Hero Passion X Pro review, test ride

Hero MotoCorp’s Passion motorcycles have been a hit since production began in 2001, second only to the Splendor in terms of sales figures. Over the last decade, the Passion series has received a number of aesthetic upgrades. This time, Hero MotoCorp has added a new variant, powered by a 110cc engine. The X Pro is Hero MotoCorp’s bid in the 110cc segment, a space that is fast turning out to be a hotly contested.

This Passion comes with colour coded rear view mirrors and a long, flat fuel tank. At rear, the Passion X Pro provides a sharp tail section. Overall quality is as good as expected from every motorcycle that leaves the Hero factory.

The Passion X Pro houses a smooth, four-stroke, 109.1cc, air-cooled engine with its single-cylinder set in an inclined from vertical position as compared to horizontally inclined engines seen on the earlier Passion and Splendor bikes. The electric-start X Pro generates 8.6bhp at 7500rpm and a peak torque of 0.95kgm at 5500rpm. This engine is allied to a smooth 4-speed, all-up shifted gearbox. The commuter bike clutch offers light feel. Power delivery is linear and performance at par with other 110cc motorcycle from this segment.

The Passion X Pro deploys a tubular steel frame with telescopic fork front suspension and a set of hydraulic rear shock absorber at the rear, supported by a rectangular section swingarm. The X Pro’s upright riding position and rider friendly ergonomics make short work of city commuting, aiding which is a well-padded seat.

Ride quality is good, firm at low speeds but still supportive when riding with a pillion or at speeds higher than 60kph. The X Pro uses MRF tubeless tyres front and rear, and these provided sufficient grip throughout our test session. The X Pro is equipped with a 240mm disc brake in front, and 130mm drum at the rear, offering ample stopping power.

Hero’s Passion X Pro is priced at Rs 52,793 (ex-showroom, Pune), which is almost at par with a few 125cc bikes, but the X Pro comes brimming with Hero quality, and is a reliable, well-rounded package.