The HX250R made its first public debut at the 2014 Auto Expo, with Hero stating the bike will make its way to showrooms across India around the festive season later this year. The company has been battling in the 250cc segment with its Karizma since 2003, bringing in minor upgrades with time. The HX250R will sell alongside the Karizma R and ZMR, also due for updates soon.
The HX250R's styling is sporty, featuring what Hero has dubbed a 'lightning bolt' design theme. The front shows off twin headlights with daytime running lights, with indicators sticking out prominently. There’s a visor for protection from wind blast, and wide fairing mounted mirrors. The digital instruments include a speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature, fuel gauge and trip meters along with other bike information. Clip-on handlebars are standard. The tank extends as part of the front fairing, with a panel hiding the fuel-filler lid. There’s split seats for the rider and pillion. An LED tail light brings up the rear, which also houses a sleek under-seat exhaust system.
Hero's HX250R is powred by a four-stroke, 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder and fuel-injected engine, with maximum power output estimated at around 31bhp, transferred to the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox.
The HX shares a tubular frame with the Honda CBR250R and comes with telescopic forks in front, and a monoshock at the rear, bolted to a trellis swingarm similar to the Hastur concept. Braking on the HX250R is taken care of by a 300mm disc brake, with three-piston calipers in front, and a 220mm rear disc brake, with a combined braking system and optional ABS. Wheels are ten-spoke alloys, carrying a tubeless 110/80 x 17 inch tyre in front, and 140/70 section tubeless at rear.
Hero is aiming high with this premium 250cc bike, and we can’t wait to hop aboard for a test ride later in the year.
Karan Narsu
Azaman Chothia
Ved Janve
Rishaad Mody
