EXCLUSIVE: 2023 Hero Passion Plus Spied: Workhorse Returns In BS6.2 Avatar

Hero has two well-known workhorses - the Spendor and the Passion. However, when the BS6 era came a few years ago, the Splendor made the cut into the future, the Passion Plus did not, and just like that it was gone. But from these spy shots taken at an event (likely a dealer event) it appears as if the Passion Plus is ready to make a comeback in the even stricter BS6.2 (OBD-2) era, and here’s what’s new:

Unlike the currently available Passion Pro which has a 110cc engine, the Passion Plus features a sloper engine just like the Splendor Plus but with a different crankcase. The 97.2cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected motor makes 8.02PS and 8.05Nm. Needless to say, if it plans on making a comeback it will be OBD-2 or BS6.2 compliant and this is the most important change in this upcoming Passion Plus.  

Among other changes, which are mostly cosmetic, the spy shots reveal a flush fit fuel filler cap, a differently styled headlight cowl and taillight unit compared to the older model. Even the grabrail is new and swoops over the tail light. Adding a dash of sportiness to the black alloy wheels (borrowed from the Splendor)are contrasting rim-tapes. Lastly, it’s nice to see that the two colours seen in the spy shots are the same as the older Passion Plus.  

In terms of hardware, the suspension unit on the new motorcycle looks the same as the old bike - telescopic front fork and twin coils at the rear. Even the braking system appears to be carried forward - drum brakes at either end; however, this new iteration gets a combined braking system (CBS). Finally to improve its handling package, these new bikes are seen sporting new rounder profile tyres as compared to the commuter-esque ribbed tyres as before. 

While there is no official word on the motorcycle yet we are expecting it to hit the floor by July this year and be priced around Rs 75,000 (ex-showroom) onwards. It will rival the TVS Radeon, Bajaj Platina100 and Honda Shine 100.