Hero MotoCorp has unveiled five new products for the Indian market including a first-in-segment 150cc diesel motorcycle. The Gurgaon-based automaker, at a function in Delhi, has revealed the Dash Scooter, RnT diesel motorcycle, Leap SES, CBZ Xtreme Sportz and the HX250R fully-faired sports bike.
The Hero RNT is a first-in-segment 150cc diesel-engined motorcycle that has been targeted at rural markets. The bike has flat loading surfaces with strap bars as well as multi use folding side racks which have all been fitted with the sole purpose of utility. However, the diesel engine is not the only surprise-Hero says that the bike can be fitted with an optional turbocharger as well as a hub electric motor which sends additional power to the front wheels making this a two-wheel drive motorcycle. The diesel motor when fitted with what the company calls an oversize generator can be used as secondary power source while the LED headlamp can be detached and used as a torch.
The Leap SES electric scooter first appeared as a concept vehicle at the 2012 Auto Expo and this is expected to be the production version. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack and a permanent magnetic AC 8kW electric traction motor that produces 60Nm of torque. The company has also fitted a 124cc petrol engine with a 3.0-litre fuel tank that will recharge the batteries and act as a range extender. It has a top-speed of 100kmph that can be brought back to standstill thanks to the two-piston 240mm Brembo front disc.
Hero has also unveiled the 110cc Dash scooter, which by the looks of it will take on the current segment leader, the Honda Activa. It gets a forced-air cooled engine that is expected to produce around 9bhp and 9Nm of torque. It gets many features like USB mobile charger, Key with E-code, digital-analouge gauges as well as LED tail lamps.
The Gurgaon-based automaker’s long running CBZ which is now known as the Xtreme gets a new avatar in the form of the Xtreme Sportz. It is powered by a 150cc engine that produces 12.8Nm of torque and a power figure which will be around 14bhp. It gets the same variant and colour options as the current Xtreme but has now been given a wider rear tyre, LEDs in the headlights, new fenders as well as body graphics.
The last but most powerful motorcycle for the day is the HX250R which is their new flagship two-wheeler. It is expected to be sold alongside the Karizma ZMR and has a full faring. The bike has been given a tubular chassis, 17-inch wheels, Brembo brakes (300mm front, 200mm rear) and the optional ABS system. This is their entry into the highly competitive segment that is dominated by vehicles like the Honda CBR250R, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM Duke 390 in terms of prices. The 250cc engine is expected to produce 31bhp and 31Nm of torque.
The Xtreme Sports will be launched in the first quarter of the next fiscal while the Dash will make its debut in the second quarter. The Leap Hybrid and HX250R (currently a codename) will be launched in the second half of 2014.
The products have been developed in collaboration with EBR and AVL and Pawan Munjal, MD and CEO, has said that today was just a small preview of what the company will bring out in the future. All the bikes will be on display at the Auto Expo 2014.
