Hero MotoCorp To Launch New Premium Bikes In India

Hero MotoCorp is planning a new strategy to make its mark in the premium motorcycle segment. The new premium retail outlets will also sell a new range of merchandise and accessories that will be showcased at the upcoming 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy.

Hero MotorCorp will initially focus on the 200-250cc segment and the company has already launched the Xtreme 200R as part of its strategy. The next offering from Hero will be the Xpulse 200 adventure motorcycle which is expected to be launched by the end of this year or early 2019.

The Hero XPulse will be the most affordable adventure motorcycle in the Indian market and it is expected to go on sale with a price tag of around Rs 1 lakh ex-showroom. After the launch of the XPulse, Hero MotoCorp will then concentrate on a 300cc bike which is likely to be a naked streetfighter.

The 200cc platform of the Hero Xtreme 200R is likely to spawn new models. Even the Hero XPulse also utilises the same 200cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 18bhp and 17Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The 200cc engine has been developed in-house by Hero's R&D team.

Hero MotoCorp will initially open a limited number of premium dealerships in the country at selected metro cities. With the launch of new products, Hero will gradually expand the premium network. Expect Hero MotoCorp to showcase a new product at the upcoming 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Italy.

Thoughts On Hero MotoCorp Launching New Premium Bikes

The entry-level premium performance bike segment is growing at a rapid pace in the Indian market. Now, Hero MotoCorp wants to concentrate on the premium side of the market as it already dominates the mass market segment. We can expect a new 300cc naked motorcycle to be introduced in 2019.