Hero MotoCorp is betting big on the performance segment and will launch as many as 7 motorcycles on the same HX250R platform. The bikes are currently in prototype stage.
Post its break-up with Honda, Hero has been working extensively on its products and hasn’t spared any segment. The biggest surprise from Hero was the unveil of the HX250R in 2013 and now domestic news site, AFB has got more details about India’s largest 2-wheeler company’s upcoming lineup of products. While all are aware about the new scooters and commuter motorcycles, the plans in the performance segment have largely remained under wraps, until now. Sources inside the company have revealed on the condition of anonymity about the onslaught planned by the Karizma maker in the quarter-litre segment.
Hero MotoCorp is betting big on platform engineering and will launch 7 new motorcycles which will have a few things in common like the frame, engine, gearbox and even tyres on certain models. Although similar underneath, these models will be vastly different on the top, thus looking like all new models. This new strategy adopted by Hero has been well described by a component supplier who was happy to give his quotes to AFB.
“Hero wants to do a Volkswagen in 2-wheelers and believes that when the German firm can sell same cars at different price points, then they too can sell the same bikes as different products”, Hunto Sparkwala, founding director of Stickers India Ltd. said on the sidelines of Limited Edition Sticker Expo held at Hero’s Neemrana R&D centre.
On further digging information, sources in the patent office were able to leak information about Hero’s upcoming models, all of which were classified as 250cc bikes. Here is the list and some information received from insiders on the upcoming bikes.
1) Hero HX250R – full-faired motorcycle with 31 PS of power, will come with dual riding modes.
2) Hero HN250R – street-fighter version of the HX250R that will take on the upcoming KTM Duke 250.
3) Hero HX250RS – race version of the HX250R but only for street-racing. To be offered only to pros as track racing is for amateurs.
4) Hero HD250R – D for dirt, the adventure version of the HX250R will come with off-road tyres, higher suspension travel, bigger windshield and the option of extra spark plugs for added efficiency. One can opt for up to 4 sparks.
5) Hero HX250R Pro – race version of the HX250R which will come with lighter components, will be part of Moto3 championship.
6) Hero HX250R Pro Classic – cafe racer version of the HX250R with single seat set-up, round headlight, to rival the Royal Enfield Continental GT.
7) Hero Super HX250R – supercharged version of the HX250R with around 40 PS of power, to rival 20% of the Kawasaki Ninja H2.
In spite of all bikes mentioned above sharing some body panels, cosmetically they will be very different thanks to the revolutionary stickers used on them. Depending on the model, some bikes will be more aerodynamic due to lower CD offered by the all new, next generation of stickers.
Meanwhile, head below and read the complete report from AFB on Hero’s 250cc onslaught.
Source – AFB
