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PRELUDE:
I rode to Kodachadri, one of the hills in Karnataka. Tough terrain. Dusty, slippery, red soil and rocky roads. Riding down was more difficult than riding up. My ride was Avenger, which was certainly not meant for such conditions. I ended up dropping my ride many times.
Primary reason: my skill to tackle such terrains. Secondary reason: My ride, which was not meant for such terrains.
But like many who use simple commuter machines for all sort of rides, right from Leh-Ladakh-Spiti terrains to Saddle sore challenges, I too have taken my machines to zones which were not suited for them. This is done due to many reasons, affordability to availability of niche machines.
I reckon we lacked availability of dirt bikes and Hero took the plunge by offering Impulse, which was not recognized when was on sale. My friends and I wanted to spice up our rides and by the time we decided upon getting an Impulse, it was taken off the market. But we noticed that resale value had gone up and we did not want to invest in used machines.
I patiently waited for such a niche machine. RE launched Himalayan. But following were the dampeners:
I continued to wait. Hero took the plunge again and launched Hero Xpulse. Not a proper dirt machine like what we have seen in KTMs sold abroad. But I don't need such beasts either as I am not going to use it like an Adam Reimann (watch his youtube channel Areimann1). I needed a basic off roading machine to explore terrains without inducing back ache. From what I have seen of Impulse and what I am seeing of Xpulse, I am sure that Xpulse will serve more than what I need.
So, it's my skill which will be at fault if I fail to extract the best out of this machine and explore some exciting terrains.
So, I decided to have Xpulse 200 in my stable. I booked one today in Bangalore. I was told that Motorcycles will be delivered by Hero to dealerships next week. Official launch in Bangalore is on May 15th. Booking amount is Rs. 500. Dealership: Prakash Hero.
I am inclined towards Xpulse 200 Carb version in Red.
I rode to Kodachadri, one of the hills in Karnataka. Tough terrain. Dusty, slippery, red soil and rocky roads. Riding down was more difficult than riding up. My ride was Avenger, which was certainly not meant for such conditions. I ended up dropping my ride many times.
Primary reason: my skill to tackle such terrains. Secondary reason: My ride, which was not meant for such terrains.
But like many who use simple commuter machines for all sort of rides, right from Leh-Ladakh-Spiti terrains to Saddle sore challenges, I too have taken my machines to zones which were not suited for them. This is done due to many reasons, affordability to availability of niche machines.
I reckon we lacked availability of dirt bikes and Hero took the plunge by offering Impulse, which was not recognized when was on sale. My friends and I wanted to spice up our rides and by the time we decided upon getting an Impulse, it was taken off the market. But we noticed that resale value had gone up and we did not want to invest in used machines.
I patiently waited for such a niche machine. RE launched Himalayan. But following were the dampeners:
- Weight: I firmly believe an off-roader should be light and easily maneuverable
- Reliability: No offence. Though I love the looks of RE machines and their ads, I have my own doubts about their reliability.
- Thrash around: A dirt machine should be able to sustain thrashing around and should be easy on pocket as well.I personally can't imagine taking a Tiger and crashing it multiple times, thanks to my amateurish off road riding skills.
- Beginner: My off road riding skills are amateurish. So, need a machine which can be forgivable, yet fun filled and improve my skills and confidence.
I continued to wait. Hero took the plunge again and launched Hero Xpulse. Not a proper dirt machine like what we have seen in KTMs sold abroad. But I don't need such beasts either as I am not going to use it like an Adam Reimann (watch his youtube channel Areimann1). I needed a basic off roading machine to explore terrains without inducing back ache. From what I have seen of Impulse and what I am seeing of Xpulse, I am sure that Xpulse will serve more than what I need.
So, it's my skill which will be at fault if I fail to extract the best out of this machine and explore some exciting terrains.
So, I decided to have Xpulse 200 in my stable. I booked one today in Bangalore. I was told that Motorcycles will be delivered by Hero to dealerships next week. Official launch in Bangalore is on May 15th. Booking amount is Rs. 500. Dealership: Prakash Hero.
I am inclined towards Xpulse 200 Carb version in Red.
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