Hero MotoCorp recently expanded its product portfolio with the launch of three new products in the 200 cc segment – the XPulse 200, XPulse 200T and the Xtreme 200S. But the company does not plan to stop at the 200 cc segment.
Also read: Hero XPulse 200 launched in India, priced from INR 97,000
Speaking to Economic Times, Sanjay Bhan, Head, Sales and Aftersales, Hero MotoCorp, said that the company plans to launch more products in the 150-400 cc space. However, he remained tight-lipped about the timeline for the launch of the new products. Bhan said:
We will be launching some bikes with engine capacity above 150 cc to 400 cc in coming years.
The HX250R project has been shelved, although there is one product that we can still expect to see from Hero MotoCorp in the higher displacement segment - the XF3R. Showcased in concept form at the 2016 Auto Expo, the XF3R is reportedly under production and it could debut in road-legal version at Auto Expo 2020.
The concept motorcycle was equipped with several premium features such as upside-down telescopic forks, an asymmetrically mounted rear monoshock and a single-sided swingarm. The production-spec model, however, may drop some of the features mentioned above to keep the costs down and price competitive.
The monoshock suspension will most likely stay although it will be a conventionally positioned unit instead of asymmetrical placement on the concept motorcycle. The upside down front may get replaced by more affordable, right-side up units, while the single-sided swingarm will be traded for twin-sided design. The blinkers on the concept motorcycle were integrated into the body panels, but the production-spec model should feature conventionally placed units.
To keep up with the competitors like the Bajaj Dominar 400, Hero MotoCorp may equip the XF3R with a full-LED headlight, an instrument console featuring a digital display with Bluetooth connectivity to access various features such as navigation and controls to the music, calls and incoming messages and a dual-channel ABS.
The motorcycle will retain liquid cooler that will help Hero MotoCorp to squeeze out more performance from the engine. The concept motorcycle was showcased with a 300 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel-injected engine. Although the performance numbers have not been revealed, we expect a maximum power of ~30 PS and a peak torque of ~30 Nm.
Also read: Hero Xtreme 200S launched in India, priced at INR 98,500
Hero MotoCorp may introduce a fully-faired version of the production-ready XF3R as well.
[Source: EconomicTimes.com]
