- The Xpulse 210 is more cost-effective and offers a lot more options and convenience
- The KLX230 is lightweight, easy to use, and has an international dual sport designation
Hero Xpulse 210 and Kawasaki KLX230 are so similar in cost-performance balance that you’d have to stop and get a drink before making your decision. According to BikeWale, the cost of Xpulse 210 stands at Rs. 1,64,416, whereas KLX230 comes in at Rs. 1,84,010. These are both ex-showroom average prices, which implies that the latter is Rs. 20,000 more expensive than the former. However, it must be stated that even though it’s quite a difference, it may not really bother buyers in off-road riding segment much. However, it would be fair to say that the overall ownership cost of Xpulse 210 remains considerably better than KLX230. After all, it comes with better service network, lower operating costs and proves itself to be a much better choice for everyday ride as well. In essence, KLX230 sells you an image. It offers you a light and slim dual sport bike, which carries the name of Kawasaki. And yes, its Kawasaki name counts a lot in Indian market. For your reference, here are some quick specs of both bikes available on our comparison page.
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What makes the Xpulse 210 better is that it is based on an Indian design which is somewhat under-appreciated as far as its initial entry into the market goes. What the old Impulse design was trying to establish was a bike that had all the features of a light, friendly, economical and efficient bike that could travel through terrain where regular road bikes had trouble going. One has to believe that the market has grown up since then and is able to appreciate the new Xpulse 210. With more efficiency and improved engine performance, along with superior equipment and long-distance capabilities, the new bike also has a bigger 13-litre capacity fuel tank which helps improve the range of the vehicle. Ground clearance of 220mm and seating height of 830mm, which is more than the Kawi version, along with kerb weights of 168kg and 170kg respectively, do make it heavier.
Everything about KLX230 is to offer a pure off-roading experience without worrying about breaking it when playing around since all you need is that much. A dual-purpose motorcycle with a 233cc engine, lightweight construction, long-wheel travel and decent ground clearance makes riding it very fun under difficult conditions. 240 mm ground clearance and a 133 kg curbed weight highlight the motorcycle’s off-road capabilities. However, you must take into account the 845 mm seat height and diminutive 7.6 litres fuel tank capacity. Nonetheless, the motorcycle boasts of adjustable preload Uni-Trak rear suspension with a wheel travel of 200mm up front and 223 mm at the rear to keep you occupied. It is considerably lighter than the Hero model, and that really counts on unpaved surfaces
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At face value, at least, the Xpulse 210 is definitely the one with the better engine for India’s mixed-use riding scenario. This is because the Xpulse 210‘s 210cc engine has a power output of 24.2bhp and a torque output of 20.7Nm, whereas the KLX230’s 233cc single has a power output of 18.37bhp and torque output of 18.3Nm. The Xpulse 210 should therefore provide plenty of oomph in terms of top speed on the highways, making it more suitable for touring purposes.
The Kawasaki KLX230 will definitely outrun its competitors when it comes to going off-road. The reason being that it is a much lighter motorcycle, and hence faster off the mark. Being light, it will be easier to maneuver while standing, change directions instantly, and get back up in case you fell down from your bike. It will also be easier due to its single camshaft configuration in the lower ranges of the rpm band. The Xpulse 210 has more power than the KLX230, and an increased fuel capacity. However, with its heavy kerb weight of 168kg-170kg, the Xpulse becomes harder to handle off road.
The Xpulse 210 will also be more appropriate for novices when it comes to offroad trails. Our test revealed that the Xpulse is a relatively simple and forgiving motorcycle. While the KLX230 will appreciate the rider’s willingness to explore more rugged terrains such as dirt trails, forest roads, village roads and technical terrain, rather than highway rides.
The electronic suite will again be biased towards Hero since it serves many more potential buyers. The Xpulse 210 has ABS with three modes: Road, Off-road and Rally. There is a TFT cluster, Bluetooth calling and text message notifications as well as turn-by-turn navigation. However, things get quite a bit easier with the KLX230 having only ABS, LCD dashboard, and minimal trail electronics.
In most cases, the Hero Xpulse 210 makes a more viable option than the KLX230. It is relatively cheap, more powerful, better-equipped, has a bigger fuel capacity, and will be easy to service via Hero’s extensive network of maintenance outlets. Furthermore, it works better for individuals who require a bike that is capable of handling both urban commuting and weekend breakfast trips, while at the same time being able to handle broken roads, village terrain, hills, and even some light trail riding.
However, the KLX230 would appeal to someone who cares more about the light weight than equipment or features. It is a scalpel for those riders who have known that real trail biking is all about having control and confidence, rather than about horsepower. In addition to that, the KLX230 comes with a smaller fuel tank, which can accommodate only 7.6 litres and is higher than the Hero Xpulse’s one. Thus, for a rider looking for a legitimate and powerful Kawasaki motorcycle for adventure rides, this model has a special attraction that the Hero cannot give.
Finally, there is one more alternative for a potential rider, who wants a rugged dual-sport motorcycle for riding in the city and going on tours, but does not really want to ride in any kind of difficult conditions, such as rough trails. Xpulse 200 4V with the similar price and functionality would be the best choice because it can satisfy all the needs of such a rider.
