Hero HX250R launched, my eyes can’t believe it.

OK, this is a complete shock. It looks like Hero purposely sent out those photos of that ghastly looking new Karizma to piss people off, and now has launched an amazing beauty called Hero HX250R. The bike has been developed in collaboration with Eric Buell Racing (EBR), and looks absolutely fantastic!

Here are some quick stats about this beast:

• 249cc 4 stroke all-aluminium engine
• Single cylinder DOHC layout
• Fuel Injection
• 31PS of power
• 6-speed transmission
• 0-60kmph in under 3 seconds
• Liquid cooled
• Combi brakes – Pushing front brake also works on rear for more control
• Front 300mm and rear 220mm disc brakes
• Honda Fireblade-like styling
• Underseat exhaust
• Monoshock 5 step adjustable
• Optional ABS
• Front tyre 110 section 17 incher (tubeless) Pirelli Sport Demon
• Rear tyre 140 section 17 incher (tubeless) Pirelli Sport Demon
• Fuel Tank capacity: 12.9 liters
• Weight only 139kgs
• 145mm ground clearance 

The first thing that you MUST notice is the weight, a full faired 250cc bike tipping the scales at only 139kgs? That sounds too good to be true. Compare it against the KTM Duke 390, which weights 154kgs. The power figure is stupendous as well, with 31 horses quite enough to lug it around as quick as you can imagine. I expect a top speed of over 165kmph, given that full faired bikes manage to cut through the wind much more efficiently. Add to that the big smoked-black wind-shield, and high speed wind blast should be a thing of the long-gone past.

Hero also launched Dash scooter, SES leap hybrid scooter and RNT 150 M80 lookalike concept that runs on a diesel turbo charged engine. An update on the Xtreme was also launched, which now makes 15.4 horses. Enough chit-chat, let’s get back to the Hero HX250R!

Hero have certainly pulled out a rabbit from the hat with the HX250R, the bike looks certainly menacing and should give tough competition to the CBR50R and the Ninja 300. Although I couldn’t see it in the pictures, the Hero HX250R is expected to have an UNDERSEAT exhaust! That has to be a first for the Indian market. Feels like Hero management got really angry with all the fun people made of the new Karizma, and have now come out with something to shut everyone up.

Price hasn’t been announced as of now, but I really hope that they come out with a figure less than 1.7lacs for the ABS version. This will give the performance enthusiasts in the country such a huge push in the right direction! The Hero HX250R is expected to be launched by June 2014, so keep your fingers crossed.