The design patent shows that Hero is working on a classic motorcycle with retro looks, inspired by the Splendor Pro Classic
Hero MotoCorp has filed a design patent for an entry-level classic motorcycle in the Indian market. The bike seen in the design patent appears to be inspired by the cafe-racer styled Splendor Pro Classic, albeit with a few modern updates. For the unversed, Hero Spendor Pro Classic was launched in 2014 at a sticker price of Rs 48,650 (ex-showroom Delhi). However, it could survive for only four years as the company had to discontinue it in 2018 ahead of the BS4 emission norms. Now, it seems that Hero plans to relaunch the motorcycle in a new avatar in our country.
Going by the patent images, the bike gets a round headlamp which could be equipped with LED lighting. However, the major update comes in the form of alloy wheels which are likely to be shod with tubeless tyres. For those asking, the Splendor Pro Classic was sold with wire-spoke wheels and tubed tyres. Another big update is the inclusion of a long single-piece seat which replaces the single-seater setup of the older model.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Splendor Pro Classic was the missing pillion seat. Hence, it was not considered a practical offering way back in 2014. Now, the company seems to have learnt from its mistakes and hence it has packed the new model with a long seat which can accommodate both the rider and the pillion. The riding position is also expected to be more relaxed.
The patent images show a dual-pod instrument cluster which is identical to the Splendor Pro Classic. However, it remains to be seen if the company offers the basic analogue speedometer or opts for the latest digital setup. The Splendor Pro Classic was only available in Carbon Black and Solid Maroon colour schemes. But, we expect the new model to get several premium multi-tone paint shades.
The Splendor Pro Classic was equipped with a 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, which developed top power of 8.2 bhp at 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 8 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The engine was paired with a 4-speed gearbox. Looking at the current scenario, it makes very little sense to reintroduce the model with a sub 100cc engine and hence, the possibility of an OBD-2B compliant 125cc engine can’t be ruled out entirely.
More importantly, Hero MotoCorp has already confirmed that it will launch several flex fuel models in the coming months in India, which are capable of running on E85 fuel. The upcoming Hero bike could also be one of them. The company had recently launched the E85 fuel-ready versions of the HF Deluxe and Splendor+ in the Indian market. So, in all likelihood, the new Hero Splendor Pro Classic-inspired motorcycle could be a flex fuel model right from its launch.
