New Hero Achiever 150 Quick Ride Review

The new Achiever has been Hero’s third motorcycle launch this year that gets a couple of upgrades. It’s not entirely new like the Splendor 110 iSmart but has been updated to offer better value, mechanically as well as aesthetically. In fact, this is the biggest upgrade the Achiever 150 has ever got since its inception in 2006. The new Achiever 150 has been launched to help Hero increase its overall market share in the segment, which is currently dominated by Bajaj Pulsar 150. The Gurgaon-based manufacturer has updated this motorcycle aesthetically as well as mechanically. In fact, it has gone a step ahead and introduced a couple of new features that we usually don’t see in motorcycles in this segment. 

The new Achiever 150 looks way better than the outgoing model. Hero has been very cautious with the overall styling of the new Achiever. The designers have designed this bike in such a way that it attracts young Indian buyers at the same time, caters to middle-aged men. The sharp angular bikini fairing coupled with the bulky curvy fuel tank, makes the new Achiever lack appeal. Also, there’s so much of bulkiness and substance on the side profile of this new Hero motorcycle. Usage of big body panels has given the new Achiever 150 better road presence, whereas the tail section reminds us of the Honda Unicorn 150. Hero MotoCorp, for starters, should have spent more time redesigning the tail section as it just doesn’t go well with the overall bike. It feels like a step-back. 

While most of the body panels on the new Achiever 150 are new, there are a couple of them that have been carried over from its predecessor. The alloy wheels, braking system, foot brake lever- all have been taken from the old model.

This updated 150cc engine is BS-IV compliant. The power figures stands at 13.4bhp at 8000rpm at a peak torque of 12.8Nm at 8000rpm. And if you notice, these figures are exactly like the outgoing model. Hero has re-tuned this engine to develop more torque at the low-end and at the same time, make it BS-IV compliant. Gearbox is five-speed which has a smooth operation. Hero claims a fuel efficiency of 50kmpl and this is not ARAI or Indian drive cycle (IDC). Being a BS-IV motorcycle, the new Achiever 150 went through Worldwide Harmonized Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC). In this testing cycle, bikes are tested at higher rpms. 

Not really, but it gets features that none of the bikes in the segment offer. All-time headlamp (AHO) – this is going to be a mandatory feature from next year, but Hero decided to introduce this small yet important function before the regulation kicks in. 

Then there’s the i3s system (integrated start-stop system). This system kills the engine when it senses that the bike is idling for more than five seconds. To start the bike again, all you got to do is pull the clutch. This feature helps in fuel saving. The new Achiever 150 is equipped with tubeless tyres as standard. The instrument cluster is fairly new and now has the side-stand indicator. 

I was limited to a closed riding area which didn’t replicate the ideal riding conditions. But I did manage to take it through some fairly bad patches and the ride quality was good. The upright riding position coupled with that comfortable long seat gives a good experience. In terms of handling, it was easy to throw around the bike in the available conditions. For a moment, it felt like a 125cc motorcycle because of its light weight. The updated 150cc engine is smooth and gets a very appreciable low-end torque. The bike easily does 30kmph in fifth gear without any knocking. Plus, I weigh close to 100kg, so this figure could be more impressive.  The brakes were quite decent. I didn’t like the front as the lever had too much travel. Also, there’s no feel on the front brake lever. However, the rear setup performed brilliantly with good amount of power and feel. 

The new Hero Achiever is priced at Rs 61,800 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the drum brake variant. For disc brake version, you need to shell Rs 1000 more. In this pricing, the new Achiever has to compete with the successful Bajaj V15 and the Yamaha SR-RR V2.0. In a way, the Honda Unicorn 150 also competes with the new Achiever, however, it’s priced a couple of thousands more at Rs 69,305 (ex-showroom Delhi). 

Note: This is just a short quick ride review. We’ll be bringing you a detailed first ride review of the new Hero Achiever when we get the bike for a longer duration. Don’t worry about the actual fuel efficiency. We’ll bring you that as well.