Hero MotoCorp Unveils Xpulse 450, Expands Premium Portfolio At EICMA

CW Bureau ·

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters by volume, has unveiled the Xpulse 450 adventure motorcycle, expanded its premium portfolio and commenced VIDA’s European operations at EICMA 2026 in Milan. The company also introduced Novus Labs, a dedicated innovation hub focused on future mobility technologies.

The showcase brings together premium internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, electric mobility products and emerging technologies, reflecting Hero MotoCorp’s ambition to strengthen its global presence. The developments have been driven by collaboration between its research and development centres in India and Germany.

Hero MotoCorp Executive Chairman Dr Pawan Munjal said the company was seeking to combine India’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities with global R&D expertise to develop products and sustainable mobility solutions for international markets.

Xpulse 450 leads premium motorcycle push
The Xpulse 450, a ground-up adventure motorcycle, is the most powerful model in Hero MotoCorp’s portfolio. Developed with inputs from the company’s rally racing programme, it is powered by a 421 cc liquid-cooled, four-valve DOHC engine producing 34.3 kW at 9,100 rpm and 38 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. It comes with a six-speed transmission and assist-and-slipper clutch.

The motorcycle features fully adjustable KYB 43 mm upside-down front suspension, with 225 mm of travel, and integrates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The model is intended for both Indian and international markets.

The company also unveiled the Harley-Davidson X350T, extending the flat-track-inspired design language of the X440T into the 350 cc segment. It features a new air-oil-cooled engine, electronic throttle body, riding modes, switchable ABS and traction control. The motorcycle is primarily developed for the Indian market.

Hero MotoCorp also presented the Scrambler Concept and Classic Concept, offering a preview of its future premium motorcycle designs.

VIDA begins European customer deliveries
VIDA, Hero MotoCorp’s electric mobility brand, has commenced European operations and customer deliveries, with its direct-to-consumer model being activated across 10 countries through strategic partner Elektrorider.

The VIDA DIRT.E K3 will be available online across Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Both the DIRT.E K3 and VX2 electric scooter will be retailed through stores in six markets.

The VX2 offers a claimed WMTC range of 140 km in Eco mode and a top speed of 90 kmph. It uses twin removable IP67-rated batteries, with test rides and retail availability scheduled to begin in December 2026 across the six retail markets.

The DIRT.E K3 is an adaptive electric off-roader for young riders, featuring a three-stage adjustable platform. VIDA also showcased the UBX urban explorer prototype, Project VXZ electric motorcycle concept developed with US-based Zero Motorcycles, and the DIRT.E MX7 electric off-roader for adults.

Novus Labs focuses on future mobility
Hero MotoCorp introduced Novus Labs, a Chairman-led innovation hub that will explore emerging mobility needs, develop prototypes and take promising solutions towards commercialisation through Hero MotoCorp, VIDA or new ventures.

At EICMA, it presented working prototypes of NEX 1 and NEX 2. The compact, foldable NEX 1 has a claimed top speed of 15 kmph and a range of 20 km. The three-wheeled NEX 2 is targeting a range exceeding 150 km under WMTC and a top speed above 100 kmph.

The company also showcased research in AI-enabled rider interfaces, EV energy solutions, multi-fuel powertrains and intelligent safety systems, including radar-based rider assistance and an AI-enabled smart helmet.

Through its expanded motorcycle range, European EV operations and technology initiatives, Hero MotoCorp is seeking to build a broader global mobility portfolio.