Upcoming Hero Xpulse 421 spotted testing again

A fresh video of the Hero Xpulse 421 testing has surfaced online, giving us another look at what is shaping up to be Hero’s most ambitious adventure motorcycle yet. The latest test mule appears largely unchanged from the one spotted last month. Here’s a roundup of everything we know so far. 

1. Xpulse 421 will use an all-new liquid-cooled engine
2. Features a large TFT display, new switchgear, riding modes and cruise control
3. Advanced-stage prototype suggests an EICMA 2026 debut is possible

Hero Xpulse 421: What we know so far

The Xpulse 421 sits on an all-new chassis with off-road-focused hardware

The Xpulse 421 is an all-new motorcycle, sharing nothing with the existing Xpulse 200 or Xpulse 210. It is built around a tubular trellis frame housing a new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine expected to displace around 400cc or slightly more. While Hero is yet to reveal performance figures, an output in the region of 40hp and 40Nm would place it right in the heart of the segment. 

The bike features long-travel USD front suspension and a rear monoshock, while riding on wire-spoke wheels shod with tubed tyres. The front appears to be a 21-inch unit, while the rear looks to be a 17-inch wheel rather than the 18-inch setup used on the Xpulse 200 and 210. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both ends, with a radially mounted front caliper. 

The feature list also appears comprehensive. A large TFT display is clearly visible, complemented by an all-new switchgear layout. A dedicated mode button on the left-hand switch cube points to multiple riding modes, while a cruise control toggle on the right-hand switch cube confirms that feature will also be offered.

The overall design is unmistakably adventure-focused, with a tall windscreen, substantial bodywork and a chunky upswept exhaust. The prototype appears to be in an advanced stage of development, with most of the chassis hardware and body panels seemingly production-ready, suggesting this is no longer an early development mule. An EICMA 2026 debut appears likely, with a market launch expected to follow, possibly in 2027. When it does arrive, expect Hero to position the Xpulse 421 in the Rs 2.70 lakh to Rs 2.90 lakh bracket, where it will rival the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure S.

Image source: Motorbeam