Hero MotoCorp’s Xpulse 300 adventure motorcycle spotted testing in Ladakh

Slowly but steadily, Hero MotoCorp is finally gearing up its presence in the sub-500cc category of performance-oriented motorcycles. The last year saw the launch of updated Xpulse 200 4V, Xtreme 160R and Xtreme 200S. It is also reported that the Indian two-wheeler major is bringing back the Xpulse 200T in an updated form. And now, two mystery motorcycles from Hero MotoCorp have been spied undergoing trials in the treacherous terrains of Ladakh, which are touted to be the new Xpulse 300 and Xtreme 300S.

Both the fully-camouflaged motorcycles were seen testing side by side on the tarmacs of Ladakh with RJ14 number plates, which indicate that they came from Hero MotoCorp’s R&D facility in Jaipur. Both these motorcycles have upgraded bodyworks and bigger stance than their respective 200cc counterparts, which indicate that the motorcycle will have a larger and newly developed 300cc engine.

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Let’s start with the so-called Xpulse 300. Contrary to the current Xpulse 200, this new motorcycle looks sportier with beefier bodywork comprising of a semi-fairing, instead of a simple rounded headlamp. This motorcycle also has a larger fuel tank, a high-mounted peak-shaped fender and more comprehensive rear body panels.

For more suitability on off-road terrains, this motorcycle has spoked wheels, an engine bash plate and a high ground clearance. It also has a red-coloured trellis frame, petal disc brakes and a chrome-finished side stand. This motorcycle might retain the mechanical underpinnings from the 300cc engine and chassis combination previewed by Hero MotoCorp in 2020. While it is unclear whether this motorcycle will get a new name or simply be called Xpulse 300, it will take on the expanding 250-300cc adventure tourer category, which comprises motorcycles like KTM Adventure 250, Benelli TRK 251, BMW G 310 GS and Royal Enfield Himalayan.

Fully-faired motorcycle spotted too

Another motorcycle spied along with the Xpulse 300 was a fully-faired sports bike, which is likely to be called the Xtreme 300S. Unlike the currently-on-sale Xtreme 200S, this motorcycle has a sportier-looking bodywork, beefier fuel tank, clip-on handlebars and fairing-mounted rearview mirrors. Other bits visible in the pictures include road-spec tyres with black alloy wheels. Likely to be positioned against motorcycles like TVS Apache RR 310, BMW G 310 RR, KTM RC 200 and Suzuki Gixxer 250, this motorcycle will share its engine and gearbox with the Xpulse 300 mentioned above.

Considering that these two motorcycles have very different-looking bodywork and mechanicals, it seems that they will be positioned above the existing Xpulse 200 and Xtreme 200S and not replace them.

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