Himalayan, xpulse or honda highness cb350 fit for me. What's your suggestion sir....

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! The 3 motorcycles are quite different to each other. The first thing I suggest is that you take long test rides on similar roads and terrain. The Xpulse is far cheaper and lighter and the maintenance will also be cheap and it’s not a great tourer. The CB is a classic multi purpose bike and it’s a Honda. Can’t go wrong with a Honda. The Himalayan is a great all rounder and it encourages touring and exploring. And it’s the most expensive. Tough choice. Ride them and take a call as to what tickles your riding style. I had a Himalayan for a few years and enjoyed it very much. Since I have the v-Storm 650, I use this for my long tours and I bought the Xpulse for the trails and off beat rides and hence sold the Himalayan. Cheers!

[@gopalprasadpatel270]

@@bigbearbangalore sir thank you for comprehensive reply. I will do test ride and will decide which one will suit best to me.

[@deenkibaatein.4316]

@@gopalprasadpatel270 which one you have choosen?

[@gopalprasadpatel270]

Honda highness cb350

[@chinmoybanerjee549]

Excellent comparison review. 👏👏👏

[@bigbearbangalore]

Glad you think so! Thanks.

[@pranav20801]

What a life riding motorcycle n seating on the camping chair n chilling talking under the shades.

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙏🏻

[@Prem-vt8ys]

To the point review... Really helped me to take the decision.. Thank u.. Subscribed 👍 Would say.. Very relaxed.. Chilled.. ontherocks Review 🍻🤩

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thank you. Wishing you happy and safe motorcycling. Cheers!

[@Prem-vt8ys]

Cheers🤩👍

[@Shaaz_onthego]

Dear Sir , Wonderful review , It will be of great help if you consider a review of rhe Hero Xpulse 4V 2024 . Warm regards Shaaz

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks. Noted.

[@austinpaynter4469]

Which of this motor cycle would you recommend for a person who is 6.3 foot height ..

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! With respect to height both are suitable for tall persons. Ride both for a few kms at least both on open roads and tight traffic to know more and then choose. With the rally seat on the Xp the rider can slide and change seating position as necessary while on the Himalayan it’s more or less the same spot in the seat well.

[@rammohang4760]

Deciding one all bike between xpulse and Himalayan will again be decided by what roads these bikes will be ridden in. If you have both the bikes in your garage and travel around 15000 kms a year I am sure the Xpulse will clock 10000 and Himalayan 5000 kms. Try backing out on a Himalayan in city environment and you will know it. You will need a helper to pull it back for you. Slow down in city traffic or even on a highway below 60 kmph you need to constantly change gears. With the Xpulse slot it in 4th and you can cruise along. The gear shift on the xpluse are much smoother than on the Himalayan. Even the brakes and suspension are better on the Xpulse. Where does the Himalayan score ? It is it's comfortable seat for long rides, solid luggage carrying capacity and yes it's old world charm.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Fair assessment. Although the Himalayan becomes more user friendly with more miles we ride it and learn to better use it. It’s a personal choice ultimately. Cheers!

[@VikramSingh-iv1hv]

Sir try to compare Himalayan and Adv390, on road and offroad comparison

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yes! Working on it! Will do as soon as I get hold of the 390adv. Cheers!

[@VikramSingh-iv1hv]

@@bigbearbangalore thank u sir👍🏻

[@bsvishwas3128]

Their names are crazy 😂

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙏🏻

[@akashshivshukla]

One word for you guys 'classy'

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks!

[@avinashjagadish]

I'm getting my Himalayan in a week's time. Definitely felt good after seeing your video. Would love to visit this place. Could you pls give some details of this location. Thanks👍

[@bigbearbangalore]

Congrats! Wishing you a safe and good time on your Himalayan. This trail is near Kodihalli, off Kanakapura Road. Cheers!

[@avinashjagadish]

@@bigbearbangalore If its not a trouble can you give me your contact number

[@bigbearbangalore]

@@avinashjagadish Hi! If you don't mind, I request that we chat on Insta artofunwinding account. Thanks.

[@shibleekhan]

I think that horse was a good option for off road.. also considering the petrol costs.

[@bigbearbangalore]

😃👍

[@Hiya400-c2k]

Have you noticed the big bore kit for xpulse, abhinav showcased in his channel? It may grant you the wish of 5 more hp.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Yeah!! 😀 I did notice that. Need to check if that kit is commercially available and what other items that also need to be changed. Thanks for this input. Cheers!

[@Hiya400-c2k]

@@bigbearbangalore if you get any news about the kit or the dual purpose tyres for xpulse, please let us know in your channel.

[@Hiya400-c2k]

In fact Abhinav replied to my recent comment on his video, that he got his own bike fitted with the kit and will soon showcase it in his channel, so waiting for that too.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Sure! Cheers.

[@Hiya400-c2k]

Do you recommend any dual purpose tyres for xpulse?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Personally I prefer Timsun tyres as replacement for my motorcycles. At the moment due to government import restrictions most Timsun tyre sizes are out of stock. Hopefully imports will commence else guess we’ll have to look for an alternative.

[@Kuntal631]

Could that 5 bhp be achieved by installing powertonic ,fuel x and changing the rims into alluminium ones?

[@bigbearbangalore]

2 to 3 max. More possible by modifications to head and cams there's a risk of compromising durability and reliability.

[@Kuntal631]

@@bigbearbangalore I will manage with the increment of 2 to 3. Thank you,Sir, for your reply 😊

[@amitchaudhari9275]

done 400+ kilometers few times on xpulse smoothly. it just need seat modification. himalayan is definitely good bike but if you see price, mileage, versatility xpulse is better choice. if we talk about highway performance himalayan is winner but if you consider it just because of power and speed than i would say majority Indian roads are not safe for above 90-100/km speed.

[@amitchaudhari9275]

and after sales service both are pathetic

[@bigbearbangalore]

@amit All pretty fair points you have made. Good to hear that you are having a good time on your Xpulse. Keep riding! Cheers!

[@amitchaudhari9275]

@@bigbearbangalore thank you for reply. And thank you for genuine review without any glittery words. Wish you for future projects.

[@Ridewithsuraj72]

Sir what is the mileage for bs6 Himalayan in city and highway?

[@bigbearbangalore]

24 to 28

[@Ridewithsuraj72]

@@bigbearbangalore sir I’m getting 2021 Nov bs6 model 8800 odo . With some basic mod :- zana crash Gaurd , hand Gaurd , re Pannier’s set Extended 5 years engine warranty from re till 2026 For 160k Pls suggest me sir. What should I do?

[@bigbearbangalore]

@Ridewithsuraj72 am sorry amnit familiar with pricing.

[@vijey18]

The comparison was always unfair... the 390 adv and the himalayan would make for an interesting comparison ...

[@bigbearbangalore]

Indeed!

[@vijey18]

@@bigbearbangalore you can use my 390 adv for the comparison if the need be...

[@bigbearbangalore]

Wow! That’s nice of you, thank you. I have a 390 lined up for a review next month and if that does not come thru I’ll ping you. 😊👍 Cheers!

[@whatreally9]

Are you reviewing bs4 xpulse?

[@bigbearbangalore]

It’s a BS6 in the video. And at the moment no plan to review the BS4.

[@whatreally9]

How big is the mileage gap when driven similarly?

[@bigbearbangalore]

Hi! Taking the word "similarly" meaning as riding each machine unstressed and in a relaxed manner within its own limits and not at equal speeds to each other, the mileage can be around 30-32 for the Himalayan and 38-40 for the Xpulse. Cheers!

[@whatreally9]

@@bigbearbangalore amazing thanks a lot

[@Deepakgs-bu6mx]

Which place is this bossky sir

[@bigbearbangalore]

This is near an abandoned quarry near Kodihalli, Kanakapura. Cheers!

[@Deepakgs-bu6mx]

@@bigbearbangalore thank you

[@adityaanand2315]

बोस्की सर जिन्दाबाद

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙏🏻

[@ashishavin8748]

Do a TRK review, now, cmon.

[@bigbearbangalore]

Would love to. Looking to get hold of one. Cheers!

[@hiteshvishal8719]

Man man the best

[@bigbearbangalore]

🙏🏻

[@vijayjadhav3245]

Hindi me banao

[@bigbearbangalore]

Thanks for the suggestion. Regards.