Hero MotoCorp today launched the new HS Deluxe BS VI, the first 100cc BS VI-compliant commuter motorcycle in the country. The new HF Deluxe has been designed and developed completely in-house, at the company’s R&D hub, the Center of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The HF Deluxe, which is one of the most popular entry segment motorcycles, is priced at Rs 55,925 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the self-start alloy-wheel variant and Rs 57,250 for the self-start alloy-wheel i3S variant (both prices ex-showroom Delhi) from January 2020.

The upgrade to BS VI has seen a price increase of Rs 7,350 considering the BS IV (self-start alloy wheel) variant costs Rs 48,575. This is a straight 15% price increase for the tech upgrade to BS VI. Whether this price increase has an impact on sales of this entry level commuter motorcycle, preferred by scores of commuters in rural India, will have to be seen 

Hero MotoCorp says the new HF Deluxe BS-VI, which has start-stop tech, also gets Programmed Fuel-Injection with ‘XSens Technology’ (10 sensors) to help deliver 9 percent higher fuel efficiency. The fuel-efficient motorcycle develops 7.94hp at 8000rpm (down from the 8.2hp of the BS IV model) and 8.05 Nm torque at 6000rpm and is claimed to deliver 6% faster acceleration.

According to Vikram Kasbekar, executive director – Operations (Plants) and Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp, “At Hero MotoCorp, we have been working towards ensuring a smooth transition to the BS-VI norms. We are into the final leg of this transition phase and key products in our portfolio like the HF Deluxe are being transitioned now to ensure smooth ramp-up. Our BS-IV inventories are low and will not be replenished going forward. We will be introducing a slew of BS-VI products in the coming weeks.”

Malo Le Masson, Head - Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, added, “The HF Deluxe is the most popular entry segment motorcycle in India. The bike has already entered the two-million sales club and commands well over a two-third market share in the category. With the new HF Deluxe BS-VI, powered by Programmed FI technology, we have further enhanced the performance and efficiency of the motorcycle. We have now launched two new BS-VI motorcycles in quick succession and are committed to a rapid transition of our entire portfolio to the new norms."

The launch comes close on the heels of the launch of the BS VI Splendor iSmart, which was the first BS VI-compliant product on two wheels and received a price increase of Rs 7,500. The company says it is rapidly ramping-up its portfolio of BS VI products and plans to transform its entire range to BS-VI norms very soon.