It’s not the size; it’s the spirit.

Motorcycle rides have made 2024 quite an eventful year for me, especially when it comes to test ride opportunities. From the mighty KTM RC1190R to Triumph motorcycles, the outgoing lineup of Ducatis, the Aprilia RS457, and more, a wide range has been covered. But one motorcycle unexpectedly stood out: the humble Hero Xpulse 200. I’ve ridden one (borrowed from a friend) for nearly 1,000 km, and at the end of each ride, I was left with a wide grin on my face. As the owner of a Duke 390—an extremely capable bike for city commutes, spirited highway runs, and touring—I’ve often found smaller bikes to feel underwhelming. And boy, was I wrong about that! A few months ago, I took my friend’s Xpulse 200 for the first time for a highway ride of about 200 km, and I was blown away by how well it performed. I have done close to 1000kms now on this machine. Even at high RPMs, it stays planted and comfortably cruises at 85-90 km/h without breaking a sweat. The plush seat allows for longer rides (an area where my Duke falls short), and it’s impressively fuel-efficient. The gear shifts are smooth, the brakes offer decent bite, and the engine is surprisingly refined for a small single-cylinder unit. It feels like the perfect all-rounder for someone who doesn’t want to break the bank but still wants to enjoy highway rides and touring. I was genuinely surprised by how good this motorcycle is. If I had a two-motorcycle garage, I would gladly keep an Xpulse 200 alongside a bigger CC bike. It’s a brilliant machine—kudos to Hero MotoCorp for a job well done! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this motorcycle. PS: photos from today, last ride of 2024. Ending this year on a high note :)