Hero HX250R supersport 250cc bike launch shelved?

Hero MotoCorp unveiled the HX250R as a concept model at the Auto Expo 2014 and it garnered a lot of positive response from the public. The company then unveiled the near-to-production-spec model of the motorcycle draped in blue shade at the Auto Expo 2016. The name was shortened by dropping the R in the motorcycle showcased this year.

Then there was no news regarding the model. Emerging reports indicate Hero MotoCorp might have dropped the plan to launch HX250R. During an interaction with TOI, Dr Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer of Hero MotoCorp and head of Hero MotoSports said, "The 250cc segment is more or less has been disappeared now and the bikes have moved to 300cc and even larger displacements."

When asked about the 250cc faired bike, Markus said, "Not that one (HX250R), you'll see an advanced and better one. The same bike with new technology in terms of effort will not make sense." Words from Hero's head make it clear that HX250R not in their future product plan. Biking enthusiast need to get disappointed since Markus has also said bigger bikes in the pipeline.

The HX250R concept was a true-blue supersport bike with full fairing. The concept came 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 HX250R was supposed to draw power 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 claimed 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 was fitted with0 Pirelli rubbers and stopping power from 300mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes. The motorcycle measured 2,085mm in length, 735mm in width and 1,145mm in height with a ground clearance of 145mm.

Source: Times of India