Hero Impulse
| Manufacturer | Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (Formerly Hero Honda Motors Ltd.) |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013 |
| Class | Dual-sport |
| Engine | 149.2 cc |
| Transmission | 5-speed constant mesh |
| Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, and Swing Arm with Mono Suspension with Nitrox |
| Brakes | Front Dia 240 mm Disc |
| Tires | 90/100 x 10 – 53 J (tube with puncture endurance), and rear 90/100 x 10 – 53 J (Tube with Puncture Endurance) |
| Wheelbase | 1360 mm |
| Dimensions | L: 2100 mm W: 820 mm H: 1160 mm |
| Weight | 134 kgs (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 11.1 Litre (Min) - 2.6 Litre (Usable Reserve) |
The Hero Impulse is a motorcycle produced by Hero MotoCorp Ltd. It was unveiled in 2011 at the O2 Arena in London along with the unveiling of Hero’s new corporate identity after its demerger with Honda in 2010. The Impulse is inspired by the Honda Bros available in the Brazilian market.
Features & Specifications
The Impulse is the first Indian trans-roader having the ability to navigate on road and off road just as easily. Given the application of being a go-anywhere machine, it had to have long travel front forks and here we have special Showa units with a shade over 180mm of suspension travel. At the rear there is a direct monoshock unit, which is a nitrogen-charged Showa made in Japan acting in conjunction with a rectangular-section swingarm which runs a 17-inch wheel shod with a 110/90x17-60P tyre. Up front the Impulse makes do with a 19-inch wheel around which is wrapped a 90/90x19-52P tyre. You get a massive 245mm ground clearance and it comes armed with long-stroke front suspension and a special high-pressure gas-charged rear damper. To improve ground clearance, its exhaust loops around the engine before exiting besides the pillion seat. The all-metal brake operating pedal has a serrated finish, offering maximum grip in the muck. The rear sprocket gets a solid plate that prevents the chain from slipping when riding through rough terrain. The Impulse uses high tensile steel that ensures this chassis and swingarm are stronger than conventional bikes.
Design
The styling also speaks through its typical off-road elements integrating into the design. The high front fender, the spoke wheels and high tensile frame, the exhaust pipe just below the rear seat and the chunky tires all work to improve how the bike negotiates rough terrain.
Reception
The Impulse has not performed well in the Indian market, with sales being sluggish after two years of its launch. Hero plans to refit it with a more powerful engine for a domestic and global re-launch early next year.[1]