Hero launches festive season blitzkrieg with dozen new unveils

Hero MotoCorp Limited (HMCL) has unveiled over a dozen new products, including a number of refreshes, to mark the Diwali celebrations. Leading the pack of 12-odd products is the all-new Splendor iSmart, or to put in other words, India's highest selling motorcycle with a start-stop system. The global market leader in commuter motorcycles has also unveiled a tuned-up Karizma and the new 100cc Pleasure with Integrated Braking System, or IBS.

Hero plans to launch all these products by the end of 2013-14 fiscal year. Their CEO Pawan Munjal, however, says the company has no plans of introducing any motorcycles under the 100cc category, although they are looking at a motorcycle below the HF-Dawn and targeted more at the utility segment. He adds that this is just the beginning and Hero will be showcasing yet another range of two-wheelers in Auto Expo, this time on completely new platforms.

[We were the first to tell you about Hero's plans, read our detailed report here]

Here is a list of all the new launches by HMCL:

 The Splendor iSMart, New Splendor Pro and the 150cc Super Splendor

Leading the lineup in below 200cc category is the all-new Splendor iSmart. Splendor is the highest selling motorcycle brand in the world and is single-handedly responsible for the success of Hero MotoCorp.

The new Splendor has now become the first motorcycle in India to get a start-stop system. HMCL has introduced the new i3S Technology (Idle Start and Stop System), which automatically stops engine when idle and turns it back on when needed. This leads to improved-fuel efficiency on a bike which is already popular for its economical fuel consumption as well as more restrained CO2 emission. [Read more on start-stop system here]

The other Splendor models too will come with a number of upgrades. The refreshed 100cc Splendor Pro gets a new carrier and rear cowl, improved ergonomics, new graphics, redesigned dial, new side-stand indicator and black alloy wheels.

The 125cc Super Splendor too gets a series of upgrades including new graphics and a side-stand indicator.

[For more images of the new Splendor click here]

More powerful Karizma and ZMR

Hero motors has unveiled a new sharper, more busy-looking 223cc Karizma and ZMR models. This is Hero's first commercial production model in which US-based partner Erik Buell Racing (EBR) has played a major development role since their tie-up. A completely redesigned front fairing features twin stacked headlamps that are nestled between the integrated turn indicators. The indicators are also surrounded by LED daytime running lamps.

The rear end of the motorcycle has also received a much-needed visual weight reduction with a new split seat design and tapering tail section. The brake light and rear turn indicators are now housed in a neat floating tail section that also houses the number plate. The bike now features a set of fixed clip on style bars similar to the outgoing ZMR model and both bikes will ride on wider tyres than the older model. The new ZMR is visually similar to the Karizma except that it features a full front fairing.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] 2013 Hero Karizma[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The rear end of the Karizma has also received a much-needed visual weight reduction with a new split seat design and tapering tail section[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The new ZMR is visually similar to the Karizma except that it features a full front fairing[/caption]

No technical specifications have been released though officials at the launch confirm that power figures have gone up. What's missing, though, is the mono shock rear suspension that surely should have made it to the flagship model.

[Read more on EBR's hand in new Karizma's development] [Hero's tie-up with Erik Buell Racing]

 All-new Pleasure with Integrated Braking System

Hero Motocorp Ltd has unveiled the all-new Pleasure with Integrated Braking System or IBS. It's the company's 100cc scooter targeted at women.

The IBS is a system of linking the front and rear brakes of a motorcycle or scooter. This means that pressing just one of the brake levers applies both the front and rear brakes. It is different from the one used in Maestro, which itself is derived from Honda's Combi-Brake System that applies the front brake when the rear brake is brought into use. The Combi-Brake System however doesn't come into play when only the front brake is applied.  IBS in the meanwhile is a new safety feature designed by Hero's R&D team and they have applied for a patent.

The all-new Pleasure also gets some really cool features such as a mobile charger socket and boot light in luggage box. It will come with a lockable glove box, combination ignition lock with seat opening and sidestand  indicators.

[Spec Shootout: Hero Pleasure vs Honda Activa i]

Refreshed HF-Deluxe, HF-Deluxe Eco and HF-Dawn

Besides its star products such as the new Splendor iSmart and Karizma, Hero's blitzkrieg of unveils in India on Thursday includes the HF-Deluxe, HF-Dawn and HF-Deluxe Eco. Both Deluxe and Dawn are iterations of the legendary Splendor but in a toned down form.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The HF Deluxe-Eco has new 3D graphics and new paint schemes along with low rolling resistance tyres[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The rear view mirrors are claimed to be styled aerodynamically[/caption]

Notice the air foils on the leg guard? Hero claims that these aid in increasing fuel efficiency

However, don't be mistaken by their demeanour. Hero has given the already fuel efficient Deluxe air foils on the leg guards and distinctly styled mirrors to aid better aerodynamics and thereby fuel efficiency. The Eco also has been provided with low rolling resistance tyres which help in "lowering air resistance at higher speeds". Other than that, it will have new stickers and clear lens indicators. The HF-Deluxe, in the meantime, also benefits from a sidestand indicator and clear lens winkers. The last two changes are spread across all the updated Hero products.

All these bikes still persist with the tried and tested 97.2cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine which makes 7.8PS of power. All the bikes mentioned here come with 130mm and 110mm drum brakes at the front and rear respectively.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] This is the updated Hero HF-Deluxe with refreshed clear winkers and side stand indicator[/caption]

 New Glamour and Glamour Fi

As part of its long lineup of refreshes, HMCL has unveiled the new Glamour and its fuel-injected mate. The changes are in aesthetics and the mechanicals remain absolutely untouched. The Glamour and Glamour Fi both get a new paint and sticker job and redesigned dials.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The 2013 Hero glamour gets a redesigned instrument console and paint-sticker job[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The updated Glamour Fi[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="586"] The updated Glamour Fi meters[/caption]

With the festive season already underway, these launches could help Hero bring up the numbers for the Glamour and Glamour Fi. Both bikes have not been the typical best-sellers that Hero is generally associated with and have always been in the shadows of the Super Splendor and now the Ignitor.

New 100cc Passion Pro

Also on the list is the new 100cc Passion Pro that will come with minor upgrades such as side stand and service indicators and an all-black saree guard.