Hero has also unveiled the Hunk 440 SX, a scrambler-themed version of the Mavrick 440
Quick News Highlights
Hero XPulse 210 Dakar bike gets rally-spec suspension & other changes
Could be launched by end of 2025
Hunk 440 SX is a scrambler based of the Hunk 440, which, in turn, is a rebadged version of the Mavrick 440
Hero MotoCorp has unveiled the Dakar Edition of the XPulse 210 along with the Hunk 440 SX. The XPulse Dakar Edition gets a lot of changes that should improve its off-road capabilities. The Hero Hunk 440 SX, on the other hand, is a scrambler-themed bike based on the Hunk 440. Hero sells the Mavrick 440 abroad under the name of Hunk 440.
XPulse 210 Dakar Edition
The Hero XPulse 210 Dakar Edition gets fully adjustable rally spec suspension at both ends with longer travel. This has increased the bike's ground clearance to 270mm from the base variant's 220mm. This should help make it a lot more capable when handling obstacles off-road. The bike also gets knobby tyres as standard.
It is likely going to be launched by the end of this year. It could command a premium of Rs 30,000 over the Top variant of the XPulse 210 which costs Rs 1.71 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hunk 440 SX
The Hunk 440 SX comes with a tall windscreen, braced handlebars and also a split seat setup. The bike also gets a different looking tail section compared to the Mavrick, but with a similar looking tail light as the Harley-Davidson X440. It even gets a twin vertically stacked exhaust - feels a little overkill for a single-cylinder bike.
This bike also gets the same TFT console as the X440. Along with this, there's also a ride-by-wire throttle, multiple riding modes and a switchable ABS for better performance off-road. It also has a traction control system for additional safety. We don't think the Hunk 440 will be coming to India, and the product is likely aimed at foreign markets. However, one cannot ignore the possibility of Hero bringing this bike to India, perhaps as a second attempt to cater to the 350-450cc retro segment since the Mavrick 440 didn't really take off all that well. In a recent development, Hero also launched a new top-end variant of the Xtreme 125R, its popular 125cc sporty commuter. The bike now gets dual-channel ABS and some modern features like cruise control, riding modes and an electronic throttle.