Hero MotoCorp had everyone spellbound when it unveiled a host of motorcycles from different segments earlier this year. While a majority of these motorcycles were highly innovative and futuristic, the HX250R stuck to the traditional norms of motorcycling and seemed to be one of the most production-feasible motorcycles among the bunch. Now, rumours suggest that the HX250R has completed its development phase and that the Delhi-based two-wheeler manufacturer is planning to launch it in India in November, this year.
Developed jointly with Erik Buell Racing, the HX250R is powered by a liquid cooled single-cylinder 249cc engine which churns out 30.6bhp and 26Nm of torque. These power figures coupled with the 139kg weight, will put the HX250R miles ahead of its competition, the Honda CBR250R. The fuel injected engine can be operated in two modes– eco and power, and comes mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox.
The HX250R is built around a geodesic tubular frame with the engine as a stressed member. It is fully-faired and gets an underseat exhaust. It rides on 17-inch alloy-wheels with Pirelli Sport Demon tyres and the stopping force comes through a 300mm disc at front and a 220mm disc at the rear, with combined brakes and ABS. The front will be equipped with telescopic forks setup while the rear gets a monoshock.
As opposed to what most of its critics had predicted, Hero MotoCorp has managed to retain its top position in the Indian two-wheeler market, despite the split with its long term joint venture partner, Honda. It is currently aggressively expanding into other global markets in Latin America and South Africa, as part of its plans to expand its global footprint to as many as 50 countries by 2020. The company recently marked its entry into the Colombian market in July by setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary, HMCL Colombia SAS.
