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**Krishna Gopal Das** · 10-18-2014, 04:25 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by nirvan View Post

From what I understand, this is not an easy procedure, the donor vehicle will have to be declared as scrap first and taken off the RTA records. The number on the donor engine can then be changed to match the number on the Impulse engine. There is no 'official' way to do this, I plan to try this out for a little while and revert to stock.

So, I have the following questions regarding ZMA engine in Impulse:

1) does the mounting fit exactly?

2) Will the ECU need to be changed? And if so, will it work with Impulse tachometer?

3) Air filter/carb? I am guessing use karizmas carb, in that case, will it fit to attach to impulse air filter box? Or if impulse carb is used, will it fit/work on zma engine?

4) exhaust. As impulse has unique to indian bikes exhaust system, will stock impulse exhaust fit to zma engine? Is the diameter of exhaust mouth same on both engines?

5) sprockets. What size sprocket to be used on engine side? Stay with stock impulse or zma?

Thanks in advance for taking your time to reply.

Sent from my HTC Desire C using xBhp Connect mobile app

**nirvan** · 10-18-2014, 06:17 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Answers inline:

Originally posted by Krishna Gopal Das View Post

So, I have the following questions regarding ZMA engine in Impulse:

1) does the mounting fit exactly?

Yes, except for where the head is attached to the frame on top, this needs some adjustment/mods since the ZMA head has a wider clamp (about half an inch IIRC). Either the ZMA head has to be shaved off or a new clamp has to be made.

2) Will the ECU need to be changed? And if so, will it work with Impulse tachometer?

I have heard from a reliable source who has performed this mod on two bikes that:
i. The CDI of the Impulse works just as well on the ZMA engine on one bike.
ii. On the other (first) bike, the CDI of the ZMA has been used.
Using the ZMA CDI involves jugaad, dicing and splicing or the use of a ZMA wiring harness. (yet to find out for myself)

3) Air filter/carb? I am guessing use karizmas carb, in that case, will it fit to attach to impulse air filter box? Or if impulse carb is used, will it fit/work on zma engine?

The ZMA carb is best. AFAIK both bikes use a 28mm Keihin CV, but the ZMA carb is slightly different and obviously uses different jets. The ZMA carb will fit without a fuss into the Impulse at both ends. However, the ZMA uses two wires for the throttle cable and Impulse uses only one. Using just one cable will not be a problem except perhaps the spring action on the cable will be reduced (I guess) and perhaps the cable life will be shorter. If you want two cables then the use of the ZMA switchgear is needed and this in turn will necessitate wiring mods/changes.

4) exhaust. As impulse has unique to indian bikes exhaust system, will stock impulse exhaust fit to zma engine? Is the diameter of exhaust mouth same on both engines?

The ZMA exhaust port is larger and its pipe has a thicker diameter. The Impulse pipe is narrow in the beginning and widens before it attaches itself to the exhaust can. The Impulse has a two-piece exhaust, either some cutting/welding is required to attach a ZMA sized header end or a new header pipe has to be made in whole or part. Removal of the cat-con from the Impulse can is advised for better performance. The simplest mod from what I've understood is to lop-off the end of the ZMA header and weld it onto the Impulse header pipe. Cannot comment on performance issues.

5) sprockets. What size sprocket to be used on engine side? Stay with stock impulse or zma?

Stay with stock at the cost of top speed, but enjoy the low and and mid-range grunt. Not sure of the actual performance of other options. I plan to experiment later if needed.

Thanks in advance for taking your time to reply.

You're welcome!

I'll post some details when I get my installation started. I have tons of doubts and questions myself, especially about the wiring and my plan to use the ZMA DC system. Anyone here with knowledge of these matters, please chip-in!

Here's some reading meanwhile:

Hero Impulse with Karizma engine tested Page - 1| ZigWheels.com

Question of my own:

Anyone know of the procedure to remove the catalytic converter from an Impulse/ZMA?

**nirvan** · 10-19-2014, 12:49 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by Krishna Gopal Das View Post

Stuck an HID angel eye projector on an impulse, works like a charm.

Could you explain how this installation was done.

**Krishna Gopal Das** · 10-19-2014, 01:54 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by nirvan View Post

Could you explain how this installation was done.

My mechanic did it, but all I know is that he converted the bike to DC (not a difficult task, involved cutting and joining a few wires, as fas as I was told). Then connecting HID kit is pretty simple, it explains in manual or a decent mechanic must know how to do it. As for projector angel eye, it was a bit tricky as we had to open the headlight assembly to insert it and then seal it back with silicone sealant.

But you can get a direct plug-n-play HID that is not a projector and fits into your regular H4 socket of the stock bulb.

HID in my opinion is much better then halogen.

Sent from my HTC Desire C using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Ankitvile** · 10-19-2014, 11:28 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

So, just did a 1000km trip across the lesser himalayas. From 6000ft to 11000ft above sea level.
Mountain roads bad patches and all what impulse could take...it went through all of it.
Though i completed it nicely but not on performance terms.
It was 7000kms on the ODO when i was riding at around 8000ft i guess and the engine started to miss around 4000rpm. This shit went more bad while going up the gradients. Steeper ones more more pain in the ass. This went on and on...and riding on mountains wasnt fun anymore with hiccups and engine missing all across the rpm.
Later i also noticed black smoke out of exhaust when revved high.
The bike climbed bad and ran bad with full of hiccups and missing. Even now back at 6000Ft....its still doing that.

Now this can be due to following reasons :

1) The height above sea level is causing low oxygen levels and thus black smoke and engine hiccups. But at 10000ft it can happen upto dome extent...not what i experienced yesterday at mere 6000Ft. Im wondering how Impulse might even do ladakh at 18000Ft.

2) Or the stock filter has gone kaput now...because last tine i opened it around 5000-6000km it was dirty and not in fine condition. But hero claims replacement of the same at 15000kms (Bullshit acc to me).
So probably the filter choking might be causing low air to pass through it.

Will get it rectified soon. Havent seen the slark plug reading yet. Will go through the carb settings too.

And one thing is for sure...the hero recommendations as per the mannual and the stock calibration on the engine doesnt suits all and needs to be looked upon closely.

**bavlo** · 10-20-2014, 12:00 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by Krishna Gopal Das View Post

My mechanic did it, but all I know is that he converted the bike to DC (not a difficult task, involved cutting and joining a few wires, as fas as I was told). Then connecting HID kit is pretty simple, it explains in manual or a decent mechanic must know how to do it. As for projector angel eye, it was a bit tricky as we had to open the headlight assembly to insert it and then seal it back with silicone sealant.

But you can get a direct plug-n-play HID that is not a projector and fits into your regular H4 socket of the stock bulb.

HID in my opinion is much better then halogen.

Sent from my HTC Desire C using xBhp Connect mobile app

Please upload some pictures with light on. I am up for a HID installation. It will be of great help if a detailed illustration of installation is available. Thanks.

Sent from my MI 3W using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Krishna Gopal Das** · 10-20-2014, 12:29 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by bavlo View Post

Please upload some pictures with light on. I am up for a HID installation. It will be of great help if a detailed illustration of installation is available. Thanks.

Sent from my MI 3W using xBhp Connect mobile app

I am sure that the DIY section of the site would have some detailed description as to how to wire ones HID, have a look there. Even if its not impulse, at least you will get the idea on how to do it, and together with your mechanic I am sure you will succeed.

As for pictures - will upload some later on today.

Sorry, I am too busy to make a tutorial on how to install an HID yourself. Maybe someone else cab help?

Sent from my HTC Desire C using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Ankitvile** · 10-21-2014, 04:38 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Coneset and front disc pad change intervals?? Although it depends on factors still a Rough figure might help !

**trnaren** · 10-22-2014, 02:07 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by Ankitvile View Post

So, just did a 1000km trip across the lesser himalayas. From 6000ft to 11000ft above sea level.
Mountain roads bad patches and all what impulse could take...it went through all of it.
Though i completed it nicely but not on performance terms.
It was 7000kms on the ODO when i was riding at around 8000ft i guess and the engine started to miss around 4000rpm. This shit went more bad while going up the gradients. Steeper ones more more pain in the ass. This went on and on...and riding on mountains wasnt fun anymore with hiccups and engine missing all across the rpm.
Later i also noticed black smoke out of exhaust when revved high.
The bike climbed bad and ran bad with full of hiccups and missing. Even now back at 6000Ft....its still doing that.

Now this can be due to following reasons :

1) The height above sea level is causing low oxygen levels and thus black smoke and engine hiccups. But at 10000ft it can happen upto dome extent...not what i experienced yesterday at mere 6000Ft. Im wondering how Impulse might even do ladakh at 18000Ft.

2) Or the stock filter has gone kaput now...because last tine i opened it around 5000-6000km it was dirty and not in fine condition. But hero claims replacement of the same at 15000kms (Bullshit acc to me).
So probably the filter choking might be causing low air to pass through it.

Will get it rectified soon. Havent seen the slark plug reading yet. Will go through the carb settings too.

And one thing is for sure...the hero recommendations as per the mannual and the stock calibration on the engine doesnt suits all and needs to be looked upon closely.

I took my impulse to spiti valley from shimla and faced similar issues above 8000 ft... I did the indian jugaad and punched 5-6 HOLES in the air filter and it was perfect... when I returned I replaced the filter

Sent from my GT-I9300 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**bharath316** · 10-22-2014, 04:21 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Rode my Impulse in this year's Raid the Himalaya in Xtreme category.

**trnaren** · 10-22-2014, 05:30 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by bharath316 View Post

Rode my Impulse in this year's Raid the Himalaya in Xtreme category.

Fantastic... how did it go for yo u and how did the impulse take it

Sent from my GT-I9300 using xBhp Connect mobile app

**Ankitvile** · 10-22-2014, 05:55 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by trnaren View Post

I took my impulse to spiti valley from shimla and faced similar issues above 8000 ft... I did the indian jugaad and punched 5-6 HOLES in the air filter and it was perfect... when I returned I replaced the filter

Sent from my GT-I9300 using xBhp Connect mobile app

Yaah ....probably the lack of air w.r.t fuel and the restrictive air box geometry is the culprit. The stock filter is weird too doesnt lasts 15000kms as per the mannual. Mine is clogged bigitme at 7000k on the ODO.

**Cleaner** · 10-22-2014, 08:11 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Does the exhaust cause any trouble to the pillion rider, both saree clad and ones who sit like boys?

**nirvan** · 10-23-2014, 08:02 AM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by Cleaner View Post

Does the exhaust cause any trouble to the pillion rider, both saree clad and ones who sit like boys?

Nope. There's no problem at all and the exhaust can doesn't get too hot anyway - it is insulated from within.

Originally posted by bharath316 View Post

Rode my Impulse in this year's Raid the Himalaya in Xtreme category.

Awesome, Bharath. How about telling us about it?

**Ankitvile** · 10-23-2014, 04:45 PM

Re: Hero Impulse ownership experience

Originally posted by bharath316 View Post

Rode my Impulse in this year's Raid the Himalaya in Xtreme category.

I see those fork braces ! How potent are they?? Worth the investment??

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