If you are an adventure enthusiast, looking for an affordable and reliable adventure bike, you might have heard about Royal Enfield Himalayan and Hero Xpulse. Both bikes are designed to take you off-road and let you explore the unexplored. However, they have their differences, and in this blog, we will compare them side by side, so you can make an informed decision on which one is the right fit for you. Comparison between Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Hero Xpulse:
| Specification | Royal Enfield Himalayan | Hero Xpulse |
| Engine | 411cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled | 199.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 411 | 199.6 |
| Power | 24.3 bhp | 17.8 bhp |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 16.45 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Weight | 199 kg | 157 kg |
| Seat Height (mm) | 800 | 823 |
| Bike Weight (kg) | 199 | 157 |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 150 | 125 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 220 | 220 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | 15 | 13 |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | 300 mm disc / 240 mm disc | 276 mm disc / 220 mm disc |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | Telescopic forks / Monoshock | Telescopic forks / Monoshock |
| Power (bhp) | 24.3 | 17.8 |
| Price (ex-showroom Delhi) | Starts at Rs 2.07 lakh | Starts at Rs 1.17 lakh |
As we can see from the table, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has a bigger engine with more power and torque. It also has bigger brakes and is heavier than the Hero Xpulse. However, the Xpulse is more affordable and lighter, making it easier to handle off-road. Let's dive deeper into their features and performance to see which one suits your needs.
Design and Build:
Both bikes have a similar design with high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and a tall windscreen. However, the Royal Enfield Himalayan has a more classic look with a round headlamp and a spoked wheel, while the Hero Xpulse has a more modern look with LED lights and alloy wheels. The Himalayan is also bigger and bulkier than the Xpulse, which can make it challenging to handle in tight spaces. However, the Himalayan's bigger size also means it has a bigger fuel tank, which can take you further on your adventure.
Engine and Performance:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a single-cylinder 411 cc engine, while the Hero Xpulse has a single-cylinder 199.6 cc engine. The Royal Enfield Himalayan's 411cc engine produces 24.3 bhp of power and 32 Nm of torque, making it a more powerful bike than the Hero Xpulse, which has a 199.6cc engine that produces 17.8 bhp of power and 16.45 Nm of torque. This means that the Himalayan can climb hills and tackle rough terrain more easily than the Xpulse. However, the Xpulse's engine is more refined and has better fuel efficiency, making it a better choice for city riding.
Seat Height:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a seat height of 800 mm, while the Hero Xpulse has a slightly higher seat height of 823 mm. Riders with shorter inseams may find it easier to handle the Himalayan due to its lower seat height.
Bike Weight:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan weighs 199 kg, while the Hero Xpulse weighs 157 kg. The lighter weight of the Xpulse makes it easier to handle on the trails and maneuver in tight spots.
Top Speed:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a top speed of 150 km/h, while the Hero Xpulse has a top speed of 125 km/h. Riders who prioritize speed may prefer the Himalayan.
Ground Clearance:
Both the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Hero Xpulse have a ground clearance of 220 mm. This high ground clearance is necessary to navigate rocky terrain and steep inclines.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a larger fuel tank capacity of 15 liters, while the Hero Xpulse has a 13-liter tank. This means that the Himalayan can travel farther on a single tank of fuel.
Suspension and Brakes:
Both bikes have a similar suspension setup with telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. However, the Himalayan's suspension has a longer travel, making it more capable of tackling rough terrain. The Himalayan also has bigger brakes, with a 300 mm disc at the front and a 240 mm disc at the rear, providing better-stopping power than the Xpulse's 276 mm front disc and 220 mm rear disc.
Ergonomics:
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has a more upright riding position, with a wide handlebar and a comfortable seat, making it more suitable for long rides. The Hero Xpulse, on the other hand, has a more aggressive riding position, with a narrower handlebar and a narrower seat, which might not be as comfortable for long rides but provides better control over the bike on off-road terrain.
Price:
The Hero Xpulse is more affordable than the Royal Enfield Himalayan, with a starting price of Rs 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) compared to the Himalayan's starting price of Rs 2.07 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This makes the Xpulse a more accessible option for those on a budget, while the Himalayan offers better features and performance for those who are willing to invest more in their adventure bike.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, both the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Hero Xpulse are capable adventure bikes that offer good value for money. The Himalayan is more powerful and capable of tackling rough terrain, with a more classic design and bigger fuel tank, making it a better option for longer rides. The Xpulse, on the other hand, is more affordable and lighter, with a more modern design and better fuel efficiency, making it a better option for city riding and for those who are new to off-road adventures. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and needs, so we recommend taking both bikes for a test ride to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your riding style.
