Hero MotoCorp’s Dirt Bike spotted testing

After splitting with long time joint venture partner Honda, Hero has just come up with a brand new name and identity for itself, of that of Hero MotoCorp. As the motorcycle making firm now moves into the future, one of the first few products that it will launch will be an on-off road dual purpose motorcycle. With this motorcycle, Hero MotoCorp is heading to an unknown realm as there is no dual purpose motorcycle on sale in India currently.

The last dual purpose motorcycle by an Indian motorcycle manufacturer was the Bajaj Enduro SX, which incidentally didn’t do well at the hustings. Hero has previously had some experience with the the dual purpose motorcycle segment with the Hero-BMW Funduro 650, which also came a cropper in the nineties due to the high price tag and the lack of enough takers in the market for a specialized on-off road motorcycle.

Now, the Indian motorcycle market may accept a on-off road motorcycle much more readily as motorcycle touring is soon catching up in India in a big way as disposable incomes grow. So, the Hero MotoCorp 0n-off road machine might have a niche market segment ready to lap it up. So, in essence, it is a full circle for Hero MotoCorp when they will launch the on-off road motorcycle, which has already been spotted doing the testing rounds.

The motorcycle, which is anticipated to feature a 150cc four stroke engine, will most use the CRF150 motor, which Hero already uses in different states of tune in the Hero Honda Hunk, the Hero Honda CBZ Xtreme and the Hero Honda Achiever. The Hero MotoCorp on-off road motorcycle caught in the spy pic seems to have raised front suspension with plenty of travel. The ground clearance is in plenty even as an under seat exhaust seems to complete the off road package. This motorcycle will be launched later this year.

Via AutoCarIndia

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