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 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 motorcycles are capable of running on ethanol blends of up to E85. The new models retain their familiar design and underpinnings but feature refreshed graphics and a new digi-analog instrument cluster. Sales are set to commence from July, with Delhi and Maharashtra being the first markets to receive the motorcycles.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 per cent more power and 3 per cent more torque. As for the specs, both models make 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 for filtering E85 molasses, a new secondary fuel filter for cleaner fuel circulation to the fuel-injection system, and a recalibrated ECU map that automatically adjusts fuel delivery based on the ethanol blend in the tank. In total, Hero says 36 parts have been changed to ensure seamless performance.Suspension duties continue to be 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 costs Rs 72,792, ex-showroom.