Hero MotoCorp may launch the XF3R to take on the TVS Apache RR310 in India

Hero MotoCorp, world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and two-wheelers is majorly present in the commuter segment bikes. However, Hero is trying to push itself into the performance segment motorcycles as the demands for such bikes are growing in the market. According to a report on NewsX, Hero MotoCorp is working on the production version of the Hero XF3R concept that it showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo.

No details of the launch timeframe have been revealed yet but it may take a couple of years before the production version of the XF3R makes it to the market. When launched, the production version of the XF3R would be the brand’s largest bike by engine displacement and would be the most expensive product too. The bike would be launched in around 2020 after the BS VI emission norms become mandatory in the Indian market.

The XF3R concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo looked extremely sharp and the production version of the car would share many design elements with the concept version of the bike. However, high-end features like the single-sided swingarm, under seat exhaust muffle may not make it to final production version as they would increase the cost of the bike by quite a lot. The naked bike will have a heavy front-end design, which will include a sculpted tank, sharp tank extensions, chunky looking forks and futuristic headlamps. Hero may even offer LED headlamp to add a premium feel to the bike. To add to the styling, the production version of the bike would a mono-shock transmission in the rear and a regular telescopic fork in the front.

The bike is expected to get a trellis frame underneath and many parts of the frame would remains exposed to give a sporty touch to the machine. The bike would look pretty modern with alloy wheels and disc brakes on both the wheels. The production version of the XF3R is also expected to get a very attractive colour scheme, which will target the youths.

In recent times, the 300cc segment became quite crowded. The latest entrant in the segment is the TVS Apache RR 310, which is co-developed by BMW and TVS. Even though the TVS Apache RR 310 is a fully-faired bike, the Hero’s product would be priced near to it. Hero is currently working to develop an all-new 300cc engine in-house. The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine is expected to produce around 28 BHP and 25 Nm. It would get a 6-speed transmission, which would be a first by any of the Hero-branded bikes till date.

The bike is expected to get a price tag of around Rs. 1.8 lakhs. Currently, Hero is working to launch the XPulse dual-purpose bike that was showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. It would be launched by the mid-2019.

Source