Hero MotoCorp is the largest two wheeler maker in the world and makes one of the world's most selling motorcycle - Hero Splendor. The bike maker has been consistently expanding its base globally and has been working to introduce more volume-based products in the past months. However, over the next couple of years, Hero MotoCorp is expected to diversify in a range of segments with its new offerings, and we've had a glimpse of the company's future model range in the past. With highly interesting models expected to make it to production soon, here are the upcoming Hero motorcycles and scooters that you should watch out for.
The Duet-E will offer the efficiency of an electric scooter with a practical design
The petrol powered Hero Duet scooter arrived in 2015 and is doing decent numbers for the two wheeler maker. However, the company is also exploring the electric vehicle space with its scooters and could introduce the Hero Duet-E in the future. The model was showcased previously as a concept at the 2016 Auto Expo and has been developed by the company's R&D division. Power on the Duet-E prototype comes from a 5 Kw electric motor that makes around 14 Nm of peak torque and is capable of hitting 0-60 kmph in 6.5 seconds. That, mind you, is pretty quick for a scooter. Moreover, the scooter will have a range of 65 km on a single charge. Hero is yet to reveal when the Duet-E will make it to production, and if it will be sold via the company's 'Hero Electric' division or under the conventional two wheeler outlets. Expect to see a marginal price hike of around Rs. 6000-10,000 on the Duet-E when it makes it to production over the standard model.
The Hero Zir will bring some action to the 150 cc scooter segment
Hero really got the hopes high for scooter lovers when it first showcased the Zir 150 at the 2014 Auto Expo. While the model is yet to see the light of production, it still remains one of the most hotly anticipated offerings from the manufacturer. The Hero Zir 150 uses a 157 cc single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine tuned to produce 13.9 bhp of power and 12.7 Nm of peak torque. Sporty in its appearance with a moto-scooter inspired design, the Zir 150 would not only be popular in India, but will also find a market across Europe and other parts of Asia. Features on the Hero Zir 150 include dual projector headlamps, step up seat, LED DRLs and tail light. The scooter rides on chunky 13-inch alloys that look appealing. With the 150 cc scooter segment finally seeing some action, Hero should look at bringing the Zir 150 to take on the offerings from Piaggio.
The Hero Xtreme 200 S could arrive as early as the end of 2017
While Hero MotoCorp's current Xtreme motorcycle is limited to the 150 cc segment, the bike maker did showcase a more powerful version at the 2016 Auto Expo that will take on the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. The Hero Xtreme 200 S keeps the naked styling intact, but is a lot more sporty than the 150 cc version. The influences from the smaller Xtreme is evident, but you do see sharper lines across the bike, apart from bits like an engine belly pan and new alloy wheels. The prototype showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo carried a 200 cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine tuned to produce 18.4 bhp at 8500 rpm and 17.2 Nm of peak torque at 6000 rpm. The motor is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. Although not confirmed, ABS could be offered as optional on the bike. Barring the Karizma range, the Xtreme 200 S will be Hero's new sporty offering in the premium motorcycle space and is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2017.
The XF3R previews Hero's 300 cc motorcycle
The other concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, the Hero XF3R previews the brand's mid-segment performance motorcycle. Hero calls it the 'Design Concept Vehicle' and the XF3R uses a steel Trellis frame underpinning the sporty naked styling. You see a minimal yet sharp bodywork coupled with interesting bits like LED turn indicators and tail lights, twin-port exhaust system and beefy front forks. While details are not confirmed, the production spec version of the XF3R could use a 300 cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and dual map technology. The concept was shod with Pirelli Sport Demon tyres and we hope it makes on the production version as well.
The Hero Hastur would take on the international offerings in the middle-weight segment
A highly anticipated launch from the Indian two wheeler giant, the Hero Hastur was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo and is expected to be the bike maker's middle-weight offering with a staggering price tag. The Hero Hastur goes the KTM way providing more power in a lighter frame. Originally developed in collaboration with its now defunct partner Erik Buell Racing (EBR), the Hero Hastur uses a steel Trellis tube frame with an aluminium sub-frame with only the essential bodywork. The compact wheelbase ensures high agility complemented by a 620 cc parallel-twin cylinder engine tuned for 79 bhp and 72 Nm of peak torque. The motor gets a counter rotating crankshaft borrowed from EBR, and is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The Hastur would also get LED DRLs and projector lamps. ABS would be offered as standard. Post its showcase, Hero has been mum about the production version of the Hastur street-fighter. However, if the model does make it to the assembly line, expected prices to be extremely competitive in the vicinity of Rs. 5.5-6 lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it good value for money.
The HX250R will take on the Honda CBR250R and KTM RC 200
Hero's other highly anticipated offering and a possible answer to the Honda CBR250R and the KTM RC 200, the Hero HX250R was also revealed at the 2014 Auto Expo, but is yet to make it to production. The model was the first motorcycle to be developed by the company completely in-house, post its separation from erstwhile partner Honda and would be high on power and styling. The bike maker also showcased the model at the 2016 Auto Expo and rechristened the bike to the 'HX-250'. Going by the initial specifications announced, the full-faired bike gets a Geo Tubular frame, which is similar to a Trellis frame, while power comes from a 250 cc single-cylinder motor that is tuned to produce 31 bhp. The HX250R also received inputs from EBR and it can be seen in the design of the bike and the engine. That said, details are still scarce on the HX250R's production debut. The model, if it makes to Hero showrooms, is expected to carry a price tag well under Rs. 2 lakh and will offer ABS, dual disc brakes, telescopic forks and much more. Speculations have suggested of different riding modes as well in the past, but there has been no confirmation on the same.
