Hero Passion XTEC

The Hero Passion Xtec is the range-topping motorcycle under the Passion family. Like with all the Hero bikes with the Xtec tag, this one too gets a host of features, some of which are even segment-firsts. This premium commuter is designed for those looking for the fuel efficiency of a 110cc bike but with premium features that are commonly found on 125cc bikes and above.

The Hero Passion Xtec is a handsome motorcycle with clean graphics and well-shaped body panels. Up front, the bikini fairing houses the LED headlight with an H-shaped LED DRL, which goes well with the muscular fuel tank extensions. There’s no visual drama as such on the side panels and the tail section, but they do look elegant. The bike gets an A-shaped taillight, which looks pretty neat too.

Hero has equipped the Passion Xtec with a 113.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a 4-speed gearbox, that complies with BS6.2 emissions regulations, and produces 9.15PS at 7500rpm and 9.79Nm at 5000rpm. It’s important to note that the Hero Passion Xtec is the only 110cc Hero bike at the moment. 

The Passion Xtec’s performance is peppy and the bike can also reach a speedo-indicated 80kmph easily. That said, the refinement could have been better. Acceleration in the mid-range is strong, and the tall gearing also helps the bike sustain 60-70kmph on the highway without much stress or affecting the mileage. The Hero Passion Xtec tested real-world mileage stands at 68.2kmpl in the city and 70kmpl on the highway. 

For optimum handling, the Hero Passion Xtec comes with a diamond frame. To ensure regular bumps on the road are taken care of (except for the very sharp ones), it gets a 30mm telescopic fork, and twin rear shock absorbers that are preload adjustable. The Passion Xtec is a nimble handler and allows the rider to quickly filter through the traffic. 

The 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels are large enough to make sure the ride quality is pliant, and they are wrapped with 80/100-18 tubeless tyres at both ends. Tubeless tyres can handle punctures much better than tubed ones, so that's a bonus. The feedback from the brakes is good too, and the bike also feels stable even during hard braking situations.

The Hero Passion Xtec comes with a single-piece seat with premium stitching. While the seat is soft and comfortable enough for regular rides, riding long distances will be stressful to the rider’s back. The seat is 799mm tall, and despite the narrow profile, riders who are shorter than 5’6’’ may end up tip-toeing. However, the blacked-out handlebars are easy to reach, and the footpegs are mid-set for an upright riding stance. The blacked-out single-piece grab rail allows the pillion to be seated securely, but a longer and wider seat could’ve made pillion comfort even better.

The Hero Passion Xtec comes with an LED projector headlight - a first-in-segment. It also gets a full-LCD instrument cluster, something that you don’t usually see on 110cc commuter bikes. The instrument cluster is enhanced with smartphone connectivity that allows the user to check missed call/SMS alerts, phone battery level, and even check the name of the caller. It also gets a mileage indicator for better convenience.

That said, there’s no turn-by-turn navigation. You can still navigate using your phone as the bike comes with a USB charging port, located on the left side of the keyslot. You’ll have to mount the phone using a mobile phone holder that can be bought as an official Hero accessory for Rs 1,335. The bike also gets i3S (Idle Start Stop System) technology which helps in conserving fuel in long traffic stops by turning off the engine, and then automatically turning it on with the pull of the clutch lever.

If you’re looking for a 110cc bike that looks sporty and premium but is also fairly affordable, then the Hero Passion Xtec ticks all the right boxes. The frugal engine should ensure a hassle-free ride, be it in the city or on the highways. As a bonus, the nifty features in the Xtec also makes your commutes easier.