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Hero Xpulse 421 will be powered by a brand new 421 cc liquid-cooled engine which is expected to produce around 40 hp
After a bit of a hiatus, Hero MotoCorp has been caught testing the Xpulse 421 ahead of its expected market arrival in the near future. The spy images emerged from northern India indicate that development is progressing through demanding real-world conditions as the motorcycle is moving closer to its final production form.
Unlike the existing Xpulse range, which has traditionally concentrated on lightweight dual-purpose usability, the upcoming motorcycle will target riders seeking significantly higher touring ability, greater highway performance and off-road competence. The motorcycle is expected to become Hero’s most premium and technologically advanced offering once it enters showrooms.
The latest prototype was photographed during evaluation runs in mountainous terrain that are frequently selected by manufacturers to assess performance in thin-air environments, prolonged climbs, varying temperatures and road surfaces. While camouflage conceals most body panels, several production-ready elements are visible beneath the covering.
A closer examination of the test motorcycle reveals proportions that differ substantially from the smaller Xpulse 210. The front section appears tall and purposeful while the rear remains comparatively narrow. The rider’s triangle seems designed around stand-up riding while the sculpted bodywork around the fuel tank area should help riders maintain better control during technical off-road sections.
Hero is expected to introduce a new architecture as well as a steel trellis chassis could underpin the motorcycle providing the rigidity necessary for long touring and off-road use. Long travel suspension hardware can also be identified comprising upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock arrangement. Adjustable settings may be offered in select trims.
Power will come from a newly developed liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine displacing around 421 cc and expectations suggest output figures could settle close to 40 hp – placing the motorcycle directly against established rivals. Transmission duties will likely be handled by a six-speed gearbox while a bidirectional quickshifter could be introduced too.
The wheel setup seems tailored toward serious adventure riding. A large 21-inch wire-spoked front wheel paired with a slightly smaller 18-inch rear wheel remains the preferred formula wrapping dual-purpose rubber. A TFT instrumentation unit is expected to provide navigation support, smartphone pairing and connected functionality. Electronic assistance systems could comprise selectable riding programmes, traction management, electronic throttle control, switchable ABS and cruise control.
A rally-inspired profile, prominent wind protection, protective underbody elements, extended side panels and a commanding riding position will be other key highlights. It will likely make its global debut later this year before going on sale in India challenging machines such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 390 Adventure and the TVS Apache RTX 300.
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