New Hero HF Deluxe: In a nation where millions depended on commuting every day, the need for reliable, economical and cheap motorcycles is never going to diminish.
Right from the list of long-running names we stole motorcycles, the HF Deluxe has long been a household favourite.
Now, Hero MotoCorp has updated it to take on dynamic (read: attitude) aspirations from riders, that too without any loud noise, and to be in sync with BS6 norms.
The new Hero HF Deluxe sticks to the basic tenets of mileage, maintenance and simplicity, albeit with a hint of added style and features that make it a more practical and comfortable motorcycle in everyday use.
It’s still easily a no-nonsense commuter, just dressed with a little more polish now.
Convenient style with low-key updates
The design of the new HF Deluxe is not much of a departure from its earlier iteration, and that may not be a bad thing for buyers conscious of their budget. It is very clean and intentional overall.
You receive swank body graphics, a chrome-festooned new muffler and contemporary color offerings with a scoop of panache—dressy but not gaudy.
With its upright riding position, basic analog-digital instrument cluster and long, flat seat, it is suited for everyday use, particularly on the inhospitable rural or semi-urban roads.
With the bike’s 165mm of ground clearance and its light weight, it’s a nippy thing to thread through traffic and manageable for all ages of rider.
Sleek and Powerful Engine with i3S Technology
Powering the Hero HF Deluxe is a 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which churns out 7.91 bhp and 8.05 Nm of torque.
Those specs may not sound like much, but they are perfect for urban commuting and fuel savings.
Stand out: Hero’s i3S (Idle Start Stop System), which decides for itself when the engine should shut off when resting and when it should start back up with a tiny pull of the clutch – a neat little feature when you’re trying to avoid running the tank dry in a jam.
Power delivery is smooth and predictable. The gear changes are light and the 4-speed gearbox is well matched to its task. The HF Deluxe isn’t about speed, but pace and it sets the latter without much drama.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The HF Deluxe features a telescopic front fork and 2-step adjustable rear shock absorbers that gives it a pliant ride over speed-breakers and potholes.
It even holds its line well with a pillion rider mounted.
The motorcycle being definitely very manoeuvrable thanks to its 112 kg kerb weight. Squeeze into crowded lanes or park in narrow spaces, the HF Deluxe can wade through it all.
The brakes in the vehicle come in the form of drum brakes at both ends and there’s a provision for CBS too (Combined Braking System).
Budget-Friendly When it comes to Fuel Costs and Maintenance
If there’s anything that comes to your mind on hearing the name HF Deluxe, it is fuel economy.
With i3S tech, we expect this BS6 model to return around 65–70 kmpl in real world conditions which would make it one of the most fuel efficient motorcycles that we have in our country.
This is also a boon for the commuter as it is easy and cheap to maintain and Hero has a wide service network all over India, specifically in rural and Tier-2 cities.
Spare parts are relatively inexpensive and readily available, which is a major advantage for a long-term owner.
Pros:
Excellent mileag with the i3S system
Light, easy and scaled for all conditions
Pillion & Rider both are comfortable
Low Maintenance and easily available service stations
Reasonable price with remarkable value
Cons:
Features … : Base one, no fancy new digital console
No front disc brake option
Not road-friendly
The design seems dated to young shoppers
New Hero HF Deluxe: Conclusion
The New Hero HF Deluxe is a very basic looking motorcycle but purpose built as a production commuter; it’s reliable, economical and affordable.
It may not have flashy tech and high-end features, but it does everything a commuter bike should, and does it well.
That inevitable release of air can be a bit excessive at times, but if you’re a student, an office-goer, or a daily wager who wants a no nonsense workhorse machine that runs day in, day out, then the HF Deluxe has you covered.