Hero recently shared a teaser image showing a helmet, gloves, boots and a satchel bag with a caption that said: “Gear up! Another adventure awaits you”. When we see the word ‘adventure’ the natural reaction is to jump to the conclusion that Hero is teasing the upcoming Xpulse. But is it really? Let’s analyse.
This first image with accessories was released on May 23, 2018, and was followed by another one on June 16 which showed what accessories mean to riders and non-riders. The brand once again tweeted the image from May yesterday, which has prompted us to write this piece.
For starters, none of this is adventure gear. Leather boots, fingerless gloves, an open face helmet and a satchel bag are more in line with what you’d expect from an urban commuting point of view. One option could be that Hero is teasing an upcoming line of branded gear and accessories, but since none of the gear pictured here feature Hero branding, this is quite unlikely. What's even more unlikely is that the company is hinting at an upcoming launch of the Xpulse, because Hero has been clear all along that the upcoming 200cc ADV bike is slated for an end-2018 launch. So, as we understand it, this is simply some customer engagement content being shared and it has nothing to do with the Xpulse.
But that doesn’t mean you should be completely disappointed. There is the fact that Hero has two new 125cc scooters due for launch very soon. Both the Maestro Edge 125 and Duet 125 were showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo and were expected to be launched by the middle of the year. Our estimate is that both will launch by August end or early September.
Both scooters will use the same (and new) 125cc motor that makes 8.7hp and 10.2Nm of torque and will be equipped with i3S (idle-start-stop tech) that, until now, was seen only on Hero motorcycles. The Maestro, as showcased at the expo, will come with modern styling and will feature a sharp front end and a sleek rear. The scooter will also get an LED tail-light. Other features will include external fuel filling, digi-analogue instrumentation, a side stand and service indicators. The Maestro will be available with an optional front disc brake. The Duet 125 will also get an external fuel filler, a side stand and service indicator and a pass switch. Furthermore, it'll be fitted with a boot lamp and mobile charging.