Photo: Original image by autoevolution
We are rather disappointed to see that Erik Buell Racing has not brought the 1190 machines over to EICMA as we expected, and preferred to rely on a huge booth full with Hero bikes. However, among all these Indian machines we spotted the Hero HX250R, a very neat presence and a bike which will definitely stir things up a bit in the quarter-liter segment.
We kind of knew that Hero thinks very seriously about selling the HX250R in Europe because of the trademark request filed for the name with the European Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (OHIM) earlier this October. It was only natural that Hero MotoCorp did not waste the huge opportunity EICMA 2014 represents, so here we go.
Hopefully this will not happen with Hero. The HX250R is one of the first bikes manufactured with massive involvement from EBR, and this might be the key to success. If the Hero HX250R manages to make a good first impression after the first thousands of miles on European roads, it might stand a chance against the traditional small-displacement choices old continent riders usually make.
Even so, putting up a decent fight with Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki, to name only the biggest rivals will be a tough nut to crack, especially as Yamaha has rolled out the all-new YZF-R3.
A 6-speed transmission ensures effortlessly reaching highway speed, while choosing the ABS-equipped model (which is most likely to be standard in Europe) will also add to the safety level when the going gets tough.
The seat height of the Hero HX250R is only 735mm (28.9”) and this makes the bike accessible even to the shorter riders. Couple this with the 139 kg (307 lb) kerb weight and you’ll get a really interesting machine. The tank can hold just under 13 liters (3.4 US gal) of fuel, and this should also provide excellent range even in the urban environment.
The Indian price is under the $2,000 (€1,590) bar, but in Europe the Hero HX250R will most likely be sold with a higher price tag, that we're going to try and find out tomorrow when we'll be doing some one on one interviews. Stay tuned!
European inertia
One of the biggest obstacles Indian and Chinese manufacturer have to surmount in the European markets is the massive inertia. Europeans like to buy and ride bikes they can rely on. Unfortunately, the quality of really cheap Chinese machines often leaves much to be desired and the poor spare parts supplies and long waiting times when they run out leave riders sidelined. And this is bad for business.Hopefully this will not happen with Hero. The HX250R is one of the first bikes manufactured with massive involvement from EBR, and this might be the key to success. If the Hero HX250R manages to make a good first impression after the first thousands of miles on European roads, it might stand a chance against the traditional small-displacement choices old continent riders usually make.
Even so, putting up a decent fight with Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki, to name only the biggest rivals will be a tough nut to crack, especially as Yamaha has rolled out the all-new YZF-R3.
A 31 hp quarter-liter
For starters, we should say that the Hero HX250R is one hell of a starter bike. Its 249cc DOHC injected single cylinder can produce 31 hp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 26 Nm (19 lb-ft). This means of course plenty of fun even for a seasoned rider looking for an affordable economical commuter bike, but to the new rider, this is pure heaven.A 6-speed transmission ensures effortlessly reaching highway speed, while choosing the ABS-equipped model (which is most likely to be standard in Europe) will also add to the safety level when the going gets tough.
The seat height of the Hero HX250R is only 735mm (28.9”) and this makes the bike accessible even to the shorter riders. Couple this with the 139 kg (307 lb) kerb weight and you’ll get a really interesting machine. The tank can hold just under 13 liters (3.4 US gal) of fuel, and this should also provide excellent range even in the urban environment.
The Indian price is under the $2,000 (€1,590) bar, but in Europe the Hero HX250R will most likely be sold with a higher price tag, that we're going to try and find out tomorrow when we'll be doing some one on one interviews. Stay tuned!
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