Hero Motocorp, known for its wide range of motorcycles from entry-level to premium segments, has recently made a significant decision to discontinue three of its bikes in India. The company announced that the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V, Hero Xtreme 200S 4V, and Hero Passion Xtec will no longer be available for purchase. These models have been removed from the company’s official website, marking the end of their production. In this article, we will take a closer look at these bikes, their features, and why Hero decided to pull the plug on them.
Hero Passion Xtec: A Stylish Entry-Level Bike with Limitations
The Hero Passion Xtec was an entry-level bike that aimed to attract riders with its stylish design and modern features. It was equipped with a 113.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, capable of producing 9.15 PS of power and 9.79 Nm of torque. The engine was paired with a 4-speed gearbox, providing decent performance for daily commuting.
One of the key features of the Passion Xtec was its digital speedometer, which included Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect their smartphones for notifications. It also had a USB charging port, making it convenient for charging devices on the go. The bike came in two variants: one with drum brakes and the other with disc brakes.
However, despite these features, the Passion Xtec faced challenges with its overall ride quality. The balance and handling were not as refined as expected, which affected its appeal in the highly competitive entry-level segment. While the bike offered good features, it didn’t manage to make a significant impact in the market, leading Hero Motocorp to discontinue it.
Hero Xtreme 200S 4V: A Full-Faired Sports Bike That Couldn’t Find Its Footing
The Hero Xtreme 200S 4V was a full-faired sports bike designed for riders looking for a sporty and aggressive look. The bike was powered by a 199.6cc engine, producing 18.08 PS of power and 16.15 Nm of torque. The Xtreme 200S 4V featured 17-inch wheels, a diamond-type frame, telescopic forks, and a monoshock suspension system. The bike’s full-faired design, coupled with sleek LED headlamps, gave it a bold and sporty appearance.
Despite its appealing design and features, the Hero Xtreme 200S 4V struggled to gain popularity in the market. The handling and ride quality did not meet the expectations of sports bike enthusiasts, which ultimately impacted its sales. While it offered good performance and styling, it couldn’t capture the attention of customers, leading to its discontinuation. Hero Motocorp decided to phase out this model as part of its strategy to focus on more successful and profitable models.
Hero Xpulse 200T 4V: The Street Bike with Off-Roading Potential
The Hero Xpulse 200T 4V was a street-oriented motorcycle based on the popular Hero Xpulse 200 4V, which was known for its off-roading capabilities. The Xpulse 200T 4V, however, was designed primarily for city riding while still maintaining some off-road potential. The bike was powered by a 200cc single-cylinder, air/ oil-cooled, four-valve engine that produced 19 PS of power and 17.35 Nm of torque.
The Xpulse 200T 4V was equipped with advanced features such as LED DRLs, a round LED headlamp, LED tail lamp, and a full-LCD instrument console. The bike also featured a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, and real-time riding data display. Additionally, the bike came with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect their smartphones to the bike’s system for notifications and other features.
Despite its strong features, the Hero Xpulse 200T 4V failed to maintain consistent sales, which led Hero Motocorp to discontinue the model. The decision was driven by declining sales figures, which reflected the challenges in a competitive market. Although the bike was well-equipped for urban commuting and occasional off-road riding, it could not capture a substantial market share, resulting in its discontinuation.
Why Hero Motocorp Decided to Discontinue These Models
Hero Motocorp’s decision to discontinue the Xpulse 200T 4V, Xtreme 200S 4V, and Passion Xtec models comes after a period of declining sales and market response. While all three bikes had attractive features, they struggled to maintain consistent demand in a highly competitive market. Factors such as ride quality, handling, and overall customer preference played a significant role in the decision.
- Declining Sales: The main reason for discontinuing these bikes was the drop in sales figures. Despite the features and technology offered by these models, they failed to make a lasting impact in their respective segments.
- Market Competition: The motorcycle market in India is highly competitive, with several manufacturers offering bikes with similar features and performance. Hero Motocorp found that these bikes couldn’t keep up with customer preferences and competitors’ offerings, leading to a decline in their sales.
- Strategic Focus: Hero Motocorp may have decided to focus on more successful models in their portfolio, such as the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, which continues to be a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts. The company could be reallocating resources to develop and promote models that have a stronger market presence.
What’s Next for Hero Motocorp?
While the discontinuation of these three models marks the end of an era for Hero Motocorp, the company is still a dominant player in the Indian motorcycle market. Hero continues to offer a wide range of motorcycles, including the Hero Xpulse 200 4V, Hero Splendor, and Hero Glamour, which remain popular choices for commuters and enthusiasts alike.
Hero Motocorp is also expected to continue innovating and introducing new models to cater to the evolving needs of customers. The company is likely to focus on electric mobility and future-ready technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
Conclusion
Hero Motocorp’s decision to discontinue the Xpulse 200T 4V, Xtreme 200S 4V, and Passion Xtec reflects the dynamic nature of the motorcycle market, where consumer preferences and sales figures play a critical role in shaping a brand’s product lineup. While these bikes had unique features and attracted a certain segment of customers, they could not sustain their market presence. As Hero Motocorp continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, it will focus on models that offer greater appeal and stronger sales performance.