Hero MotoCorp has expanded its flex-fuel portfolio with the launch of the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel in India. The commuter motorcycles are priced at Rs. 82,710 and Rs. 72,792 respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi) and are capable of running on ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E85.
The introduction of these models comes amid the government’s continued push to increase ethanol adoption in the transportation sector as part of efforts to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
Both motorcycles are powered by Hero’s familiar 97.2cc single-cylinder engine, which has been modified to support higher ethanol concentrations. In E85 configuration, the engine produces 8.6 HP at 8000 RPM and 8.3 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. To ensure compatibility with ethanol-rich fuels, Hero has updated the fuel delivery system and engine management software. Changes include a revised ECU calibration, a new fuel pump and an additional fuel filtration setup.
The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is priced only marginally higher than the standard version, carrying a premium of Rs. 172. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel, meanwhile, costs Rs. 5153 more than its regular counterpart. With these price differences, Hero is attempting to bring flex-fuel technology into the mass-market commuter motorcycle segment.
According to the company, the Splendor and HF range together represent a significant portion of India’s motorcycle parc. Introducing flex-fuel capability on these high-volume models could help increase the adoption of ethanol-compatible vehicles if fuel availability expands across the country.
In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature a digi-analogue instrument cluster, tubeless tyres and a side-stand engine cut-off function. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel additionally comes equipped with Hero’s i3S idle stop-start technology aimed at improving fuel efficiency.
Sales of the two motorcycles will commence in Delhi and selected regions of Maharashtra from July 2026. Hero MotoCorp has stated that availability will gradually be extended to other parts of the country in subsequent phases.
