Just ahead of World Environment Day, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, officially entered the alternative fuel space. The company launched its first flex-fuel mass-market motorcycles—the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel and the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel—in New Delhi.
The high-profile unveiling took place in the presence of Nitin Gadkari (Minister of Road Transport and Highways) and Hardeep Singh Puri (Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas), signaling a massive government-backed push toward reducing crude oil imports and supporting domestic ethanol production.
1. Shared Engine Architecture and Performance
Both motorcycles are engineered around Hero’s time-tested commuter powertrain, heavily upgraded to handle corrosive ethanol blends ranging from E20 (20% ethanol) up to E85 (85% ethanol).
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Powertrain: 97.2cc single-cylinder motor.
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Peak Output: Generates 8 hp at 8,000 rpm and 8.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.
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The Ethanol Edge: Interestingly, running these machines on E85 fuel gives them a minor performance and throttle-response advantage over their standard petrol-only versions.
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Required Engineering Overhauls: To support ethanol without degrading engine health, Hero revised the Engine Control Unit (ECU) mapping and reinforced key fuel system components to prevent corrosion.
2. Pricing and Variant Breakdown
Hero has targeted the highly competitive budget-commuter segment by keeping prices accessible:
| Model | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Key Visual Distinctions |
| Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel | Rs 72,792 | More affordable entry point, sporty body cowl, Black with Lime Yellow graphics. |
| Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel | Rs 82,710 | Premium iconic commuter build, boxier retro utility form, unique Black with Lime Yellow graphics. |
3. Key Feature Highlights
Aside from their updated fuel systems, both flex-fuel models receive a modern equipment package to sweeten the deal for daily commuters:
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New Digital-Analogue Cluster: Gives riders clear, scannable data feedback, matching modern entry-level standards.
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i3S Technology: Hero’s patented idle-stop-start system shuts off the engine automatically at traffic lights to stretch fuel efficiency.
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Tubeless Tyres: Eliminates the immediate roadside hassle of unexpected flat tyres.
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Safety Additions: Equipped with a standard side-stand engine cut-off mechanism to prevent accidental takeoffs.
4. What the Ministers Said
“Hero MotoCorp’s introduction of Flex Fuel motorcycles in the mass segment is a significant step towards reducing crude oil imports, supporting ethanol adoption, empowering farmers, and strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
— Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways
“Such innovations will further strengthen India’s biofuels ecosystem, create greater value for our farmers and support the vision of a self-reliant and sustainable energy future.”
— Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas
