Hero MotoCorp is preparing to launch its most powerful adventure bike to date, the Xpulse 421. The company recently registered a design patent for the motorcycle in India. The Xpulse 421 will feature a 421cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. Designed for off-road challenges, the bike is equipped with a long-travel USD front fork and a rear mono-shock for tackling rough terrain.
The design sketches reveal a tall and rugged adventure bike with distinctive features. It includes a scooped single-piece seat, a flat headlight unit combined with a tall visor, and angular radiator shrouds. The overall design is enhanced with handlebar guards, a top-box rack, and an underbelly pan for added durability.
Braking is managed by a petal disc at the front and a regular disc at the rear, mounted on spoked wheels fitted with block-pattern tyres. The bike is expected to feature an 18-inch rear wheel and a 21-inch front wheel configuration, standard for adventure motorcycles. Other likely additions include an upswept exhaust, although the final design of the end-can may be refined before the production model is released.
Hero MotoCorp first hinted at this model through a concept sketch displayed at EICMA 2024, showcasing its robust and capable design. Some styling updates might be made before the bike goes into production. The Xpulse 421 is expected to compete with models like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the next-generation KTM 390 Adventure, and TVS’ anticipated Apache RTX, which is said to feature the new RTX-D4 engine. Pricing is likely to position it competitively within the growing adventure bike segment.
The company, the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, has been a trailblazer in the mobility industry since its inception in 1984. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company has earned a reputation for its innovative, fuel-efficient, and reliable motorcycles and scooters, catering to diverse customer needs across urban and rural markets. With a robust global presence in over 40 countries, it operates multiple state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and R&D centers, including its cutting-edge innovation hub in Jaipur.
The company’s product portfolio spans iconic models such as the Splendor, Passion, and Xpulse series, reinforcing its leadership in the two-wheeler segment. Committed to sustainability, the company has been investing in electric vehicles and eco-friendly technologies, aligning with its vision of delivering mobility solutions that are both accessible and environmentally responsible.
