Also at EICMA was Indian manufacturer Hero who is reconfirming its commitment to making its mark on the European and Western world by unveiling some new models that better suit those markets. The new VIDA Z scooter has an electric motor and removal batteries, so while one battery charges, another can be used to power the motorcycle. While technology like this might take some time to catch on in SA (although plans are afoot) in Europe it might be Hero’s golden egg.
The Karizma XMR 250 fairing-ed bike plus the Xtreme 250R naked are designed to take on the likes of Suzuki’s Gixxer 250. Both feature a 250cc single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled motor pushing 30hp and 25Nm of torque. These motors are held in place by trellis frames and USD forks.
Most importantly for the South Africans is the announcement of a new XPulse dual-purpose machine. The first XPulse had a 200cc two-valve air-cooled single motor, followed a couple of years later by an oil-cooled upgrade, and then it received a four-valve version with more torque, upgraded looks and upgraded suspension.
Now, the XPulse gets a complete overall. The motor is now a 210cc, liquid-cooled pushing 25hp and 20Nm of torque through a new six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch assist. The looks have been upgraded as has the chassis, most noticeably with USD forks with a travel of 210mm. The wheels are still spoked with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear.
The biggest technological upgrade, joining Bluetooth connectivity and switchable ABS, is a new 4.3-inch TFT display. This is accompanied by a taller screen.
This all comes after Ross Branch won the World Rally Championship with his 450 Hero. Branch was on hand at the Hero stand at EICMA.
