Hero wants to improve its image as a creative manufacturer
Hero surprised everyone by updating its bread and butter engine its 97cc engine which they borrowed from Honda way back when they partnered with Honda and launched CD100 SS which is a very successful bike and started the 4-stroke revolution in the Indian motorcycle market. A 34-year-old engine is now updated to meet BS6 emission norms and launched with its second-most selling bike HF Deluxe. The 97 is a tried and tested engine that is refined, frugal and most importantly reliable. Everyone thinks that Hero is going to stop using the engine which powers almost every entry-level bike of Hero especially the world’s highest-selling bike Hero Splendor because it’s very hard to update it to meet BS6 norms as it is built around a very basic and old architecture. But they invest in to update its engine. I think the main reason behind updating the engine is to use it in Splendor as it is the favorite choice of buyers when they consider to buy Splendor. And everyone knows that Splendor is the highest selling bike in the world so its clear that Hero has to take the chance. I my opinion its a very brave decision to invest in a 34 years old engine. And another reason why Hero go ahead and decided to update the 97 because in industry Hero’s image is a non-creative manufacturer and Hero wants to change it. In the end its a good news for all the Splendor and Hero fans.
Two Wheel Storm 