Hero XPulse 421: What The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Challenger Will Look Like Without Camouflage [Video]

The adventure motorcycle segment in India is growing at a good pace, and we have seen many foreign brands enter this segment with powerful and capable models. It is not just foreign brands; even Indian manufacturers like Hero MotoCorp, Royal Enfield, and Bajaj have a presence in this segment.

In 2024, Hero MotoCorp showcased sketches of its upcoming XPulse 421 at EICMA. The company has been working on this motorcycle since then, and recently we came across a video where the production version of the adventure tourer was spotted testing in the mountains. We have now come across another video that shows how the production version of the XPulse 421 could actually look without any camouflage.

The video has been shared by Gear Gadgets on its Instagram page. The image seen here is actually based on spy shots of the motorcycle that was spotted testing at Khardung La.

The images seen here are digitally rendered and created using AI tools. The design of the bike looks similar to the current XPulse that Hero offers in the market. It appears to be an evolution of the XPulse 210. We see a large front windscreen, a muscular-looking fuel tank with shrouds around it, and an LED headlamp unit that looks different from its younger sibling.

There is no beak at the front, and we also see a conventional mudguard. In the rendered version, we can also spot steel rims and long-travel suspension. Hero may also offer adjustable suspension on some variants.

The bike would also come with LED turn indicators, and the front wheel is expected to be a 21-inch unit, while the rear would get a smaller 17-inch wheel. The wheels would be wrapped in dual-purpose tyres. It remains to be seen whether Hero will offer a tubeless spoke-wheel setup like its rivals or continue with tube-type tyres.

As we move to the rear, we notice the monoshock suspension, sleek-looking seats, LED tail lamps, and a grab rail. The motorcycle is also expected to come with a large TFT display, and the switchgear is likely to be completely new. The bike is expected to offer features such as multiple ride modes, switchable traction control, cruise control, and switchable ABS. The motorcycle would get disc brakes at both ends.

The XPulse 421 will use a brand-new engine, and the platform is also completely new. It is expected to be built around a steel trellis frame. It would get the biggest liquid-cooled engine ever fitted to a Hero motorcycle. The exact power and torque figures of this new engine have not been revealed yet, but it is expected to produce around 40 bhp and 40 Nm of torque. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox, and it may even get a quickshifter.

From the recent images, it looks like Hero is almost ready with the product and is currently fine-tuning it before launch. The motorcycle is expected to make its global debut later this year, and the official launch in India may happen soon after that. The bike is expected to rival the likes of the Himalayan 450 and is likely to be priced between Rs 2.85 lakh and Rs 3 lakh, ex-showroom.