Three Heroes, Three Different Personalities! Which One Would You Choose?

Well, here we are. Three motorcycles, one manufacturer and quite a few different ways to enjoy life on two wheels.

Over our last couple of blogs, we've been taking a closer look at Hero Motorcycles and what they're bringing to the UK market.

First, we explored the XPulse 200 and XPulse 200 Pro, two lightweight adventure-style motorcycles that look ready to take the scenic route, even when the scenic route involves a few muddy puddles.

Then came the Hunk 440. A motorcycle with a name that's almost impossible not to make a joke about, but underneath that rather confident name is a genuinely interesting roadster.

So now we've got three Heroes to choose from, which one actually makes the most sense?

Well, that depends entirely on what sort of rider you are.

Meet Our Three Contenders

Hero XPulse 200: The Everyday Adventurer

Let's start with the standard XPulse 200.

This is the motorcycle for somebody who likes the idea of adventure riding but doesn't necessarily want a massive adventure bike that weighs as much as a small family car.

It's lightweight, straightforward and designed to be approachable both on the road and when exploring suitable trails.

With its upright riding position, long-travel suspension and adventure-style design, the XPulse has the sort of personality that encourages you to keep riding just to see what's around the next corner.

And living here in Devon, we've certainly got plenty of corners to explore.

It's also worth remembering that a smaller engine doesn't automatically mean less fun. Sometimes a lightweight motorcycle that you can confidently handle is far more enjoyable than something with twice the power.

Who might love it? Commuters, newer riders with the appropriate licence, countryside explorers and anybody who enjoys a lightweight motorcycle with a bit of versatility.

Hero XPulse 200 Pro: The Muddy One

Now imagine the standard XPulse 200 has woken up one morning and decided that ordinary roads are getting a little boring.

That's where the XPulse 200 Pro comes in.

The Pro takes the same general adventure concept but adds a more off-road-focused setup, including longer-travel suspension and increased ground clearance.

It's the sort of motorcycle that looks perfectly happy getting covered in mud.

Actually, we'd be slightly disappointed if somebody bought one and spent their entire life polishing it!

But there is a trade-off.

The taller suspension and more off-road-oriented riding position mean the Pro won't necessarily suit everybody, especially riders who prefer to have both feet comfortably on the ground when stopping.

It's a motorcycle that makes more sense when you genuinely want to explore its off-road capabilities rather than simply liking the adventure-bike appearance.

Who might love it? Trail-riding enthusiasts, experienced off-road riders and people who want a lightweight motorcycle with greater off-road capability.

Hero Hunk 440: The Road-Loving Gentleman

And then there's the Hunk.

While the XPulse motorcycles are looking for muddy tracks and countryside adventures, the Hunk 440 is probably planning a lovely ride through the Devon lanes with a coffee stop somewhere along the way.

With its 440cc single-cylinder engine, retro-inspired styling and modern technology, it's a very different motorcycle from the other two.

It's designed primarily for road riding, with usable low-down torque and a relaxed character rather than outright speed.

You also get features including a full-colour digital display, LED lighting, smartphone connectivity and USB charging.

And with its A2-friendly performance, the Hunk could appeal to newer riders moving up to a bigger motorcycle, as well as experienced riders who simply want something manageable.

Who might love it? Everyday road riders, commuters, A2 licence holders and experienced motorcyclists looking for something straightforward and enjoyable.

Let's Compare Them!

Now, rather than getting completely lost in technical specifications, let's look at what actually matters when you're choosing a motorcycle.

Specifications can vary by market and model version, so always check the details of the particular motorcycle you're considering.

Which One Is Best for Commuting?

Now this is an interesting question because all three could potentially make useful everyday motorcycles.

The standard XPulse 200 is lightweight, easy to manage and has the sort of upright riding position that can make everyday journeys feel less of a chore.

The XPulse 200 Pro could also handle commuting, but its taller seat and more off-road-focused setup might feel unnecessary if your entire journey involves tarmac.

The Hunk 440, meanwhile, has a larger engine, road-focused tyres and a more traditional riding position.

For somebody who spends most of their time commuting on the road, the Hunk could be a very appealing option.

But if your commute includes rough country lanes and you like a motorcycle that feels light and versatile, the standard XPulse certainly deserves consideration.

Our pick? The Hunk 440 for predominantly road-based commuting, with the standard XPulse 200 a strong alternative for riders who prefer a lighter adventure-style machine.

Which One Would We Take Exploring Devon?

Well, now you're asking a question we can really get behind!

We've got some absolutely fantastic riding roads around Devon, from sweeping countryside routes to narrow lanes that seem to get smaller every time you ride down them.

For a relaxed day out on the roads, the Hunk 440 could be a lovely companion.

But if we're talking about exploring a mixture of roads and legally accessible trails, the XPulse motorcycles start to make a lot more sense.

The standard XPulse would be a great option for somebody who enjoys road riding but occasionally wants to venture onto suitable unsealed routes.

The Pro, however, is the one we'd be looking at if trail riding was going to be a regular part of the plan.

Just remember, not every muddy track or countryside path is legally open to motorcycles, so always check access rights before heading off-road.

Our pick? The XPulse 200 Pro for dedicated trail adventures, or the standard XPulse for a mixture of everyday riding and occasional exploring.

What About Newer Riders?

There's something we think is worth saying here.

Buying your first bigger motorcycle isn't about proving anything to anybody.

It's about finding something you feel comfortable riding, something that helps build your confidence and, most importantly, something you actually enjoy.

The standard XPulse 200 could appeal to somebody who likes a lightweight motorcycle and wants an upright riding position.

The Hunk 440 is also worth considering for A2 licence holders who prefer road riding and want a larger engine with manageable performance.

The XPulse 200 Pro is a little different. Its extra height makes it more specialised, and although that doesn't automatically rule it out for newer riders, it's something we'd recommend trying for size before making a decision.

And of course, licence entitlement matters. Riders on a CBT with only provisional motorcycle entitlement cannot simply jump onto one of these larger-capacity bikes.

Our pick? It depends on your height, confidence, licence and the sort of riding you want to do. There's no single winner for everybody.

Which One Has the Most Personality?

Now we're getting into dangerous territory because this is where opinions will definitely differ!

The XPulse 200 has that cheerful, adventurous character. It looks like the sort of motorcycle that would happily go anywhere and not complain too much about getting dirty.

The XPulse 200 Pro looks like its slightly more mischievous sibling. The one that encourages you to take the muddy route and then wonders why you've got filthy boots.

And the Hunk 440?

Well, the Hunk is the one that turns up looking smart, orders a coffee and confidently tells everybody it doesn't need to go off-road to have a good time.

Three very different personalities.

And that's what makes this little range so interesting.

Let's Be Honest About the Downsides Too

Every motorcycle has compromises, and these three are no different.

The standard XPulse 200 is versatile and lightweight, but its smaller engine won't suit everybody, particularly riders who regularly want stronger performance on faster roads.

The XPulse 200 Pro offers extra off-road capability, but the taller seat and more specialised setup might make everyday road use less convenient for some riders.

The Hunk 440 offers more engine capacity and a relaxed roadster feel, but it's not designed for serious off-road riding.

And as we discussed in our previous blog, some road tests have raised concerns about its original tyres, relatively low footpegs during enthusiastic cornering and abrupt rev limiter.

None of that automatically makes one motorcycle better or worse than another.

It simply means choosing the right one matters.

So, Which Hero Would We Choose?

That's the million-pound question, isn't it?

Although thankfully, none of these motorcycles requires a million-pound budget!

Here's how we'd look at it:

And if you're still undecided, that's completely understandable.

Sometimes you can read every specification, watch every video and compare every little detail, but the motorcycle you end up loving is the one that simply feels right when you sit on it.

Our Final Thoughts at CMS Motorcycles Exeter

What we find interesting about Hero entering the UK motorcycle market is that they're not simply offering three versions of exactly the same motorcycle.

They're giving riders three quite different options.

You've got the everyday adventurer, the more dedicated trail machine and the retro-inspired roadster.

And whether you're new to motorcycling, returning after a few years away or simply looking for something different, we think it's always good to see more choice arriving in the showroom.

At CMS Motorcycles Exeter, we've been around motorcycles for a long time, and one thing never changes.

Everybody has their own idea of the perfect bike.

Some riders want power. Some want comfort. Some want something that can handle a bit of mud. And others just want a motorcycle that puts a smile on their face every time they open the garage door.

There's no right or wrong answer.

As long as you're enjoying being out on two wheels, that's what really matters.

Now It's Your Turn!

We've given you our thoughts, but now we want to hear yours.

If you had to choose just one of these three Hero motorcycles, which would you take home?

Would it be the versatile XPulse 200?

The taller, mud-loving XPulse 200 Pro?

Or would you rather have a Hunk waiting for you in the garage?

Go on, we know somebody's going to have something to say about that last one!

Let us know your choice and, more importantly, why you'd choose it.

We'd love to hear what you think about Hero joining the UK motorcycle scene and whether you'd consider giving one of these bikes a go.

Three Heroes. Three personalities. One question. Which one's yours?

Happy riding from all of us at CMS Motorcycles Exeter!