Page 151 - Motoring World (January 2020)

LIVING LIFE ON TWO WHEELS, MONTH AFTER MONTH. AFTER MONTH

HERO IN THE GARAGE

OFF INSTAGRAM AND ON TO TRAILS ON THE XPULSE

I have two left feet when it comes to off- a few of the countless trails in the Sahy-
road riding. With a media-race win at adri mountains near Pune have to offer,
Royal Enfield’s Rider Mania dirt track, riding on backroads near Lavasa and
maybe I can say that I’m a little better climbing up hills that I’d only admired
than when I started off-roading on my from a distance before. The Xpulse cer-
Hero Impulse in 2012. So, naturally, tainly convinced me that it is an ideal
with the Xpulse it’s all going to be about ally for noob off-roaders like yours truly.
improving my dirt-riding skills. The That’s mainly because it does not
idea is to get as close as possible to the make too much power to scare you silly, Light’s a bit dim. Here, it’s off, though
top runners of the Indian dirt-riding and it offers good off-roading equipment
community. Hopefully, the Xpulse will like long-travel front suspension with the future, this Instagram de-addiction
get me there! 190 mm of travel and a 21-inch front programme will certainly work in my
On the first day, riding the Xpulse wheel that glides over rocks and other favour when I eventually ask mother if I
from Navi Mumbai to Pune via NH4 obstacles without unsettling the rider. can add the Xpulse to my garage.
did get a bit boring and since it was It’s only been a few days that I’ve had
past sunset, the lights on the Xpulse the Xpulse, but in my head I’ve already LOGGING IT OUT
felt quite inadequate for highway use. marked out places to go dirt-bashing HERO XPULSE 200 FI
I think my next bout of shopping will over the next few weekends. > Lightens you by ` 1,28,426/-
involve something to do with ‘Baja’ and Also, since the arrival of the Xpulse > Lived with Varad
‘Design’ and ‘lights’. Also, the Xpulse I have spent more time on Google Maps
does feel tiresome on open highways, than on Instagram or Swiggy, an addic- > Odometer reads 1923 km
but take it to dusty trails and it turns tion that my folks at home and the Mo- > Drinking habits 44 kpl
into a kid let loose in an amusement toring junta could not get me to quit all @HeroMotoCorp
park. And that is exactly what I did on this while. I think more than any dirt- #MotoringHeroXpulse
our first weekend together. I sniffed out race wins that I may or may not score in

JANUARY 2020 | MOTORING WORLD 151