In a definitive move that is bound to disrupt the mass-market commuter motorcycle segment, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, has officially launched its first-ever flex-fuel powered motorcycles. The homegrown transition towards sustainable mobility has taken a massive leap forward with the commercial introduction of the new Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel and the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel.
This launch is highly significant for the Indian automotive industry. It marks Hero MotoCorp’s official entry into the alternative fuel technology ecosystem and represents the first time flex-fuel powertrains are being introduced in the high-volume, highly competitive 100 cc commuter motorcycle segment.
Variant-Wise Pricing
Hero MotoCorp has priced these environmentally conscious iterations very aggressively to bridge the gap between green technology and affordability. The entry-level Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is priced at Rs. 72,792, while the legendary Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel commands a sticker price of Rs. 82,710 (both prices represent ex-showroom, New Delhi).
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom, New Delhi) |
| Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel | Rs. 72,792 |
| Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel | Rs. 82,710 |

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Conceptualized, engineered, and developed entirely in-house at Hero MotoCorp’s premium R&D facility—the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) located in Jaipur, Rajasthan—these two-wheelers are configured to run on ethanol-blended petrol ranging seamlessly from E20 (20% ethanol) all the way up to E85 (85% ethanol).
According to the official rollout strategy, both motorcycles will initially be made available to customers in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and select high-potential regions of Maharashtra starting from July 2026. A wider, multi-phase national rollout is scheduled to take place in the following months as alternative fuel retail infrastructure expands across India.
The introduction of these flex-fuel models directly aligns with the Government of India’s strategic roadmap to promote alternative biofuels. By engineering high-volume commuter products that can effortlessly run on higher ethanol concentrations like E85, Hero MotoCorp is actively helping to reduce the country’s heavy economic dependence on crude oil imports, strengthening energy security, and significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
By deploying this green technology into the Splendor and HF Deluxe lineups—two product portfolios that dominate the rural and urban commuter landscape—Hero is strategically positioning itself to drive mass-scale adoption of eco-friendly powertrains without forcing consumers to switch directly to expensive electric alternatives.
Engine Performance
Transitioning a standard internal combustion engine to withstand high percentages of ethanol requires substantial engineering overhaul due to the corrosive nature and different combustion properties of the biofuel.
Under the bodywork, both the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel retain their trusted 97.2 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. However, the engine internals and fueling maps have been thoroughly re-engineered. When running on an E85 fuel blend, this optimized powertrain pumps out a maximum power of 6.3 kW (8.45 hp) at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 8.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm.

| Technical Specification | Details / Metrics |
| Engine Displacement | 97.2 cc, Single-Cylinder, Air-Cooled |
| Peak Power Output | 6.3 kW (8.45 hp) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Peak Torque Output | 8.3 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Fuel Compatibility Range | E20 up to E85 Ethanol Blends |
| Developed At | CIT, Jaipur (Rajasthan) |
To attain flawless mechanical compatibility with high-ethanol blends, Hero’s engineering team integrated a heavily revised Electronic Control Unit (ECU) utilizing specialized multi-mapping algorithms. Additionally, the fuel delivery system has been upgraded with highly durable, corrosion-resistant components, seals, and fuel lines. Advanced calibration modifications have been implemented to ensure that the engine delivers precise throttle responses and stable combustion. Interestingly, the manufacturer states that this new flex-fuel setup delivers enhanced overall performance and smoother ride dynamics compared to standard petrol-only versions.
Features and Mechanical Updates
Apart from the underlying mechanical upgrades, Hero MotoCorp has packaged these flex-fuel versions with a premium equipment list and distinctive visual highlights to set them apart from standard versions.
The Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel comes equipped with:
- i3S Technology: Hero’s patented idle stop-start system that automatically shuts down the engine during long idles at traffic lights and restarts it instantly upon pulling the clutch, optimizing mileage.
- Digi-Analogue Cluster: A revised instrument console combining a classic analog speedometer with a modern digital display for vital readouts.
- Safety Suite: Integrated side-stand engine cut-off sensor that prevents the bike from starting if the stand is deployed.
- Tyres: Durable tubeless tyres offering hassle-free ownership.
- Exclusive Visuals: A unique, premium Black and Lime Yellow graphics package tailored exclusively for the flex-fuel range.
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel receives an identical feature enhancement package. It benefits from the same upgraded ECU, heavy-duty fuel delivery architecture, a new digi-analogue instrument console, side-stand engine cut-off function, and tubeless tyres. It also adopts the identical eye-catching Black and Lime Yellow livery to signify its eco-friendly credentials.
Motormitra Verdict
While India’s automotive space is aggressively pushing for battery electric vehicles (EVs), infrastructure limitations and high initial acquisition costs remain prominent barriers for true mass-market adoption. Hero MotoCorp’s flex-fuel strategy offers a highly practical, immediate, and parallel path toward green mobility.
By leveraging the immense brand equity, unparalleled reliability, and massive customer base of the Splendor and HF Deluxe nameplates, Hero MotoCorp has successfully democratized sustainable technology. As the government rapidly rolls out E85 fuel pumps across the country, Hero’s first-mover advantage in the mass-market commuter segment will undoubtedly place it at the absolute forefront of India’s green energy revolution.




