The stage at EICMA 2025, Milan, witnessed a proud moment for Indian motorcycling as Hero MotoCorp unveiled the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition — a rally-bred version of its latest adventure motorcycle.
Built to honor Hero’s Dakar Rally heritage, this model brings serious off-road credentials, high-performance suspension, and rugged styling, all while retaining the accessibility and affordability the XPulse nameplate is known for.
For enthusiasts in India, this reveal is more than just another variant — it’s Hero’s declaration that the country’s largest two-wheeler maker is ready to take on the premium adventure segment with genuine engineering upgrades and global presence.
1. The EICMA 2025 Showcase — Hero’s Global Leap
At EICMA 2025, Hero MotoCorp made one of its most significant global appearances ever. The brand showcased a combination of ICE and electric models, including the Hero XPulse 210 Dakar Edition and multiple new Vida electric scooters.
The event marked Hero’s growing confidence in exporting its adventure identity to the world.
The XPulse 210 Dakar Edition stood out not only as an upgrade to the regular XPulse 210 but as a genuine representation of Hero’s motorsport DNA. It channels experience from the Hero MotoSports Rally Team, which competes in the grueling Dakar Rally — the toughest endurance race on earth.
With this unveiling, Hero moved from being a domestic commuter leader to a global adventure contender.
2. Design and Styling — Inspired by Dakar Rally Machines
Visually, the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition is a step above the standard version. The design borrows cues from Hero’s rally bikes that participate in international competitions, blending aggression with function.
Highlights of the Dakar Design:
- Striking red, white, and black “Dakar” livery, inspired by the Hero Rally Team colors.
- Redesigned taller windscreen and rally-style front fender for better aerodynamics.
- Knobby off-road tyres mounted on spoked wheels, replacing dual-purpose tyres.
- Larger bash plate, improved engine protection, and off-road-oriented ergonomics.
- Long-travel suspension setup giving it a much taller and muscular stance.
Every element serves a purpose. The frame geometry, seat height, and ground clearance are tuned to deliver true off-road performance, not just visual flair.
The result is a motorcycle that looks and feels ready for Dakar trails right off the showroom floor.
👉 See full breakdown of Hero Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition design, features, and equipment upgrades
3. Engine and Performance
Under the bodywork, the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition uses the same 210 cc engine as the standard XPulse 210 — a unit derived from the Karizma XMR.
Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 210 cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, DOHC, single-cylinder
- Power: 24.2 bhp
- Torque: 20.7 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed, slip-and-assist clutch
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled with improved radiator ducting for trail use
While the power output remains the same, Hero has reworked the ECU mapping for smoother throttle delivery and more predictable power control on uneven terrain.
That means while the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition shares the same engine block, it feels more manageable off-road, with optimized low-end torque and engine braking.
It’s not about more power — it’s about better control. That’s what separates a commuter ADV from a rally bike.
👉 See full breakdown of Hero Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition engine, performance, and off-road capability
4. Suspension and Ground Clearance — True Dakar DNA
Here’s where the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition really earns its name.
According to Hero, the Dakar Edition features 280 mm of suspension travel at both ends — significantly higher than the standard XPulse 210. This gives riders exceptional control and flexibility over broken trails and rugged surfaces.
| Component | Standard XPulse 210 | XPulse 210 Dakar Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension | 37 mm telescopic forks | 43 mm fully adjustable forks (280 mm travel) |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock, 200 mm travel | Adjustable mono-shock (280 mm travel) |
| Ground Clearance | ~220 mm | 270 mm |
| Tyres | Dual-purpose | Knobby off-road tyres |
| Seat Height | ~830 mm | Higher (est. 860–880 mm) |
This setup provides massive improvements in terrain absorption and stability, allowing riders to handle steep inclines, mud tracks, or rocky paths with ease.
With this configuration, the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition now offers the highest ground clearance and suspension travel in its class — even above some 300 cc ADVs.
5. Equipment and Features
Hero’s new Dakar Edition is as modern in features as it is rugged in design. Borrowing heavily from the XPulse 210, it gets a comprehensive feature package that blends technology and touring practicality.
Key Features Include:
- Full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation.
- Bluetooth-enabled ride analytics and call/SMS alerts.
- Three ABS modes – Road, Off-road, and Rally (for complete rear ABS deactivation).
- All-LED lighting setup for better night visibility.
- USB charging port and side-stand engine cut-off.
- Engine bash plate, knuckle guards, and optional pannier mounts for touring.
It’s a setup that balances everyday usability with genuine trail-readiness, something rarely seen under the ₹2 lakh mark.
6. XPulse 210 On-Road Price and Variants
According to industry reports and Hero’s internal projections, the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition will be priced competitively against rivals while maintaining Hero’s “value adventure” positioning.
| Model | Ex-Showroom Price (Est.) | On-Road Price (Delhi) | Launch Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| XPulse 210 Standard | ₹1.62 lakh | ₹1.80 lakh | On sale |
| XPulse 210 Dakar Edition | ₹1.85 – ₹1.90 lakh | ₹2.05 – ₹2.10 lakh | Late 2025 |
Launch & Booking Details
As per Bikewale’s EICMA 2025 report, Hero MotoCorp has confirmed that the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition will be launched in India later this year, following its global showcase in Milan.
Bookings are expected to open around December 2025, with deliveries beginning early in 2026.
Hero will position it as the top-spec variant in the XPulse lineup, sitting above the current XPulse 210 Pro and standard versions.
This means Indian adventure enthusiasts won’t have to wait long — the rally edition is coming home soon.
👉 See full breakdown of Hero Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition price, variants, and India launch timeline
7. Comparison — XPulse 210 Dakar Edition vs Standard XPulse 210
| Category | XPulse 210 Standard | XPulse 210 Dakar Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 210 cc liquid-cooled | Same 210 cc |
| Power | 24.2 bhp | 24.2 bhp |
| Torque | 20.7 Nm | 20.7 Nm |
| Suspension | 200 mm travel | 280 mm adjustable travel |
| Ground Clearance | 220 mm | 270 mm |
| Seat Height | 830 mm | Higher (est. 860–880 mm) |
| Tyres | Dual-purpose | Knobby off-road |
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1.62 lakh | ₹1.85–1.90 lakh |
In short, while the base XPulse 210 remains the all-rounder for city and light trail use, the Dakar Edition is the enthusiast’s choice — meant for riders who want to tackle dirt tracks, off-road rallies, and serious adventure routes.
8. Hero Hunk 440 — Hero’s Other Big EICMA 2025 Reveal
The Hero Hunk 440 also made headlines at EICMA 2025. Built on the same platform as the Hero Mavrick 440, it marks Hero’s entry into the premium retro segment.
Powered by a 440 cc single-cylinder engine (27 bhp, 36 Nm), the Hunk 440 is positioned against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Honda CB350.
Together, the Hero XPulse 210 Dakar Edition and Hunk 440 represent Hero’s two-pronged strategy:
- XPulse 210 Dakar Edition → Off-road and adventure riders.
- Hunk 440 → Premium classic roadster audience.
This diversification shows Hero’s growing ambition to be more than just a commuter manufacturer.
9. Rivals and Segment Positioning
The XPulse 210 Dakar Edition will take on rivals like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 250 Adventure, and Yezdi Adventure — all of which sit higher in price.
| Model | Engine | Power (PS) | Ground Clearance (mm) | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero XPulse 210 Dakar Edition | 210 cc | 24.2 | 270 | ₹1.90 L (est.) |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 452 cc | 40 | 230 | ₹2.85 L |
| KTM 250 Adventure | 248 cc | 30 | 200 | ₹2.46 L |
| Yezdi Adventure | 334 cc | 30 | 220 | ₹2.18 L |
For riders looking for the most affordable real adventure bike — with the backing of a massive service network — the XPulse Dakar will be unmatched in value.
👉 See full breakdown of Hero Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition vs rivals: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 250 Adventure & Yezdi Adventure
10. Hero’s Dakar Legacy — From Desert Racing to Indian Roads
The XPulse 210 Dakar Edition’s biggest strength is its direct connection to Hero’s rally experience.
The Hero MotoSports Rally Team has been competing in the Dakar Rally since 2017, regularly finishing in the top 10. That experience in durability, suspension geometry, and cooling efficiency directly influenced this motorcycle’s development.
Hero is also using Dakar branding strategically — not just as marketing, but as proof that its engineering is battle-tested in real-world rally conditions.
From Dakar dunes to Indian dirt roads, the XPulse 210 Dakar is the most authentic rally-inspired bike India has ever produced under ₹2 lakh.
👉 See full breakdown of Hero MotoCorp’s Dakar legacy and how it shaped the Xpulse 210 Dakar Edition
11. Real-World Impact — What It Means for Indian Riders
Urban Riders:
Still manageable for daily commutes, with lightweight handling and refined engine.
Adventure Enthusiasts:
Perfect for riders looking to graduate from the standard XPulse to something more serious without jumping to 400 cc+ bikes.
Tourers:
With optional panniers, comfortable ergonomics, and solid mileage, it’s a great fit for long-distance touring.
Younger Riders:
Offers that Dakar badge and rally styling — a visual and aspirational leap for those upgrading from 125–160 cc bikes.
12. Outlook — Hero’s Adventure Roadmap for 2026
Post EICMA 2025, Hero’s roadmap for India includes:
- XPulse 210 Dakar Edition – launch in late 2025.
- Hero Hunk 440 – launch in early 2026.
- XPulse 210 Adventure Pro – possibly a travel-oriented variant.
- New Vida EVs – expanding into urban electric mobility.
This confirms Hero’s balanced strategy — EV for cities, ICE for adventure.
FAQs — Hero XPulse 210 Dakar Edition
Q1. What is the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition?
It’s a rally-inspired version of the Hero XPulse 210 with longer suspension, 270 mm ground clearance, and Dakar livery.
Q2. What is the XPulse 210 on-road price in India?
The standard XPulse 210 costs around ₹1.80 lakh (on-road Delhi), while the Dakar Edition is expected around ₹2.05–2.10 lakh.
Q3. When will the XPulse 210 Dakar Edition launch in India?
Hero has confirmed it will launch in late 2025, with bookings opening by December 2025 and deliveries starting early 2026.
Q4. What are its rivals?
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, KTM 250 Adventure, and Yezdi Adventure.
Q5. Is Hero also launching the Hunk 440 in India?
Yes, the Hero Hunk 440 was also showcased at EICMA 2025 and is expected to debut in India in early 2026.
