Key highlights
- Hero MotoCorp has teased the upcoming Xpulse 421 ahead of its expected EICMA 2026 unveiling on November 3.
- The new adventure motorcycle will get an all-new 421cc liquid-cooled engine and a brand-new chassis.
- It will rival the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure when it arrives in India, likely in 2027.
Hero MotoCorp has released a fresh teaser of the upcoming Xpulse 421, hinting at its global debut at EICMA 2026 in Milan. The motorcycle has been in development for some time and has been spotted testing on several occasions, including in Ladakh. It will become Hero’s flagship adventure motorcycle, sitting above the Xpulse 210.
The teaser features the motorcycle being ridden across challenging terrain, along with visuals of Hero’s rally racing programme. .
Powertrain
The Xpulse 421 will be powered by an all-new, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine displacing approximately 421 cc. Hero has not revealed its output figures yet, but the motor is expected to produce around 40-47 hp and will likely be paired with a six-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle will also use a new steel trellis frame. Spy shots from its Ladakh testing runs have revealed an adventure-focused setup with an inverted front fork, rear monoshock, wire-spoke wheels and a high-mounted exhaust. A 21-inch front wheel is expected, while the rear wheel is likely to be an 18-inch unit.
The overall design is considerably more substantial than the Xpulse 210. It features a tall windscreen, muscular fuel tank, upright riding position and a conventional front mudguard. The high-mounted exhaust and long-travel suspension should also help it tackle rough terrain.
More features and technology expected
The test motorcycles have also revealed a large TFT instrument console and updated switchgear. Expected features include Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, multiple riding modes and cruise control.
Traction control, switchable ABS and a bidirectional quickshifter are also possibilities, although Hero has not confirmed the complete equipment list. The final specifications will become clearer at the motorcycle’s unveiling.
India launch and expected rivals
The Hero Xpulse 421 is expected to reach Indian showrooms sometime in 2027. Its expected price is between Rs 2.70 lakh and Rs 2.90 lakh, ex-showroom, although this remains an estimate.
Once launched, it will compete with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure, entering one of the more competitive adventure motorcycle segments in the country
Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 debuts: Cruise control, TCS, twin-disc brakes
