Hero MotoCorp states that the close down of Erik Buell Racing (EBR) has no impact on its future models as all products with EBR were completed or are nearing completion. The products will be launched.
The bankruptcy of American motorcycle company EBR came as a shock to everyone, it was sudden, unexpected and wasn’t anticipated by anyone. Post the closure of EBR, many were left wondering about Hero’s future products as many were being developed with the ex-Harley owned company. Hero has clarified that its future product launches haven’t been affected and all the projects that were being worked with EBR have either been completed or are close to completion. The Delhi based company owns 49.2% stake (paid around Rs. 150 crore for it) in EBR and was planning to enter newer markets like the US and Europe with them.
This means that the Hero Hastur is on course for a launch next year. The 620cc motorcycle generates 80 PS of power and 72 Nm of torque, matched to a 6-speed gearbox. The engine has Controlled Swirl Injection (CSI) for boosting fuel efficiency while also curbing CO2 output. The claimed time for the 0-100 km/hr sprint is 3.8 seconds while the top speed is rated at 240 km/hr. Using upside down front forks, this street-fighter weighs just 160 kgs. When launched, the Hero Hastur will compete with the Kawasaki ER-6n, Benelli TNT 600i and the upcoming Yamaha MT-07.
However, the definition of project being complete or nearing completion is a confusing one. A motorcycle isn’t ready for sale till it’s road tested and forget the Hastur, even the HX250R is yet to take to the Indian streets and is hence still months away from launch. Hero could buyout EBR completely thereby getting all its expertise and assets. However, that seems unlikely as Hero has set its own R&D and can very well survive without EBR’s help. Other than EBR, Hero has other partners like AVL, Engines Engineering and Magneti Marelli.
