Hero Splendor+, HF-Deluxe flex fuel launched: Ethanol-ready bikes!

Hero MotoCorp has finally launched its flex-fuel commuter motorcycles in India: the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel. The motorcycles were unveiled by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. Both the motorcycles are capable of running on ethanol blends up to E85.

Hero Splendor+, HF-Deluxe flex fuel motorcycle: What’s new

The new models retain their familiar design and underpinnings but feature refreshed graphics and a new digi-analog instrument cluster. Sales are scheduled to begin from July, with Delhi and Maharashtra being the first markets to receive the motorcycle.Power comes from Hero’s familiar 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which has been extensively reworked to handle higher ethanol blends. Compared to the standard petrol-powered versions, the flex-fuel models produce 7 percent more power and 3 percent more torque. As far as specs are concerned, both the models produce 8.4 hp and 8.3 Nm of peak torque. To enable flex-fuel compatibility, Hero has made significant mechanical changes, including a new fuel pump to filter out the E85 molasses, a new secondary fuel filter for cleaner fuel circulation in the fuel-injection system and a recalibrated ECU map that automatically adjusts fuel delivery based on the ethanol mixture in the tank. Hero says that a total of 36 parts have been changed to ensure seamless performance.Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, while braking is managed by drum brakes at both ends.The Splendor+ Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 82,810, ex-showroom, while the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 72,792, ex-showroom.