Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel vs Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV: Key details compared

The launch of the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has expanded India’s very small but growing flex-fuel motorcycle space. While it sits in a completely different category compared to the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, both motorcycles are among the very few two-wheelers in the country capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel. Here’s a closer look at how the two motorcycles compare.Hero MotoCorp recently launched the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel alongside the Splendor+ Flex Fuel in India. The motorcycles can run on ethanol blends of up to E85. Prices for the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel start at Rs 72,792, ex-showroom. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, meanwhile, is positioned at a much more premium end of the market. It is priced at Rs 1.98 lakh, ex-showroom.Powering the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that has been reworked extensively to support ethanol blends ranging from E5 to E85. The motor produces 8.4 hp and 8.3 Nm of peak torque and comes paired with a 4-speed gearbox. Hero says the flex-fuel setup delivers around 7 per cent more power and 3 per cent more torque compared to the standard petrol version.To support higher ethanol blends, Hero has introduced multiple mechanical changes, including a revised fuel pump for filtering E85 molasses, a secondary fuel filter and a recalibrated ECU that can automatically adjust fuel delivery depending on the ethanol blend being used. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV uses a much larger 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel as well. The engine produces 28 hp and 23 Nm of torque, offering considerably higher performance than the Hero commuter motorcycle. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.The two motorcycles also differ heavily in terms of styling and hardware. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel retains its commuter design with refreshed graphics and a new digi-analog instrument cluster. It continues with telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, while braking duties are handled by drum brakes.The Gixxer SF 250 FFV, on the other hand, gets a sharp fully-faired design. The motorcycle comes equipped with disc brakes, wider tyres, clip-on handlebars, telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock suspension setup. While both motorcycles support E85 fuel compatibility, they target completely different buyers.