[Tushar]

Hero MotoCorp brought in an expansive fleet of motorcycles to the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo. While Hero didn't bring as many concepts in its bag this time (as compared to the 2014 expo), among the display models were four new concepts, two of which will enter production soon.

Hero's theme for their stall is 'greenovation':


The showstopper of the event would have to be the XF3R concept:


No exact specs, but the concept uses a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, DOHC engine, fed through a fuel-injector. Could displace in the region of 300-500cc if / when produced:


Tastefully executed front end. Edgy, but not overdone:


Inverted front forks:


300 mm front brake. Rear gets a 220 mm disc and the bike features dual-channel ABS:


Geodesic tubular high-strength steel chassis under the skin:


XF3R stickering. Don't miss the dual-map sticker underneath. Expected to be a ride mode selector i.e. gives you the option of an economical ride mode when required:


Single-sided swing-arm! Rear monoshock is adjustable for preload:


Integrated tail light and indicators. Make the rear look rather bulbous:


Seen here is the Xtreme 200 S concept:


Hero says this is their move to embark upon the premium motorcycle space. Expected to enter production in 2017:


Eyebrow like pilot light:


240 mm disc up front. Rear gets a 130 mm drum brake, with an optional 220 mm disc:


The Xtreme 200 S uses a diamond frame. Its 200cc engine makes around 18 BHP and 17.2 Nm of torque. Fuel is fed through a carburetor:


A quick look at the cockpit:




Hero also unveiled the Splendor iSmart 110:


Powering the bike is a 110cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder engine that makes around 9 BHP and 9 Nm of torque.


The bike will go on sale this year:


The bike gets a four-speed gearbox and the i3S start-stop tech for improved efficiency:


Blue instrument cluster adds a classy touch:


Deja-vu? Hero brought the HX250R this year as well, but it's now called the HX250:


31 BHP / 23 Nm. Great figures for a 249cc bike, but when do we see this leave 'on paper' and become 'on the road'?:


Alien-esque fascia:


220 mm disc with a 300 mm disc brake at the front + ABS on both:


Under-seat exhaust:


Funky instrument cluster:

[Tushar]

The Duet-E electric scooter:




The Duet-E is based on the Duet, but has been conceptualized as a zero emission vehicle. No definite launch date yet:




Charging inlet at the rear:


Hero's regular range was presented as well, with a few presented in unique colour shades. Here's the Xtreme Sports:


Karizma with a few cosmetic changes:


Karizma ZMR in race livery:




The Maestro Edge and the Duet:


The Maestro Edge had a funky colour tone for the expo showcase:






Hero Pleasure:


HF Deluxe Eco:


Splendor Pro:


Hero Hunk looks classy with the matte black paint finish:


Xtreme Sports in 'pyro orange':

[Tushar]

Last, but not the least, Hero showcased its designers!


This cool concept is the designer 'doodling' :




Always great to see these automotive artisans at work:


Looks like the Hero Zir:

[Rehaan]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line section. Thanks for sharing!

[vinya_jag]

Most of these look out of proportion.
They are either bulky, dated, or with a bad choice of paintwork.
Or is it just me who feels so?

[Valkyrie]

They are experts in extreme paint Jobs... Wonder when they will come out of their comfortzone? Read Splendors and Passions.

[Viju]

The XF3R and HX250R look decent. I hope they don't wait for the 2018 Auto Expo to actually launch the HX250R though.

Rant: I wish someone at Hero realized that the Karizma is a super comfortable tourer and by no stretch of imagination, a sports bike / racer. Can we start an online petition to Hero to go back to more sober designs and colours? It is sad to see the No.1 manufacturer go down like this.

[Urban_Nomad]

^^ If the market response to the Karizma did not wake them up, no online petition ever will

[sknglobal]

The sooner; Hero MotoCorp realises that the Splendour phenomenon will not last forever, the better it is for their health. Considering their size, heritage and brand loyalty; this group should be having all the means to innovate and come out with some unique products.

Apart from the Splendour and other vintage series; their is hardly any juice in their portfolio which looks promising. From the homegrown player's, TVS and Bajaj look way ahead in the game. It appears their is no strong mandate in the company to build strong brand's like Splendour and this will cost them dearly in the long run.

[kumarshah]

The bread and butter for company is still the commuter vehicles.

The problem with Hero is that they keep redesigning premium bikes that are already successful. We used to sell 100 CBZs per month and even the original Xtreme model was selling well at 75 per month. The redesign killed all market for it. The same thing happened with Karizma. The same is happening with Splendor Pro.

I keep wondering how they do market study (if any) that leads to these design changes.

[girishglg]

Guess Hero just relies on its distribution muscle to push as many bikes in the Indian market. This one company which shows little but sells a lot unlike the other homegrown Tatas.

Largely disappointed with their display except for one exciting ZF3R which looks promising. Hope they come up big on those electric scooters which could sell well given their sales network and reach.

[Sutripta]

Wonder what happened to the 'can do' spirit exhibited in the last Expo? Any inside information.

Regards
Sutripta