EICMA 2018: Hero XPulse 200T based Scrambler, Desert, Flat Track and Cafe Racer concepts unveiled

The Hero MotoCorp XPulse 200T platform has spawned as many as four new concepts. The XPulse 200T is a road-biased ‘Tourer’ version of the XPulse 200. All four motorcycles were unveiled at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. The concept range includes a Scrambler, Desert, Flat Track and a Cafe Racer. All motorcycles are based on the same platform although they feature different styling to match their specific character.

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Mechanical specifications would most likely be performed by the same 200 cc oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is seen on the XPulse 200. The motor is tuned to deliver a maximum power of 18 bhp at 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 17 Nm at 6,500 rpm on the adventure tourer. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Some of the features on the concept motorcycles include LED headlight and tail light and an all-digital instrument cluster.

Speaking about the four concept motorcycles at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show, Malo Le Masson, Head of Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said:

We have used the new XPulse 200T for a unique initiative of co-creating diverse Concepts with customization specialist, and showcased the engineering prowess of developing a versatile platform. This also provides us an opportunity to capture the growing trend of direct customer engagement while opening the door to a new line of businesses.

Hero MotoCorp XPulse 200T Scrambler

As the name suggests, the XPulse 200T Scrambler is aimed to provide a balance between on- and off-road riding. Thus, the motorcycle uses wire-spoke wheels. The front wheel is slightly larger (most likely a 19-inch unit) than the rear. The wheels are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres, elaborating its off-road-ready persona.

The tank design is similar to the unit on the XPulse 200, and the recesses should provide sufficient grip while going off the tarmac. A dual-tone saddle with brown rider seat cover follows the fuel tank.

The conventional front forks receive protective covers to work as a shield against many elements that may damage the oil seals while off-roading. Shock absorption duties at the rear are performed by monoshock suspension. Further enhancing the motorcycle’s dual-purpose character is the bash-plate to protect the engine and a tall-set exhaust outlet. The exhaust heat shield is slightly different from the unit that we saw on the XPulse 200.

Hero MotoCorp XPulse 200T Desert

For the hardcore off-roading enthusiasts, Hero MotoCorp has displayed the XPulse 200T Desert concept. Similar to the Scrambler concept, the Desert variant features wire-spoke wheels that are wrapped in dual purpose tyres. However, being a serious off-roader, the Desert concept gets an even larger front wheel (most likely a 21-inch unit) to tackle any obstruction that it may face on the beaten path.

Suspension department also receives a significant upgrade and the XPulse 200T Desert concept features upside-down telescopic front forks with more extended travel. The rear gets a monoshock suspension that appears to have more travel than the unit does on the Scrambler concept. The exhaust is sleeker and taller than the Scrambler as well, emphasising on the motorcycle’s off-roading character. Lastly, the beefier bash plate on the Desert looks more protective and off-road ready than the Scrambler.

The ribbed design on the rider seat should offer better grip and prevent the rider from sliding when exploring the inclines or similar situations. The large rear sprocket is aimed to improve the low-end acceleration that is crucial for off-roading motorcycles.

Surprisingly, the Scrambler and the Desert concepts did not feature knuckle guards, but the production-spec version will receive units identical to the ones that are seen on the XPulse 200.

Hero Motocorp XPulse 200T Flat Track concept

Interested in going sideways on a dusty trail? Meet the XPulse 200T based Flat Track concept. Staying true to the flat track style motorcycles, the concept does not get a front brake or even a brake lever; neither does it feature road-legal bits like a headlight, blinkers, instrument console or a number plate holder. A disc brake at the rear ensures you can lock the wheel and slide.

The tyres are flat-track specific, and because you won’t be going jumping over dunes and craters, they are wrapped on alloy wheels. The fuel tank design is slightly different as the rider would not be standing on the footpegs while going sideways. Instead, the model provides room to lock in the knees properly while sliding the motorcycle on the gravel. The side panel features a flat track motorcycle-inspired design that resembles the number holder in competitive sports. The exhaust pipe is placed below the rear panel.

Covers that are the extension of the fender protect the upside down front forks while the engine gets a bash plate to guard it against pebbles or any such elements.

Hero MotoCorp XPulse 200T Cafe Racer

Do not enjoy the dust on your branded clothes, or your well-maintained skin? Check out the XPulse 200T Cafe Racer concept. It’s not meant to go off the tarmac, and thus you would get 17-in alloy wheels on both ends. Ensuring sufficient grip while canyon carving is a pair of soft compound tyres that wrap the wheels.

Retro, cafe racer persona is emphasised by round headlight and a rear cowl instead of a pillion set while modern elements include gold-coloured upside down front forks and a LED headlamp. Clip-on handlebars and rear set footpegs deliver more aggressive ergonomics that would be bliss on twisty roads.

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All four motorcycles are in concept form. The production-spec models of some of the concepts may arrive in 2019. Meanwhile, Hero MotoCorp has announced that both, XPulse 200 and XPulse 200T are likely to be launched towards the beginning of next year.

[Image source: Twitter]