Hero Files Patent for a New Dual-Sport Bike That Looks a Lot Like the Old Impulse
By Anmol Kumar
Published August 18, 2026
Hero MotoCorp has filed a design patent for a new dual-sport motorcycle in India, hinting at a return to a segment the brand last occupied with the Impulse over a decade ago. The patent was published on 14 August 2026, and the design suggest Hero may be developing a lightweight, affordable off-roader that would sit below the XPulse range.
What the Patent Shows
The motorcycle has a slim, upright profile with a raised front mudguard, a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, long-travel telescopic forks with gaiters, and a rear monoshock. Disc brakes are fitted at both ends.
The bodywork is relatively simple, with a narrow tank, long single-piece seat, saree guard, and a tubular luggage rack at the rear. The exhaust is mounted high on the right side.
Also Read – Royal Enfield Himalayan 440 Launch Confirmed for September 4
No oil cooler is visible in the design, suggesting an air-cooled engine. More interestingly, a kickstarter is present and what appears to be a choke knob on the left handlebar points to a carburetted setup. That would not comply with current Indian emission norms, which raises the possibility that this version could be intended for export markets.
However, the saree guard and provision for a front number plate in the design suggest that Hero could also be considering a separate India-spec version.
Could the Impulse Be Coming Back?
The overall silhouette, slim tank shrouds, and wheel sizes are reminiscent of the Hero Impulse, which was sold in India from 2012 to 2017 with a 149cc engine. The new patent appears to target a similar position, likely below the XPulse 200 4V.
The separately confirmed XPulse 421, which is headed to EICMA 2026, is an entirely different product, making this a potentially new addition to Hero's lineup.
Whether Hero brings back the Impulse name remains speculative for now, but the design does bear some resemblance to the old motorcycle.
Also Read – Hero Xpulse 421 Adventure Motorcycle Spied Testing in India
Image Source: IP India
Table of Contents
- What the Patent Shows
- Could the Impulse Be Coming Back?
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