The Indian motorcycle market has seen tremendous growth in the adventure touring segment over the past few years. Riders today are not just looking for city commuters; they want motorcycles that can conquer highways, trails, and mountains with equal ease. Recognizing this demand, Hero MotoCorp has expanded its popular Xpulse family with the launch of the Hero Xpulse 421 Review.
This new ADV is designed to take Hero into a more premium category, directly competing with bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM Adventure 390. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the design, performance, features, off-road capability, touring comfort, pricing, and overall value of the Hero Xpulse 421.
Hero Xpulse 421 Review Design and Build Quality
Muscular ADV Styling
The Hero Xpulse 421 is a true adventure motorcycle in terms of looks. Unlike the smaller Xpulse 200, which felt more entry-level, the 421 comes with a rugged and commanding presence.
Key design elements include:
- Tall stance with long-travel suspension
- LED headlamp with DRLs
- Tall windscreen for wind protection
- Upswept exhaust for water wading
- Wide handlebars for better control
Build Quality
- Sturdy trellis frame chassis for durability
- Skid plate for engine protection
- Crash guards (optional accessories)
- High ground clearance for off-road trails
Hero has clearly built this motorcycle to withstand tough terrains and long rides.
Hero Xpulse 421 Review Engine and Performance
The Heart of the Beast
The Hero Xpulse 421 is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 421cc engine, developed in-house.
Specifications (approximate, as per reports):
- Power: ~40 bhp
- Torque: ~35 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
Real-World Performance
- Smooth power delivery for city and highway rides
- Strong low-end torque, making it ideal for off-road climbing
- Comfortable cruising at 100–120 km/h
- Refined engine compared to earlier Hero models
Hero has ensured that the Xpulse 421 bridges the gap between commuter reliability and adventure excitement.
Hero Xpulse 421 Review Suspension and Handling
Adventure motorcycles demand suspension setups that can tackle both highways and trails. The Hero Xpulse 421 delivers exactly that.
- Front: 43mm USD forks with long travel
- Rear: Monoshock with preload adjustability
- Ground Clearance: 220mm+
- Wheel Setup: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear
This combination makes the Xpulse 421 capable of:
- Tackling potholes and rough roads with ease
- Handling dirt trails and off-road routes confidently
- Providing stability during long highway rides
Hero Xpulse 421 Review Braking and Safety
Hero has equipped the Xpulse 421 with modern braking and safety features:
- Front Brake: 300mm disc with dual-channel ABS
- Rear Brake: 240mm disc with switchable ABS
- ABS modes for road and off-road conditions
The braking setup ensures confidence-inspiring control, whether on highways or dirt trails.
Features and Technology
The Hero Xpulse 421 doesn’t hold back on features, especially considering its adventure touring focus.
- Full-color TFT display with Bluetooth & navigation
- Ride modes (Road / Off-road / Rain)
- USB charging port
- All-LED lighting system
- Slipper clutch for smooth gearshifts
- Adjustable windscreen for touring comfort
Hero has smartly integrated both practical touring features and off-road essentials, making it versatile for all riders.
Touring Comfort
Long-distance touring is one of the main reasons riders choose ADVs. The Hero Xpulse 421 provides:
- Comfortable upright riding posture
- Spacious and cushioned split seats
- Wide handlebars with hand guards
- Large 15–18L fuel tank (expected, for long range)
With these features, the Xpulse 421 can cover 400–450 km on a full tank, making it suitable for cross-country touring.
Off-Road Capabilities
This is where the Xpulse family shines, and the 421 takes it to the next level.
- High ground clearance + long-travel suspension = excellent off-road balance
- Knobby tyres for grip on dirt trails
- Lightweight compared to heavier ADVs in the same class
- Switchable ABS for better off-road control
Riders can confidently take the Xpulse 421 into mountains, forests, and desert trails.
Mileage and Efficiency
Adventure bikes are not only about power; efficiency matters for long rides. The Xpulse 421 offers:
- Mileage: ~28–32 km/l (highway)
- Mileage: ~25–28 km/l (city)
- Fuel efficiency that’s better than KTM ADV 390, making it cost-effective for daily and touring use.
Pricing and Variants
The Hero Xpulse 421 is expected to be priced at ₹2.6 – ₹2.8 lakh (ex-showroom).
Variants may include:
- Standard Variant – Basic touring and off-road kit
- Pro Variant – Extra accessories (crash guards, pannier mounts, taller windscreen)
This aggressive pricing puts it directly against Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and undercuts the KTM Adventure 390.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable ADV in the 400–450cc segment
- Strong engine with refined performance
- Excellent off-road capability
- Comfortable for long rides
- Modern features (TFT, Bluetooth, ride modes)
Cons
- Lacks premium brand image of KTM/RE
- Limited service support in remote areas initially
- Slight vibrations at higher RPMs (as per test rides)
Competition
The Hero Xpulse 421 competes in India’s hottest ADV segment:
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 – Strong brand presence, retro ADV styling, powerful engine
- KTM Adventure 390 – Performance-focused ADV with high-tech features
- Yezdi Adventure – Classic adventure styling with affordability
- BMW G 310 GS – Premium but expensive option
Hero’s advantage lies in pricing, reliability, and off-road focus.
Who Should Buy the Hero Xpulse 421?
This bike is perfect for:
- Riders upgrading from smaller ADVs (Xpulse 200, Himalayan 411)
- Touring enthusiasts looking for affordable long-distance capability
- Adventure seekers who ride off-road frequently
- Daily commuters who also love weekend rides
Conclusion
The Hero Xpulse 421 is a milestone for Hero MotoCorp, taking the brand into the serious adventure touring category. With its rugged design, powerful 421cc engine, advanced features, and off-road focus, it is a well-rounded package for Indian riders.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure bike with reliability and practicality, the Hero Xpulse 421 is one of the best options in 2025. It may not match the premium feel of KTM, but it balances performance, affordability, and versatility—a true adventure companion for Indian roads and trails.
