Hero Passion Pro TR Review
Bike Tested: 2014 Hero Passion Pro TR
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 59,499/-
The Passion Pro TR is yet another different approach towards the same old commuter motorcycle by India’s largest bike firm
The 100cc segment is very important for Hero MotoCorp and is one of the reasons why despite endless criticism of changing size and stickers of the same engine powered motorcycles, Hero never stopped. Case in point is the Passion which has three variants of its own! Introducing one of them today is the Passion Pro TR. However, is it a sticker job or a motorcycle which has a different job description? We are here to find out. After looking at it in pictures, it seems like a motorcycle which is meant to play a different role, after all it is also playing its main role. So is the Passion Pro TR an all rounder you are looking for? We took it everywhere to tell you how it performs on “all kinds of roads”.
Commuter cafe racer and now a commuter dirt bike? Hero is going everywhere!
Styling – The Passion Pro TR is nothing but a normal xPro with a headlight protector grille, knobby tyres, twin mudguard and hand guards at the front. Everything else feels great except the handguards which feel flimsy. The styling remains the same with the same graphics but there are different color options on board this time. The styling is still good no doubt but the TR deserved to get something more than the usual. The Passion series or perhaps this was Hero’s idea to differentiate it easily rather than making a brand new model. Choose a strategy that makes you happy here. Needless to say, quality is good and so are the fit and finish levels. We wish the headlight guard could have a smaller grille with even less gap for better illumination and protection at the same time. Overall the Pro TR shows the world what it truly is without being out of the box and that’s something which will help its case even further.
Different background and side stand indicator accompany the old Passion Pro console
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster of the Hero Passion has been one of the things that adds a neat touch to the package. The three-pod cluster is logically laid. The left dial shows neutral, side stand and high beam lights. The center dials show speedometer and the digital part shows odometer, fuel gauge and a trip meter. The turn indicator on top of the cluster looks out of place and is not a solitary unit. The cluster gets a different background “wallpaper” over the normal Passion xPro.
Upright riding position with comfortable seats and footpeg positioning
Ergonomics – The seating position is upright and the tall and wide handle gives a comfortable stance. The handlebar also has a rod built in between for less flexing or no flexing when the front forks hit the ground hard. A neat addition keeping in mind off-road capabilities. The foot pegs are frontset for the rider which relieve a lot of space for the pillion. The rearview mirrors are just about adequate for normal sized people. The Passion Pro TR also gets stomp grips on either side of the tank which are really rough and come without dots but still provide decent grip to rider’s thighs as it is of critical need when manoeuvring the bike on loose ground.
The familiar 97.2cc engine does the job but more grunt would have been a good idea
Performance – Powering the Hero Passion Pro TR is the famous 97.2cc under-square motor which produces 7.8 BHP of power at 7500 RPM and 8.4 Nm of torque at 4500 RPM. These numbers are the same as normal Passion numbers and with added weight of the dirt bike parts, it does weigh slightly higher but the Passion never felt and is not under-powered thanks to well sorted out gearing. The engine is smooth and refined but being a Honda motor, there are minute vibrations that start around the torque band after which there are no vibrations till the redline. The engine has very good mid-end punch and pulls strongly with power trailing off after maxing out at 85 km/hr. The gearing is shorter and give you a good mid and top-end punch while also giving stress free ride-ability at the same time. The gearbox has 4-speeds which is a smooth and slick unit and coupled with a feather light clutch, it’s a no nonsense easy to ride bike. Expect the mileage to be around the usual 65 km/l.
Despite knobby tyres, handling is good and it will help riders go off-road a bit
The Passion Pro TR has the dynamics as well as mild off-road capabilities for small excursions
Riding Dynamics – The Hero Passion Pro TR comes with the same double-cradle frame and stiffly damped suspension on both ends. The ride quality is splendid without compromising on dynamics. Manoeuvrability, no doubt is good thanks to tiny small dimensions and less kerb weight. The dimensions and chassis geometry help the Hero Passion Pro TR to be rich in the dynamics department too. The bike has good high speed stability and takes sweepers with authority. Braking is also good at the front with the help of a standard disc brake. Rear brakes as always do most of the job and are very well calibrated for this motorcycle. All in all, top notch braking which is also aided by tyres that are good too in every aspect when considering on and off-road duties thanks to knobby type design.
Hero is carving a niche with these motorcycles which are already mass volume gainers
Verdict – The Passion Pro TR is a motorcycle for the masses and yet for a person who seeks to off-road a bit in absolute peace without worrying about traditional road tyres and a bunch of equipment which makes his job even easier. The motorcycle under the skin is basically the same with similar mechanicals and hence it can do its daily “on-road” duties as well which includes fuss free ride-ability while delivering a satisfactory mileage, everything being done smoothly and calmly. As a product there is very less to dislike about the Passion Pro TR and a thumbs up to Hero for coming up with an idea this versatile. The Passion Pro TR is then a clever choice of the passionate commuter out there.
The Hero Passion Pro TR is squarely aimed at the rural market, at those who want off-road capabilities to the minimum yet don’t want to sacrifice their daily commute either. A clever job by Hero and it should help sales go higher while existing Passion continues to impress urban commuters.
The Hero Passion Pro TR is sure to be a hot seller in the rural market
What’s Cool
* Practical for any use
* Smooth engine and gearbox
* Value for money
What’s Not So Cool
* Similar styling over regular Passion
Hero has equipped the TR with everything possible to justify and differentiate its role
Hero Passion Pro TR Specifications
* Engine: 97.2cc, OHC, air-cooled
* Power: 7.8 HP @ 7500 RPM
* Torque: 8.45 Nm @ 4500 RPM
* Transmission: 4-speed
* 0 – 60 km/hr: 10 seconds
* Top Speed: 90 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 60-65 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Tubular double cradle
* Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Twin shock (Rear)
* Tyres: 2.75/18 (Front), 2.75/18 (Rear)
* Brakes: 240 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
Hero Passion Pro TR Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1980 mm x 840 mm x 1085 mm
* Wheelbase: 1235 mm
* Ground Clearance: 165 mm
* Seat Height: 795 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.8-litres
* Kerb weight: 119 kgs