Hero will introduce Xtreme 200R and XPulse 200 initially before the re-entry of Karizma ZMR in India reportedly
Hero MotoCorp is still the leader in commuter segment even after ending its partnership with Honda, the Indian manufacturer was able to continue its growth in 100 cc and 125 cc segments. Hero lost considerable share in premium segment, as the products were too old to compete against fresh competitors.
Hero was the first manufacturer to launch a 150 cc bike in India, which is CBZ and then the company followed up with Karizma in 200 cc segment. Both products were successful in India but the introduction of Pulsar, Apache and Unicorn took the customers away from the brand.
Also Read: Flagship Hero Xtreme 200R – All You Need To Know
To regain the lost share, Hero MotoCorp is going to focus its effort on premium segment. Malo Le Massion, head of global product planning said that 70 percent of sales in premium segment are coming from products under Rs. 1 lakh, so the company is going to concentrate on this segment as they want more volumes.
Initially, Hero will introduce Xtreme 200R and XPulse 200, these motorcycles have already been revealed earlier this year. Soon after the launch of these bikes, Hero will re-introduce Karizma ZMR in India. Hero Xtreme 200R was first showcased in January and public debut took place in Auto Expo.
Also Read: Hero XPulse Adventure Bike To Make India Premiere At 2018 Auto Expo
The Xtreme 200R is developed at the Hero Centre of innovation and Technology in Jaipur and it is powered by an all new 199.6 cc single cylinder air cooled engine producing 18.6 hp of power at 8,000 rpm and 17.1 nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine is mated to 5 speed gearbox.
The engine is tuned for refinement and the riding position is not aggressive. The braking duties are done by 276 mm front disc and 220 mm disc at the rear, the company is offering single channel ABS system as an option. Hero XPulse is the successor of Impulse which failed in the market because the adventure segment was not known in India much during that time.
The XPulse 200 is powered by the same engine and gearbox from Xtreme 200R. For off-roading, Hero has given telescopic front suspension with 190 mm stroke and 10 step adjustable gas charged mono-shocks at rear with 170 mm wheel travel. The XPulse doesn’t have a direct rival in India and it is going to be the most affordable adventure in India after its launch.
Source