The Hero XPulse 200 was recently launched in India after several spy shots surfacing on the internet for a long time. The motorcycle is available in two variants including carburetted and fuel-injected trims which are priced at Rs 97,000 and Rs 1.05 lakhs, respectively. Looking at the package that the XPulse 200 is, the pricing looks attractive but we list down the alternatives you can consider around this price range.
Starting with the naked street bikes, the Indian market offers three motorcycles in this genre. The newest entrant is the Yamaha FZ V 3.0. The new version has seen a major overhaul and aesthetically, looks more youthful now. Powering the FZ is a 149cc, air-cooled motor which makes 13bhp and 12.8Nm. It is priced at Rs 95,680, however, if you spend Rs 2000 more, you get a jazzier version of the bike – the FZ S V3.0 which gets a few cosmetic add-ons.
Similar to the FZ, Honda has the Hornet 160R which is also a streetbike with macho looks. However, it offers a more powerful engine at a lesser price. The 162.71cc, air-cooled, carburetted motor of the Hornet produces 14.9bhp and 14.5Nm. The motorcycle costs Rs 92,200. Now, if you are ready to move up in terms of budget, you can buy the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. This bike has a higher displacing 200cc motor delivering more power at 20.7bhp and 18.1Nm. Moreover, this engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox which is assisted by a slipper clutch; a feature that is uncommon in bikes at this price point. The Apache RTR 200 4V retails at Rs 1.11 lakhs.
While these were all naked bikes, a rider who wants a sportier motorcycle can choose one of the three faired bikes in this segment. Firstly, Hero itself now has the Xtreme 200S which is powered by the same engine as the XPulse 200. However, it sports a fully-faired design and the kind of ergonomics which make it a sporty commuter. The bike is priced at Rs 98,500. At a similar price, you can also opt for the Suzuki Gixxer SF featuring a smaller 155cc mill which belts out 14.6bhp and 14Nm. The motorcycle is due for an update this year. Lastly, Bajaj has the old yet popular quarter-faired motorcycle, the Bajaj Pulsar 220F. With a design which refuses to fade away, this Pulsar gets a 220cc mill which makes 21bhp of power and 19Nm of torque. It can be bought at Rs 1.06 lakhs.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
