Hero Motocorp’s upcoming bike caught testing - Spied

Likely powered by a Hero-developed engine.

Hero Motocorp’s upcoming commuter motorcycle was recently spotted testing in the wild in a fully camouflaged form. From the photo, the motorcycle appears to be a 150 cc or below machine which runs a pretty basic braking setup of drum brakes both front and back and is believed to be running Hero’s self-developed engine.

For 2015 the company plans to launch a slew of new motorcycles that would counter the attack it has been facing from rival Honda, who themselves have plans to launch a new low-cost motorcycle for the country. This new entry-level motorcycle is being developed by Hero Motocorp for its local and export markets.

Hero is looking forward to this new small-capacity powertrain to address their commuter vehicles, while their collaboration with American manufacturer Eric Buell Racing (EBR) would result in larger capacity and more sportier machines for India and international markets.

The test mule in the picture is one of the two motorcycles that the company plans to launch with their own engines along with two new scooters. This is the first time that Hero Motocorp would be launching motorcycles and scooters without Honda engines that they have been using ever since their joint venture in 1984 with the CD 100.

Also read: Hero's new Activa rivaling scooter spotted

The new motorcycle could see a launch somewhere in the third-quarter of 2015 and would lock horns with offerings from other manufacturers like Bajaj’s Platina and Discover models and also with Honda’s Shine 125, Suzuki’s SlingShot and the TVS Star City.

[Spyshot from GaadiWaadi]