Hero Passion xPro Review
Bike tested: 2013 Hero Passion xPro (Disc Self Cast)
Price OTR Pune: Rs. 59,122/-
A quick ride on the Passion xPro is enough to convince us why Hero is so popular in this segment.
Hero MotoCorp needs no introduction. The company that sells over 5 million motorcycles a year, is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world and is already the most loved brand in its home country. After the break up with Honda, Hero is chalking out its own plans. The company already has three partners, which will help them maintain their numero uno position. Meanwhile Hero is doing their best to refresh their products and tap into the premium segment as well. The Hero Passion xPro is such a step that Hero thinks will help them rise further. The Passion xPro is targeted at urban commuters. We take the Passion xPro for a spin in the urban jungle to find out how it fares.
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Styling – The Hero Passion xPro is a good looking commuter motorcycle. Clean lines and no quirkiness. The creased headlight fairing and edgy tailpiece, adds the much wanted distinctness to the motorcycle. The fuel tank and the body color rear view mirrors are the highlight of the Hero Passion xPro, which makes it instantly recognizable. The neat exhaust, the all black theme below and the bikini fairing, which is straight lift from the Hero Xtreme, adds flare to the motorcycle. Rest of the panels look small, but are accentuated by the ‘flowing’ graphic theme on the Hero Passion xPro.
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Instrument Cluster and Switch Gear – The instrument cluster of the Hero Passion xPro is one of the things that adds a premium touch to the package. The three-pod cluster is logically laid out. The left dial shows neutral and high beam lights. The center dials show speed and the economy zone while the digital part shows odometer, fuel gauge and a trip meter. The turn indicator on top of the cluster looks disharmonious and the bike deserves a solitary turn indicator on either side.
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Ergonomics – The seating position is upright and the tall and wide handle gives the Hero Passion xPro a comfortable stance. The seat cover is made up of high quality material and is well suited for comfort and our weather conditions. The foot pegs are placed for a comfortable ride for both the rider and the pillion. The RVMs are small but adequate for normal sized people. Seat could have used much more cushioning for the rider. There is enough space for inner thighs to breathe. Overall, long journeys are supremely comfortable on the Hero Passion xPro.
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Performance and Gearbox – The Hero Passion xPro is powered by a 109cc, 4-stroke engine that produces 8.7 BHP of peak power at 7500 RPM and 9.36 Nm of peak torque at 5500 RPM. All though the motor is borrowed from the Honda Dream Yuga, it runs on slightly different state of tune. The motor has typical Honda traits, it is smooth and refined. The engine produces stupendous amount of low-end torque. To control the bike, you will end up short shifting rather than revving it sky high. The motor usually is at its best when it comes to low and mid-end power delivery and the top speed is a speedo indicated 100 km/hr. There are minimum vibrations throughout the rev range. The power is transferred to the rear wheels by a smooth shifting 4-speed gearbox, not a 5-speed. The first gear and second gear gives you only sufficient power to get moving. When shifted to the taller third gear, it will help you do 55-60 km/hr. The Hero Passion xPro reaches 85 km/hr easily; it does reach 100 km/hr (speedo indicated), but takes its own sweet time.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/8595261066/[/flickr]
Riding Dynamics – The Hero Passion xPro is armed with a basic set of 80 x 100 tyre at the front and 90 x 90 tyre at the back, slapped on 18-inch wheels, which are aided by telescopic forks at the front and adjustable hydraulic suspension at the rear. Handling is neutral, the bike stays planted in the corners and the tyres do the job well. Front-end feels light at any given speed, while the rear suspension is on the stiffer side, which is what the customer demands. The single tube chassis is stiff and the set-up uses engine as a part of the chassis (stressed member). The ride quality is on the stiffer side, but is comfortable at slow speeds and at high speeds, the suspension stays flat, inspiring confidence to the rider. High-speed stability is excellent and there is no windblast. Braking is excellent and the composure while hard braking is remarkably good. Our test bike had optional disc brakes at the front, which is a must have. The lever bite was spongy, yet again this is what the customer of the bike demands.
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Miscellaneous – Fit and finish, plastic quality and paint job is excellent for a motorcycle of this size and price-point. Headlight throw was excellent on low and high beam. Switch gear with parking light and pass light switch are a complete boon, full marks to Hero. Compact dimensions and the light steering is a boon too. Flick-ability in the city is excellent and chucking the motorcycle into gaps is a stress free job. U-turn radius is extremely small. Our test bike was loaded with all the ‘accessories’ such as engine guard, alloy wheels, self start and disc-brakes. Ground clearance is sufficient, with stiff suspension and with two full sized adults, the bike did not kiss the speed humps. Saddle height is low and should fit most Indian riders. A 10-litre tank and 65 km/l mileage gives the bike a long range and intercity runs are a joy. “Fill it, shut it, forget it” mantra fits in perfectly.
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Verdict – The Hero Passion xPro scores high on whatever it is meant to do. It is high on quality, refinement, drive-ability, goodies, mileage and comfort. Honda products are known for durability and cheap to run characteristics and with Hero MotoCorp’s excellent dealership and service network, it sweetens the deal even further. No doubt, the Hero Passion xPro is a Pro at what it does, making it an excellent hassle free commuter motorcycle for the mass market.
The Hero Passion xPro is a hassle free motorcycle which will keep going without a hiccup. It simply excels in offering point A to point B transportation.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/8594171051/[/flickr]
What’s Cool
* Mileage
* No wind blast at speed
What’s Not So Cool
* Absence of DC lighting
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/8594169671/[/flickr]
Hero Passion xPro Specifications
* Engine: 109.1cc, air-cooled, OHC, single-cylinder
* Power: 8.7 PS @ 7500 RPM
* Torque: 9.36 Nm @ 5500 RPM
* Transmission: 4-speed manual
* 0 – 60 km/hr – 7 seconds
* Top Speed: 100 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 65 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber (Rear)
* Tyres: 80/100/18 (Front), 90/90/18 (Rear)
* Brakes: 240 mm disc (Front), 130 mm drum (Rear)
Hero Passion xPro Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2005 mm x 765 mm x 1115 mm
* Wheelbase: 1265 mm
* Saddle Height 785 mm
* Ground Clearance: 165 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.5-litres
* Kerb weight: 116 kgs
