Honda 2Wheelers India has recently forayed into the entry-level adventure segment with the Hornet 2.0-based CB200X motorcycle. Priced at Rs 1,44,500 (ex-showroom Gurugram), Honda calls it a “perfect urban explorer”. That means it's not an off-roading-biased adventure motorcycle like the highly popular Hero XPulse 200. Nevertheless, both the two-wheelers closely share their specifications. However, at Rs 1.21 lakh (ex-showroom), the XPulse 200 has an edge in terms of pricing. So, is it worth spending Rs 23,700 extra on the CB200X? Let's find the answer: –
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Dimensions: –
Honda CB200X | Hero XPulse 200 | |
Length | 2,035mm | 2,222mm |
Width | 843mm | 850mm |
Height | 1,248mm | 1,258mm |
Wheelbase | 1355mm | 1410mm |
Ground clearance | 167mm | 220mm |
Fuel tank capacity | 12 litres | 13 litres |
Seat height | 810mm | 823mm |
Wheels Size | 17-inch | 21-inch (F), 18-inch (R) |
Kerb weight | 147kg | 157kg |
The CB200X is smaller in length and has a shorter wheelbase than the XPulse 200, which means it will be easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Also, it is 10kg lighter and has a lower saddle height, which makes it further accessible for riders with shorter built. On the other hand, the bigger wheel size, high-ground clearance and higher seat height of the Hero XPulse 200 make it ideal for the rough terrains and you can take it on to explore undiscovered territories without worrying too much.
Engine Specifications: –
Honda CB200X | Hero XPulse 200 | |
Displacement | 184.4cc | 199.6cc |
No of Cylinders | 1 | 1 |
No of valves | – | 2 |
Cooling System | Air-cooled | Oil-cooled |
Max Power | 17.26PS @ 8500rpm | 18.08PS @ 8500rpm |
Peak Torque | 16.1Nm @ 6000rpm | 16.45Nm @ 6500rpm |
Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
The XPulse has a slightly higher displacement, and thus it delivers more power & torque than the Japanese offering. Also, using an oil-cooler mechanism gives it an extra advantage over its opponent. However, we can't ignore that the XPulse is slightly heavier than the CB200X, and due to this weight difference, the Honda ADV feels more relaxed on the highways.
Also Read: Hero XPulse 200 4V Spied Testing; Likely To Be More Powerful Than Before
Underpinnings: –
| Honda CB200X | Hero XPulse 200 | |
| Frame | Diamond | Tubular Diamond |
| Front suspension | Upside Down Fork | 37mm Telescopic |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock | 10-step adjustable monoshock |
| Front brake | 276mm disc | 276mm disc |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc | 220mm disc |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels | Spoke Wheels |
| Front tyre | 110/70 -17 | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tyre | 140/70 – 17 | 120/80-18 |
Both the bikes are based on somewhat identical frames and have the same braking system, assisted by a single-channel Antilock Braking System. However, the XPulse has longer travel suspensions (ideal for off-road), whereas the CB200X comes with USD front forks that allows agile & crisp handling even at high speed. It also comes with alloy wheels, wrapped in wider section dual-purpose tubeless tyres, whereas the XPulse comes fitted with tube-type dual-purpose tyres.
Features
| Key Features | Honda CB200X | Hero XPuslse 200 |
| Illumination System | LED | LED (only headlamp) |
| Windscreen | Tinted | Clear glass |
| knuckle guard | Yes | Yes |
| Engine Bash-plate | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument Cluster | Fully-Digital | Fully-Digital |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Turn-by-turn navigation & call notifications | No | Yes |
| Hazard Lamp | Yes | No |
| ABS | Single-Channel | Single-Channel |
While both bikes have almost identical features, the XPulse again has an upper hand with smartphone pairing functionality for turn-by-turn navigation, which is surprisingly missing in the Honda CB200X.
Conclusion
Going by all parameters, it seems like the Honda ADV doesn't have much on offer over the XPulse 200. The Hero Xpulse 200 comes with more useful features and more off-road biased stuff at a considerably lower price. However, the CB200X has a more solid road presence and is better suited for urban use with moderate off-roading capabilities.
