Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X

Hero Motorcorp unveiled the 200T, a commuter-friendly or, as Hero claims, touring version of the Xpulse inspired by its off-road sibling, the Xpulse 200. The ‘T’ stands for touring but, it might seem a bit contradictory on that front as it doesn’t even get a windshield like on its off-road sibling and also, the power figures are not that promising. Now speaking about Yamaha, it has just released the FZ-X based on its current 150cc FZ series. Yamaha has tried a different take on the styling department with its new FZ-X. We have put the two modern-day city commuters from the Indian and the Japanese manufacturers against each other to check which fares better between the two.

Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X Design

The entire design philosophy of the Xpulse is sleek and compact compared to the FZ-X. From the front, the 200T looks very commuter-ish. The headlamp has a very traditional, round shape and reminds us of a few classic bikes. While the exposed telescopic forks look a bit too skinny as the fork legs are finished in matte silver. Moving a little up, you have redesigned mirrors with an edgy design to them. Sadly, the indicators continue to be halogen units in this time and age. Following the sleek design language, the fuel tank is also of minimalistic design with fewer graphics. The single-piece seat has a ribbed pattern. At the tailpiece, you have a similar LED taillamp as seen on the Xpulse 200. The Xpulse 200T is available in a choice of matte gold, gloss black and gloss red colour options.

The FZ-X is the newest arrival from Yamaha. It gets neo-retro styling with all modern bells and whistles. Beginning from the front, it has a round LED headlamp with a tri-split LED DRL ring around it and a projector-based LED in the centre. Here, the front forks covered by fork gators improve the rugged feel of the bike. The oval-shaped mirrors here are simple and go well with the overall design. Here too, the indicators are halogen-based which, is disappointing. Besides, the side body looks bulky due to faux radiator cowls. Adding to this is the fuel tank with its curvy design and funky graphics. Along with that, the dual-tone seat makes the bike look apart. It gets three colour options to choose from gloss blue, matte copper and matte black.

Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X Features

The feature list on both the motorcycles is pretty similar, with some interesting differences. Starting with the Xpulse, it gets 37 mm telescopic forks upfront and a 7-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear for handling the suspension duties. Furthermore, a 276 mm disc at the front and a 220 mm disc at the rear combined with single-channel ABS provide the stopping power. Additionally, the LED headlamp setup is modern, but it lacks LED turn indicators. Speaking about the tyres, it gets 17-inch wheels with MRF rubber-like on its brother, the Xtreme 200R. The instrument cluster is a negative LCD unit that houses a host of information. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity via Hero’s Ride Guide App. The 200T offers turn-by-turn navigation on the cluster and necessary ride telemetry data on your phone.

The 41 mm telescopic forks on the FZ-X are larger than the Xpulse by 4 mm. While at the back, it gets a similar mono-shock with 7-step adjustability. Similarly, the front brakes offered are bigger at 282 mm. However, the lighting setup remains the same on both the bikes, with LED headlamp and taillamp and halogen-based indicators. The FZ-X gets a wider, 140 section rear tyre. The instrument cluster gets a negative LCD unit with a blue backlight and offers slightly better visibility. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity via Yamaha’s Y-connect app that shows riding time, trip time, phone call alerts but misses out on turn by turn navigation like on the Xpulse. For added convenience, it also gets a nifty 12V power socket which, the Xpulse doesn’t offer.

Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X Ergonomics

Ergonomically both motorcycles have a similar rider’s triangle. The Xpulse gets centre set footpegs paired to a slightly smaller, straight handlebar. This setup results in an upright seating posture. Since the 200T gets smaller wheels than its offroad sibling, it has a lower seat height of 795 mm which, is quite accessible. Shorter riders will find it very easy to touch their feet as the seat is quite narrow. However, healthy adults will find the seat to be too compact to be comfortable. However, the 200T has better, ergonomically comfortable grab rails. It also gets a utilitarian top-box mount which is a fine touch. Hero has given the 200T a ribbed seat which is very grippy but moving around feels a bit of a struggle.

Like previously said, there are a few changes. But these differences define the suitability of the motorcycle. The FZ-X has a narrower handlebar positioned towards the rider, while the footpegs are slightly forward-set than the 200T. This combination translates to an upright and comfortable posture. Most importantly, the seat height is at 810 mm which, is a bit challenging for some. However, since this seat is wider, it provides greater comfort and is suited for healthy, well-built riders as well. Also, the rider’s seat ends with a nice contour which helps to keep you comfortable for long. Lastly, the bar grab rails are not the most comfortable to hold onto but, they double up as back support for the pillion.

Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X Performance

The Xpulse 200T has a 199.6cc oil-cooled engine that produces 17.8 BHP at 8500 RPM and 16.5 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM. These power figures aren’t exactly impressive for a 200cc mill but, the 200T overpowers the FZ-X by 5.6 BHP and 3.2 Nm. Refinement wise, this engine is quite smooth. However, it feels a bit too rough in the top end. Vibrations find their way to all the contact points once you pass the mid-range at 5500 RPM. Coming to the exhaust note, it is grunty and sounds good only at higher RPMs. With a sensible riding style, one can get a mileage of about 42-45 km/l. But if you happen to ring it hard, expect around 37-39 km/l. With a larger, 13-litre fuel tank, the 200T can transport you for 500-560 km.

The powerplant of the FZ-X is a 149cc air-cooled engine that produces 12.2 BHP at 7250 RPM and 13.3 Nm at 5500 RPM. This engine falls short of 50cc of displacement and produces notably less power and torque, as mentioned above. However, this engine has unmatched smoothness and tractability, which is its USP. There are almost no vibrations under 5700 RPM and beyond that, the vibrations tend to increase in sync with the RPMs. Also, the FZ-X has a better sounding exhaust between the two, producing a throatier and louder exhaust note. In terms of fuel economy, it can return up to 50-53 km/l when ridden consciously and when pushed hard, it returns about 45-48 km/l. One disappointment here is the smaller, 10-litre fuel tank which, lets the FZ-X run only for 470-520 km.

Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X Handling

Commonly, both motorcycles have a telescopic front suspension and an adjustable mono-shock at the back and are underpinned by a diamond frame chassis. However, the 200T has skinnier, 37 mm front forks but, they offer a plusher ride. The 200T is heavier by 15 kg, and the weight is felt while tipping the bike into corners. While in the city, the 200T feels a bit difficult to zipping through traffic due to its more voluminous dimensions. Nevertheless, the 200T has a better ground clearance of 178 mm, making it a better tourer. The 200T gets a 130-section rear tyre which isn’t justified for a tourer. Hero’s braking system includes a 276 mm disc up front and a 220 mm disc at the rear, backed by single-channel ABS.

The FZ-X here has all its equipment from its tried and tested 150cc FZ siblings. Handling the suspension duties are larger and durable 41 mm telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear like on the 200T. The FZ-X’s lightweight paired with less voluminous dimensions makes it a better option for the city. The wider 140-section rear tyre offers additional confidence. The only letdown here is its lesser, 165 mm ground clearance. But the FZ-X gets better braking equipment. With a 282 mm front disc which is 6 mm larger than the 200T. However, the rear disc size of 220 mm is common between the two, along with single-channel ABS.

Hero Xpulse 200T vs Yamaha FZ-X Verdict

At Rs. 1,38,868/- the Hero Xpulse is very competitively priced against the Yamaha FZ-X at Rs. 1,38,255/- making it a very tough decision (both prices are OTR, Mumbai). However, your decision should totally depend on the purpose of your purchase. The Hero Xpulse 200T is a better deal for touring and intercity commutes as it has a larger fuel tank and a higher ground clearance. While the FZ-X’s compact dimensions and light weight make it a better option for intracity commutes.