Hero MotoCorp 300cc adventure motorcycle prototype sporting the brand’s first trellis frame has been showcased at the Hero World 2020 event.
Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its vision of mobility, innovation and technology at the first-of-its-kind Hero World 2020 event, alongside the introduction of three new products: Xtreme 160R, Passion Pro, Glamour and Xpulse 200 Rally Kit. However, an early prototype of a potential Hero Xpulse 300 adventure motorcycle with an all-new engine and trellis frame has become the event’s highlight for many.
As you may know, Hero MotoCorp has got only one adventure motorcycle in its portfolio — the lightweight Hero Xpulse 200; the virtual successor to the Impulse 150, put together on a diamond frame. At the moment, Hero MotoCorp does not have any trellis-frame product, except for the Hero 450RR Dakar Rally motorcycle (which isn’t road-legal). Interestingly enough, the new prototype sports the same red shade on its frame as the race-only 450RR.
Needless to say, it is too early to comment on the full specifications of the adventure motorcycle, but Hero MotoCorp shares that the liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor has a displacement of over 300cc. Ideally, the output should be around 30bhp and 25Nm of torque while mated to a 6-speed transmission, geared to provide an optimal balance between on- and off-road riding prowess.
Speaking more about the things that were visually evident, the steel trellis frame incorporates a bolt-on subframe. The USD fork at the front is quite thick for a motorcycle in this displacement category (in the Indian scenario). Both the fork and the link-type rear monoshock offer ample amounts of suspension travel. The front-wheel seems to span 21 inches in diameter while the rear wheel is significantly broader.
The radial Bybre calliper at the front and the single-piston unit at the back could be part of a switchable ABS unit. Both wheels are shod with hardcore knobby tyres and the overall setup looks too good to be true for a road-going 300-400cc motorcycle on the Indian market. One can be certain that the final product will be toned down by a good margin.
The upcoming Hero adventure motorcycle will not hit the market this year. However, we will be able to gather more information on the same (such as its full specifications, launch timeline and even the rough pricing) in the months to come. Once launched, it will take on the likes of the Royal Enfield Himalayan, BMW G 310 GS and KTM 390 Adventure (which is easily the benchmark of the class).