Plans of Hero MotoCorp for the year 2016

Hero MotoCorp is India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer and every year, the company tries to surprise its customers with new vehicle launches. Following this philosophy, Hero will launch some of its new offerings this year and also plans to update its existing scooter line-up. The Delhi-based two-wheeler manufacturer had showcased its near production-ready and anticipated motorcycle HX250R at the recently concluded 2016 Auto Expo. Along with this, the company also displayed the all-new Splendor iSmart 110, an updated Maestro Edge scooter along with concept model XF3R. Scroll down for more details on the manufacturers.

1. Hero Splendor iSmart 110:

Splendor iSmart 110 is the first bike in the company’s portfolio that has been developed completely in-house that will go on sale in next 3 months. It is powered by an 110cc, four-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled engine that is mated to a 4-speed gearbox and generates 9% more power as compared to its younger sibling and also delivers 6% more mileage than the Splendor iSmart. The suspension comprises telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear. In terms of braking, the bike is fitted with 130mm and 110mm disc brake at the both ends. Talking about the style, it shares some design cues with Splendor iSmart but also has some additional features like the traditional instrument panel, split grab rails, 5-spoke alloy wheels and thin-section tyres. Apart from this, it has been bolted on to a single downtube frame.

2. Hero HX250:

HX250R is a quarter-litre sportbike that will go on sale in the second half of 2016. It was first showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo and it has been presented once again at the 2016 Auto Expo but this time, it was a production ready model and most of the specification are already disclosed. So, there is nothing left know more about the bike except price and confirmation of specs. The bike is equipped with a 249cc, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, single cylinder engine that churns out a maximum power of 31bhp and 26Nm of torque while linked to a 6-speed gearbox. Beside this, it has features clip-on handlebars, digital-analogue speedometer, under-seat exhaust, riding modes and split seats. Furthermore, braking duties will be taken care of by petal disc brakes at the front as well as the rear. However, it is still a mystery as to whether it will get dual-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard or an optional feature. It employs telescopic forks at the front and a 5-step adjustable mono-shock suspension at the rear. When launched, it will take on the likes of Honda CBR 250R, KTM DUKE 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Benelli TNT 300.

3. Existing Scooter Lineup:

The company also has a plan in mind for its existing scooter lineup and is looking to update all its scooters during 2016. We are eagerly looking forward to the changes and updates Hero carries out for its scooters. There is no official confirmation about whether these scooters will get just cosmetic updates or technical as well. 

However, the company is aiming for a bigger lead in the two-wheeler market and to do so, it is hiring top officials from BMW, Honda, Yamaha and other major manufacturers. Recently, Hero has also launched the all-new metal body scooter Hero Duet in Kolkata, priced at Rs. 51,500 (ex-showroom).