Hero has launched more affordable variants of the BS6-compliant HF Deluxe, which get a kick-starter in place of the electric-start feature. The bike is available in two variants – spoke wheel and alloy wheel, priced at Rs 46,800 and Rs 47,800(India) respectively. For reference, prices of the BS6 HF Deluxe self-start that launched in January start at Rs 56,675; a full Rs 9,875 more than the now most affordable version.

The entire HF Deluxe range is powered by the same 100cc single-cylinder engine that is now fuel-injected. Hero claims that the switch to fuel-injection has also resulted in it being 9 percent more fuel-efficient. Meanwhile, peak power has gone down to 7.94hp from 8.36hp on the BS4 bike. While the peak torque figure remains the same, at 8.05Nm, it’s now produced higher up in the rev range, at 6,000rpm. Hero also claims that the new engine offers better performance with 6 percent faster acceleration. The new HF Deluxe bikes feature Hero’s i3S (idle start-stop system).

The Hero HF Deluxe gets drum brakes in the front and rear. The Hero HF Deluxe weighs 112 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 9 liters. The Hero HF Deluxe is offered in 5 colours: Techno Blue, Heavy Grey With Green, Heavy Grey With Black, Black With Red and Black With Purple. Additionally, the company has proactively helped the society affected by the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, it recently donated 60 Hero Xtreme 200R motorcycles modified into ambulances for relief efforts.

Considering the near Rs 10,000 price difference between the kick-start and electric-start versions – which is a significant amount of money for the segment – expect HF Deluxe sales to increase. It was already one of the highest-selling motorcycles last year. With respect to its competition, the Bajaj CT 100 continues to be the most affordable 100cc two-wheeler in our market at the moment.