Hero MotoCorp, formerly known as Hero Honda, a collaboration between India’s Hero Group and Japan’s Honda in 1984 marked the inception of Hero Honda, leading to the production of iconic models like the CD100 and Splendor. The partnership thrived for nearly three decades until 2010 when Hero MotoCorp emerged as an independent entity. During the collaboration, the venture launched the most reliable and popular motorcycle in the Indian sub-continent and other overseas countries. At that time people were used to comfortable and affordable lower cc motorcycles and having a motorcycle was considered a social status and value. After the emergence of sole Hero MotoCrop the brand still is one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers. The brand exports its bikes to more than 40 countries in the world. People all over the world embrace Hero motorcycles and scooters because of its affordability and reliability. Still Hero is the priority to the mid-age riders because they find comparativly lower cc motorcycel.
On the other hand, Japanese brands like Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda focused on higher cc motorcycles and made people interested in higher cc motorcycles. Once motorcycles were a mere personal transportation and symbol of social status but Japanese brands turned this aspect into a passion and a part of daily life. At the same time, ride-sharing apps like Uber, Pathaw, and others created a vast range of employment. So people became more interested in buying a higher cc motorcycle at all. Above mentioned Japanese brands add fuel to this fire of asperation of mass people. They launch motorcycles of 125 and 150 cc one after another at very reasonable prices to make it easier to buy them. Now customers show no more interest in 100 and 80-cc motorcycles. So it can be assumed that lower cc motorcycle manufacturer brands are in great downfall.
Indian brands like Hero, Bajaj, TVS used to 100 and less than 100 cc motorcycles and scooters but now they are trying to grab the make with their 125 and 150 cc bikes. Hero Hunk, Bajaj Pulsar and Discover, TVS Apache, Rider, Styker and Metro are some remarkable motorcycles entered within in last 10 years. As these Indian brands had a strong presence in market they easily grab the market. As Yamaha R15 represents Yamaha brand similar Pulsar series carry the legacy of Bajaj. TVS Apache of the key model like Suzuki GSX. But Hero is still cripple on thise phase, Hero Hunk or Hero Thriller none can bid on Honda CBR or Suzuki Gixxer.
Because of easy access of internet young generation can compare and watch reviews of higher cc motorcycles in other countries. Recently BTRA (Bangladesh Road Transport Authority) increased the motorcycle cc limit upto 375 cc, so it is speculated that Bangladesh motorcycle market scenario will go through a great thrive. Already Bajaj launched Pulsar N250 and received a positive response in the market.
Hero MotoCrop has enriched its lineup with performance-oriented bikes like Hero Karizma XMR and Hero Thriller 4V to be launched in Bangladesh. There are so many facts and facination. Would XMR be a replacement for Yamaha R15 or Suzuki GXS? Lets make an elaborate discussion about Hero’s upcoming Karizma XMR and Thriller 4V.
Hero Karizma XMR Overview
Hero Karizma is the first-ever sports motorcycle by Hero which debuted back in 2003. Now its fourth generation Karizma XMR comes with all new features and more sporty looks. Its dual-tone graphics and muscular tank are quite prettier than the rest of the bikes Hero and other competitors’ brands. The XMR is equipped with split seaters both comfortable for rider and pillion of any height. The seater is merged with the lower portion of the bulky fuel tank of 11 litters fuel capacity. In fort side, it has all LED positioning headlights, winkers, and an easily adjustable visor. Being a compact and well-dimensioned bike its 160 kg kerb weight is not much heavier than other super sports bikes in the market. As a modern bike Hero Karizma XMR features a digital instrumental cluster panel that houses all essential notifications and displays various indications to assist the rider.
The most important part of the powerhouse of this bike the engine, Hero Karizma XMR is powered by a 210 cc 4 Stroke, 4 Valve, Single Cylinder Liquid Cooled, DOHC refined engine paired with 6-speed, Constant Mesh and Wet type Slip & Assist. The sports refined engine produces 25.5 PS @9250 rpm of maximum power and 20.4 Nm @7250 rpm of maximum torque. Many Indian renown motorcyclists assumed that Hero Karizma XMR able to generate approximately 143 kmph top speed without any stuff of struggle or vibration. This muscular structure is supported by Dia 37 mm, Telescopic Front Forks with Anti Friction Bush front and 6 Step Pre-load Adjustable, Gas Charged Mono Shock rear suspension. Both alloy wheels are covered with 100/80-17 and 140/70-17 both tubeless tyres merged with Dia 300 mm, Petal Disc in front and Dia 230 mm, Petal Disc in rear with dual channel ABS braking. The overall setup is adequate for more confidence and balanced braking.
To sum up, Hero Karizma XMR is about to be a ground-braking bike in segment, Hero hopes that the high-end performing bike may change the overall scenario of the motorcycle industry. It is anticipated that Hero Karizma XMR will compete with Yamaha R15, Suzuki GSX, Honda CBR and others popular full-faired sports bikes in Bangladesh. There is an important fact that Hero have must consider it price, if XMR doesn’t meet customers’ affordability then people won’t be interested in buying new Hero Karizma XMR instead of others popular bike.
Hero Thriller 4V Overview
Hero Thriller 4V is another upcoming bike in Bangladesh, which is known as Xtreme 4V in India. Hero Thriller 160R already available in Bangladesh but its updated version Hero Thriller 4V about to debut soon. It has been mentioned that Hero MotoCrop is focusing on comparatively higher cc motorcycles intending to secure a strong position in fast forwarding market. The new Hero Thriller 4V is more muscular and sporty than is previous one, at the same time it can challenge other naked sports bikes like Bajaj Pulsar NS, TVS Apache RTR, Honda CB Hornet, and others. Its robust body structure, bulky fuel cowl, and split seater collectively enhance its appearance and cater to additional dimensions. Being a latest tech-oriented motorcycle Hero Thriller 4V has been bestowed with a fully digital instrumental console consisting dozen of features, Hero Connected 2.0 app which is connected by Bluetooth connectivity offers 20+ safety and alert features. Another notable part is its full LED projection headlight, winkers, and tail lamps, the ‘H’ shape headlamp provides more luminance and reminds any fierce beast.
Hero Thriller houses a 163.3 cc single cylinder 4 stroke Air-Cooled, 4Valve engine that produces 16.9Ps/12.4kW@ 8500 rpm maximum power and 14.6 @6500 rpm maximum torque at the same time it makes 0-60km/h in 4.7 seconds. This refined engine is mated with 5-speed gearbox and multi-plate wet clutch on the other hand supported by 37 mm dia telescopic front and 7-step adjustable monoshock rear suspension. In breaking section Hero embraces 276mm front petal disc and a 220mm rear petal disc to secure instant braking within a moment. Hero uses 100/80- 17 tyre in front and 130/70 R – 17 in rear, both are tubeless with excellent grip. As a performance-based naked sport motorcycle Hero Thriller 4V may satisfy customers’ desires and make itself and dominant one.
There are so many motorcycles available in this segment since long ago so, if Hero provides something extraordinary obviously in budget then Hero Thriller 4V would be a trump card to change the face of Hero indeed.
