Hero XPulse 421 spotted in Ladakh! Big ADV gets closer to launch

Hero MotoCorp’s upcoming adventure motorcycle has once again been spotted on public roads. The latest test mule was spotted in Ladakh. The motorcycle, widely expected to be called the XPulse 421, was spotted testing at high altitude in the Himalayan region.Although the motorcycle is largely hidden, many key details are still visible. The front end features a rally-inspired design with a tall windscreen and a high-mounted LED headlamp integrated into a sharply styled fairing. The design of the fuel tank and seat also hints at its adventure-focused intentions. The rear section looks relatively slim compared to the heavy front section.The suspension duties are likely to be handled by long-travel USD front forks and a rear monoshock setup. Although exact specifications have been kept secret, some level of suspension adjustment is expected, potentially including compression and rebound adjustment at the front and preload adjustment at the rear.The test bike is seen running on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel wrapped with dual-purpose tyres. It remains to be seen whether Hero chooses tubeless tires or conventional tube-type units. Braking is expected to come from a front disc with radial mounted calipers and a rear disc setup supported by dual-channel ABS.Powering the upcoming adventure motorcycle will be an all-new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder 421cc engine. Hero MotoCorp has not yet revealed official output figures, but the motor is expected to produce around 40 hp, which will put it in direct competition with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure. The engine is likely to be paired with a six-speed gearbox.The latest prototype also reveals a digital instrument console, which is likely to have a TFT display with smartphone connectivity. Features like turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts are expected. The Hero motorcycle is also likely to be equipped with a number of electronic rider aids including ride modes, traction control, cruise control and switchable ABS. Although the company has not announced an official launch timeline, continued testing in extreme conditions indicates that the motorcycle is steadily getting closer to production. We can expect a global showcase at EICMA later this year, followed by an India launch in 2027.