Hero MotoCorp is all set to introduce their new range of independently developed engines. After parting ways with Honda, a couple of years back, Hero MotoCorp is prepared to roll out their own engines in new products starting from the year 2014. Anil Dua (senior vice-president marketing and sales) has confirmed that the company has successfully tested the three engines (100cc, 110cc and 250cc) which will be introduced in some of their products next year. Hero will gradually install the new engines across most of the products in its lineup.
The 250cc engine is likely to go into an all new motorcycle which is being developed with the help of EBR. We are not quite sure about the specs of this engine but we expect it to be a single-cylinder motor producing around 24-27 BHP of power and 21-24 Nm of torque, coupled to a 6-speed gearbox. It remains to be seen if Hero will opt for a full faired bike or a naked motorcycle as the latter can be priced more aggressively.
Until now, Honda supplies the technology for Hero products but with new technical partners, Hero MotoCorp can prepare its solo journey starting from next year. Recently, Hero MotoCorp showcased 15 new and updated products for the model year 2014, including the new Karizma R and Karizma ZMR, which will be introduced gradually starting from this festive season. Apart from these 15 offerings, Hero will introduce 35 more products in the coming three years. The Indian bike maker is said to be developing an all new motorcycle from ground up without any Honda elements, which will be launched next year.
Hero MotoCorp has technical tie-ups with Italian design firm Engines Engineering, US-based performance bike manufacturer Erik Buell Racing and Austrian engine developer AVL. Hero MotoCorp is said to have rights to use new products sourced from Honda till 2017 but Hero has a target to introduce its own range of two-wheelers by 2016. Hero MotoCorp is investing Rs. 450 crores to set up a new R&D centre near Jaipur in Rajasthan. The new facility is expected to commence production in first quarter of 2015. The company is expecting a boost in volumes henceforth.
