As we all know that the performance motorcycle segment is strengthening its root in the country rapidly. The country’s largest selling manufacturer, Hero Motocorp is also looking forward in this segment with few of its products queued to launch or in concept form. Still, the company can’t lose its focus in the segment it rules in the county, the commuters. To convey some refreshment to the country’s wide range of audience, Hero launched two of its most popular products the Super Splendor and Passion X-Pro with the MY2018 updates. Both the models are equipped with the brand’s patented i3S (ideal start-stop system) and deliveries for both the 2018 Super Splendor and the Passion X-Pro will start from the first week of January 2018.
The 2018 Hero Super Splendor i3S is an overall updated iteration of the outgoing model as the bike features an improved design, new graphics, reworked exhaust muffler and revised tail section. More upmarket and appealing model comes pack with newly introduced AHO(all-time headlamp ON) feature along with a BS4 compliant motor that is in association with i3S technology. With the aids of this i3S system, the bike is able to return the mileage of 80km/l as claimed by the company.
Under the fuel tank, the same 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is going to perform propelling duty that generates 9 BHP of power at 7000 RPM and 10.35 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. in this upgraded version, the positioning of the cylinder has reportedly been changed. The suspension setup comprises telescopic front forks and 5-step adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. While the braking comes from 130 mm drum brakes at the front wheels as well as at the rear wheel.
The pricing for the new Super Splendor i3S has not officially been revealed yet though it is expected to tag with the price sticker around Rs 2000 more than the current price of the bike that is Rs. 55,379/- (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The next model in question, the Passion X-Pro was discontinued by the company in order to revive its product portfolio earlier this year. The MY2018 iteration of the motorcycle is much more powerful than the Passion Pro model and is loaded with a 110cc engine. This air-cooled, single-cylinder motor comes mated to a 4-speed transmission that develops 9.37 BHP of power at 7500 RPM and 9 Nm of torque at 5500 RPM. Notably, the engine unit is shared from the on-sale Hero Splendor iSmart.
At the designing front, the bike has witnessed a few changes such as headlamp design, turn indicators, new sticker job, and instrument console. As similar to the above mentioned 2018 Super Splendor model, the bike carries telescopic front fork along with 5-step adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. Other highlighted features on the bike include AHO, tubeless tires, alloy wheels, electric start and front disc brake.
Read also: Hero MotoCorp to Add Three New Scooters by the Next Fiscal
The time when brand discontinued the model was priced in the range of Rs. 50,243/- to Rs. 59,095/- (ex-showroom, Mumbai) depending on the variant specifications. The hike in the price of new Passion X-Pro is expected around Rs 2000. In the segment, the bike will go in competition with the likes of the Honda Livo and TVS Victor.