Hero
MotoCorp has pulled the covers off a completely new sub-500 cc ADV prototype. Hero
Motocorp's active participation in the renowned Dakar Rally has provided it
with a chance to improve its technology and gather valuable feedback from its
racing team which, in time, will be used to develop several adventure focused
offerings for the public roads.
The new prototype in question was only
revealed partially, but it is a clear sign that Hero MotoCorp is looking
forward to rival the likes of Royal Enfield and KTM with a sub-500 cc ADV. This
adventure model could be a part of the XPulse family.
While the engine capacity wasn't revealed,
we suspect that the prototype might have a 350-400 cc single-cylinder engine.
As the pictures suggest, it is a liquid-cooled unit which is a stressed member
of the tubular trellis frame. The shock absorption duties are performed by
beefy-looking inverted telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock. It rolls
on off-road-focused 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel with wired spokes. The
company has also revealed that a lot of the components on the ADV prototype are
finalised.
As far as features are concerned, expect
the production-spec model to arrive with LED lighting and a Bluetooth-enabled
full-digital display. For the record, the Hero XPulse 200 features a
turn-by-turn navigation system, and the same could also be seen on the bigger
ADV. Also, the new Hero Connect package could be part of the kit.
When launched, Hero MotoCorp's sub-500 cc
ADV will join the likes of the few beginner segment adventure offerings present
in India, including the KTM 390 Adventure, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, BMW G 310 GS
and the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
