Hero HX250 likely to be launched in January 2017

It looks like the long-awaited launch of Hero MotoCorp's HX250 will happen in January 2017. Pawan Munjal, chairman and managing director of Hero MotoCorp, said that the company will launch a new flagship motorcycle at the end of Dakar Rally in January 2017. The HX250 is touted to be the flagship motorcycle of Hero.

Hero MotoCorp unveiled the HX250R as a concept model at the Auto Expo 2014 with the technical inputs from US-based Eric Buell Racing (EBR). However, bankruptcy of the EBR led to a delay in the launch.

The motorcycle re-appeared at the Auto Expo 2016 draped in blue shade and dropping R in its name. The fully faired motorcycles comes with twin projector headlamps, LED DRLs and tail lamps, underbelly exhaust, clip-on handle bar, split seats, digital instrument cluster and segment leading dual riding modes -- City and Sport.

The HX250 will be powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, 4-valve liquid cooled, fuel injection engine capable of producing 31bhp of power and 26Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed transmission. Hero claims 0-60kmph speed can be achieved in 2.7 seconds.

The two-wheeler maker employed telescopic front forks and a five-step adjustable monoshock at the rear in the HX250. It is expected to run on Pirelli rubbers and stopping power will come from 300mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes. The motorcycle measures 2,085mm in length, 735mm in width and 1,145mm in height with a ground clearance of 145mm. It weighs just 136kg and features 12.9-litre fuel tank capacity.