What To Expect From Hero In 2020

Hero MotoCorp shocked us all when it announced that it will be skipping Auto Expo 2020. The world’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturer giving the expo a miss to focus on BS6 updates should give you an idea of just how tough things are at the moment, not just for Hero, but the industry as a whole. So what can we expect from the company as it aims to bounce back in 2020? Read on to find out:

New 150-160cc Motorcycle

The Xtreme Sports has remained largely unchanged since it was launched way back in 2015, and Hero’s only other offering in the segment, the more affordable and more commuter-ish Achiever 150, isn’t exactly setting the sales charts on fire either. The 150cc segment is one where Hero is struggling at the moment, but the brand is hoping to turn its fortunes around.

To this end, it is rumoured to be developing an all-new 150-160cc motorcycle which will be BS6-compliant and likely feature fuel-injection as well. This being Hero, expect the bike to be priced competitively, but we hope this won’t be at the cost of performance and equipment.

BS6 Updates

The only BS6-compliant product in Hero’s stable at the moment is the Splendor iSmart BS6. The rest of the range will have to be updated before April 1, 2020. It’s unlikely that Hero will discontinue a motorcycle as popular as the basic Splendor+, so we expect the new 110cc motor from the Splendor iSmart to make its way into a more barebones Splendor+ as well.

In the 125cc segment, Hero’s Glamour motorcycle and Maestro Edge 125 scooter already feature fuel-injection, so it shouldn’t be too big a task to make these motor comply with BS6 norms. These engines could then power other 125cc bikes and scooters in Hero’s lineup like the Super Splendor and Destini. In fact, Hero has already been spotted testing a BS6-compliant Glamour, so an official launch may not be too far off.

It’s almost certain that the 97cc mill powering the current Splendor+ and HF Deluxe will be discontinued next year. It is also likely that Hero will discontinue its 110cc scooters and focus solely on the 125cc scooter segment. The Xpulse 200 already has the option of fuel-injection, and we expect all of the brand’s 200cc motorcycles to get fuel-injection as standard in order to comply with BS6 next year.