Hero stated that it will now be using its own R&D department to complete the final testing on the HX250R with the launch date pushed to the first quarter of 2016.
The sudden announcement of Erik Buell Racing’s (EBR) bankruptcy has made Hero MotoCorp re-strategise its plans for its future products, but amidst the chaos it is the HX250R that has suffered the most loss. With EBR playing a dominant part in the development of the highly awaited quarter-litre offering, the future seemed bleak, but the Indian auto giant reaffirmed that the development was on track and the launch has only been delayed. With Hero now planning to use its own R&D division to develop the HX250R, the automaker continues to import prototypes of the HX250R for R&D purposes.
The two imported units are essentially ABS and non-ABS versions of the HX250R, hinting that Hero will be following Bajaj Auto by offering the ABS-equipped version as optional to keep prices competitive. In terms of powertrain, power is said to come from a 249cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine producing 31 PS of peak output. The HX250R will get switchable riding modes with power output reduced to 24 PS in city mode for enhanced fuel efficiency. The bike will come paired to a 6-speed gearbox.
As evident from its styling, the Hero HX250R will see a lot of EBR influence going under the fairing. The Geodesic tubular frame and a lightweight of 139 kgs make it look promising and the quarter-litre offering is said to be capable of doing the 0-100 km/hr run in under 9 seconds. The HX250R was originally set to hit the market towards the end of the year but has been now pushed to the first quarter of 2016, likely making its production model debut at the Auto Expo. Prices will be around Rs. 2 lakhs on the flagship Hero.
Source – Zauba.com
