India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, has taken another significant step towards sustainable mobility by launching the flex-fuel versions of its popular commuter motorcycles the Hero Splendor+ and Hero HF Deluxe. With prices starting at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom, Delhi), these new motorcycles are designed to run on ethanol-blended fuel, making them a cleaner and more eco-friendly option for everyday riders.
The move aligns with the Indian government’s push for higher ethanol adoption and could play a major role in reducing the country’s dependence on conventional fossil fuels.
Hero Brings Flex-Fuel Technology to the Mass Market
While flex-fuel technology has been discussed in the automotive industry for years, it has largely been limited to concept models or premium vehicles. Hero MotoCorp is now bringing this technology to the heart of India’s motorcycle market by introducing it in two of its best-selling commuter bikes.
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 72,792, while the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel carries a price tag of Rs 82,710 (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The motorcycles will initially be available in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra from July 2026, followed by a phased nationwide rollout.
What Is a Flex-Fuel Motorcycle?
A flex-fuel motorcycle is capable of running on different blends of petrol and ethanol. The newly launched Hero motorcycles can operate on fuel blends ranging from E20 to E85.
For those unfamiliar with these terms:
- E20 contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
- E85 contains 85% ethanol and 15% petrol.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel typically produced from agricultural sources such as sugarcane and corn. Using higher ethanol blends can help reduce carbon emissions while supporting domestic fuel production.
Engine and Performance Details
Powering both motorcycles is Hero’s trusted 97.2cc single-cylinder engine, which has been modified to handle higher ethanol content efficiently.
When running on E85 fuel, the engine produces:
- 8.6 hp at 8,000 rpm
- 8.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm
To ensure smooth performance with varying ethanol blends, Hero has updated the engine management system with revised ECU calibration. The motorcycles also receive upgraded fuel system components, including a new fuel pump and a secondary fuel filter.
These changes allow the bikes to maintain reliability while adapting to different fuel compositions.
Minimal Price Increase Makes Adoption Easier
One of the biggest highlights of the launch is Hero’s aggressive pricing strategy.
The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel costs only Rs 172 more than the standard E20-compliant version, making it one of the most affordable flex-fuel motorcycles in the country.
Meanwhile, the Splendor+ Flex Fuel commands a premium of Rs 5,153 over its regular counterpart.
By keeping the price difference relatively small, Hero is making greener technology accessible to everyday commuters rather than restricting it to premium buyers.
Features Offered on the New Flex-Fuel Models
Hero has equipped both motorcycles with practical features that enhance daily usability.
Key features include:
- Digi-analogue instrument cluster
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- Tubeless tyres
- Ethanol-compatible fuel system
The Splendor+ Flex Fuel also gets Hero’s popular i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), which automatically switches off the engine during short stops and restarts it when needed, helping improve fuel efficiency.
Why This Launch Matters for India
The importance of this launch goes beyond the motorcycles themselves.
According to Hero MotoCorp, the Splendor and HF families together account for roughly one out of every three motorcycles on Indian roads. Introducing flex-fuel technology in such high-volume models has the potential to accelerate ethanol adoption on a massive scale.
As India continues working toward energy security and lower emissions, commuter motorcycles can play a crucial role because they represent a significant portion of daily transportation across the country.
Availability and Rollout Plans
Hero MotoCorp has confirmed that both motorcycles will go on sale from July 2026 in Delhi and selected areas of Maharashtra. The company plans to gradually expand availability to other states and regions across India in the coming months.
This phased rollout will allow Hero to support growing ethanol infrastructure while ensuring customers have access to compatible fuel options.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel marks an important milestone for India’s two-wheeler industry. By bringing flex-fuel technology to affordable commuter motorcycles, Hero MotoCorp is making sustainable transportation more practical and accessible for millions of riders.
With competitive pricing, proven reliability, and compatibility with ethanol blends up to E85, these motorcycles could help shape the future of eco-friendly commuting in India. As fuel alternatives gain momentum, Hero’s latest move positions the company at the forefront of the country’s transition toward cleaner mobility.
