Hero HX250R preview

Hero MotoCorp unleashed a bombshell, as it unveiled its new 250cc offering - HX250R. The quarter-litre motorcycle has been developed indigenously by Hero in conjunction with its partners Eric Buell Racing (EBR), AVL (Austria) and Engines Engineering. What really makes the HX250R stand out is its engine specifications, the 249cc; single-cylinder; liquid-cooled mill pumps out 31PS and has torque rating of 26Nm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a six-speed transmission, a first for any Hero motorcycle. The HX250R has been put under stringent diet and tips the scale at just 139kg, which translates into a power-to-weight ratio of 223PS/ton. 

The bike features geodesic tubular chassis that integrates the engine as stressed member, to offer sporty riding dynamics and better rigidity. The HX250R sports 37mm telescopic forks at the front and a 5-step adjustable monoshock at the rear along with beautiful looking trellis shaped swingarm. The ByBre 300mm disc up front and 200mm disc at the back take care of the braking responsibilities. Combined braking system (CBS) is standard on the bike whereas ABS is optional. The bike makes use of 110/80 and 140/70 section 17-inch tubeless tyres, the Sport Demon series from Pirelli, renowned for the grip they offer. 

If the specs aren’t impressive enough for you, the Hero HX250R is one striking bike to look at. The twin-headlights, large windscreen, the under seat exhaust and the overall silhouette of the bike seems inspired from the Honda CBR 600RR and it works in it favour as the baby Fireblade was quit a looker. The footpegs are rearset, while the handle bar is raised so that the rider can have a sporty and fairly comfortable riding posture. 

Hero hasn’t revealed any details about the HX250R’s pricing or launch date as yet but one can expect it to be priced at around Rs 1.5 lakh with a possible launch by the end of the year. The quarter-litre offering will be pitched against the Honda CBR 250R and the upcoming Pulsar 200SS in our two-wheeler spectrum. In the HX250R, Hero surely has an fitting product to compete against the baby CBR as it produces 6PS more and weighs 28kg less than the Japanese manufacturers offering to trump in terms of performance on paper at least.