The Hero Xpulse 421, positioned above the Xpulse 210, uses a brand-new, liquid- cooled, single-cylinder engine displacing just over 400cc, paired with an all-new steel trellis chassis. The design takes clear inspiration from rally motorcycles, with a high-mounted LED headlight set into a sharp fairing, a large fuel tank, and a slim rear end that keeps the weight tucked in. 

The front end is purposefully tall, while the seat and tank shape have been designed to give riders a good grip with their knees and ankles when standing on the pegs off-road. Standard equipment includes a rear parcel rack, an underbelly guard, and hand guards, all items that typically come as paid accessories on rivals. A large TFT display, riding modes, and cruise control have also been confirmed through spy shots of the test mule. The motorcycle is expected to make its global debut at EICMA 2026 in November, which would put it in line for an Indian launch sometime in 2027.