With a series of remarkable new launches, from youth-oriented 100cc motorbikes to a 620cc middleweight streetfighter and futuristic concepts, Hero MotoCorp made a strong impact at this year’s Delhi Auto Expo.

 

The collaboration between Hero and (Erik Buell Racing) EBR stood out at the Hero pavilion with the EBR 1190RS and the brand new 1190RX sport bikes being displayed on marquee pedestals. A slew of products developed jointly by the engineers of Hero and EBR generated massive interest and drew huge crowds. The presence of Team Hero racers, Geoff May and Aaron Yates, added to the excitement. Hero also unveiled a trio of scooters developed jointly by its partner Engines Engineering of Bologna, Italy.

 

Hero MotoCorp’s Managing Director and CEO, Pawan Munjal summed up the Hero vision when he said, “Being the global leader in two-wheelers, we have been challenging the routine and the conventional. Our new motto is to drive change through path-breaking innovations. With our finger on the pulse of the youth, we are therefore developing products that will cater to customers around the world, both in the near- and long-term. We have now successfully developed an ecosystem of technology research and development that is designed to think beyond the obvious and deliver future-ready mobility solutions.”

 

Here are some of the noteworthy new products jointly developed by EBR and Hero which were displayed at the Hero pavilion at Auto Expo 2014:

 

HX250R – The new 250cc Sports Bike

Featuring a slim and agile seating position, high-tech engine and chassis, the Hero HX250R has all the attributes to deliver the lightweight sports bike experience. With its high-performance, liquid-cooled balanced engine and advanced multi-sensor electronic fueling, the HX250R can deliver performance, while also being refined and fuel efficient.

 

Aerodynamic styling, six-speed transmission and lightweight mass-centralized chassis make the HX250R incredibly responsive in all riding conditions. The geodesic tubular chassis integrates the engine as a stressed member, and allows full control of its modern 17” sports bike wheels and tires.

 

RNT diesel concept bike

The RNT’s wide flat loading surfaces with strap bars, as well as multi-use folding side racks, a large comfortable seat and spacious footboards, create a new look never seen on a motorcycle before.



Under the surface everything is new, exciting and practical. Power comes from a high-torque 150cc diesel with an optional turbocharger, so even when fully loaded, the RNT can master all roads.

 

The RNT also has an accessory oversize generator, which along with the diesel engine delivers extra electrical power for work (or play) at a remote site. The optional removable LED lamp in front of the dash can be unclipped and re-aimed so the work or play can carry on into the night.

 

Another option on the RNT concept is a hub electric motor in the front wheel, which is powered by an electric battery pack. This gives riders a unique two-wheel drive option for the toughest world conditions, as well as the possibility to shut off the rear drive and move through the city on electric power front-wheel-drive only.

Leap

Leap, the first electric-serial-hybrid scooter from India, returned to Auto Expo in its preproduction form. When the Hero Leap first appeared as a prototype at the 2012 Auto Expo, it seemed to be a vehicle from the distant future. This year’s preproduction model shows Hero is well along the path of putting the future into riders’ hands.

 

Powered by lithium-ion batteries and an 8kW electric traction motor, the Leap eliminates the limited range of an electric vehicle by incorporating a “range extender,” an on-board generator set powered by an extremely efficient new 124cc engine. Normally, the Leap would be recharged by plugging into a wall outlet. If that isn’t available, however, the 3-liter fuel tank and the range extender of the Leap give it four times the range of batteries alone, and the fuel can be quickly refilled.

 

With its aerodynamic styling and all-LED lighting system, the Leap makes a strong statement of Hero’s technical innovation, and how the company is looking toward a greener future.

 

The permanent magnet AC (PMAC) traction motor that powers the Leap produces maximum torque of more than 60 Nm from a standstill, so this advanced scooter requires neither a clutch nor a transmission. Final drive is a high-technology toothed belt housed cleanly in the swing-arm, designed to last the life of the vehicle. Top speed of the Leap is 100 kph (62 mph) when running with the range extender. Its near-silent acceleration in full electric operation is better than that of many gasoline scooters.

Hero Hastur

The 620cc Hastur comes with a water-cooled parallel twin engine that delivers 80 hp at 9600 rpm. This explosive power delivery comes from a new and very compact powerplant that serves as a stressed member of the chassis for optimum mass centralization and great handling and maneuverability. The unique design features a counter-rotating crankshaft, cartridge transmission with auto-style power transfer and an advanced cylinder head and combustion chamber design for reduced emissions.

 

The Hastur makes an aggressive style statement with its streetfighter looks and the minimalistic bodywork reveals performance essentials such as big sticky tires, performance suspension and brakes, geodesic tubular chassis and a powerful engine. 

 

Hero ‘ion’

The all electronic Hero ion has Lithium-air batteries and hydrogen fuel cell range extender packaged in the center structure with super capacitors to meet energy needs for acceleration and braking. The Lithium-air battery, which is the lightest and highest energy density battery, uses oxygen from the air instead of storing an oxidizer internally.

 

Airy, open wheels contain the rotor component of hubless electric traction motors that use magnetic levitation technology to work with zero friction. When needed, the traction motors also function as brakes. The vehicle is controlled by light finger touch controls built in the handle grips. Commands from the fingertips are sent to VCM (Vehicle Control Module) where they are converted to drive signals for PBS (power, braking and steering) systems.

 

A Ride-by-Wire feature integrates multiple on-board electronic traffic sensors for collision detection and avoidance. Variable two-wheel steering works in synergy with the rider’s driving style and vehicle dynamics to optimize handling. A Vehicle Situational Awareness (VSA) system keeps track of the surrounding traffic flow and makes corrections to the PBS system as needed. The VSA system overrides any lower priority communications when traffic density becomes significant.

 

M-Link is an advanced suspension linkage technology that features electronic force mapping through sensors that manage all suspension components. These sensors continuously vary the power of the electromagnet that controls the damping characteristics of the suspension in real time. It seamlessly integrates with other vehicle systems including the Ride-by-Wire steering to provide user-profiled ride characteristics with road vision-controlled damping.

Hero ‘SimplEcity’

The SimplEcity comes with innovative features such a removable battery pack for the convenience of recharging. Another innovation is the dashboard that is delivered through the rider’s smart phone using a free SimplEcity application. This can be achieved by conveniently mounting the phone on the handlebars. The “walk’ mode let rider roll it effortlessly when walking or gives it a needed push if taken upstairs.

 

100 cc ‘Splendor Pro Classic’

Having an irresistible blend of vintage and young styling, Hero MotoCorp’s flagship brand comes in a new version as the 100-cc Splendor Pro Classic. It offers a distinct riding experience with its cafe racer styling, including the new handle bar, classic round headlight and tail light, cafe racer cowl and added chrome parts such as the front and rear fenders, turn signals, suspension cover and round rear-view mirrors. The impeccably-styled Splendor Classic is powered by a 100cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder overhead cam engine, producing maximum torque of 8.04 Nm at 4500 rpm.



100 cc “Passion Pro TR”

The new 100-cc Passion Pro TR features include on-off tires, sturdier handlebars with cross brace, high front fender, hugger front fender, headlight grill, hand guards for added protection, bash plate and fuel tank pads. New colors and graphics add extra punch to the styling.