HERO PASSION XPRO
Hero has hit F5 on its 110cc duos
Hero’s tried and tested commuter gets a stylised makeover
WWhat is it? Passion XPro is Hero MotoCorp’s take on a commuter motorcycle for the youth. It gets a fresh design scheme, tank shrouds and LED tail lamps. Basically, the XPro is a stylised version of the conservative looking Passion Pro, which we had a chance to ride too.
All new?
It gets a snazzier looking digitalanalogue instrument console with a digital fuel gauge. AHO has been integrated, and so has the i3s system. The 110cc motor, also shared with the Passion Pro, is now BS-IV compliant and comes with Torque on Demand (TOD). Both, the Passion XPro and Pro would be available in drum and disc variants.
Fun to ride?
Well, the XPro is a commuter first. And a rather good one at that. So fun isn’t the intent here, is it? Hero claims that the motorcycle makes 12 per cent more power and torque compared to its predecessor. And the bump, although minute, translates well within heavy traffic. The motorcycle pulls from 25kmph in fourth gear itself, resulting in fewer gear changes. The XPro, however, is three kilos heavier than the Pro, making the latter easier to cut in and out of traffic.
Obviously, corners aren’t their forte, but the XPro comparatively, feels slightly more comfortable when tipped in. Probably due to a slightly longer swingarm and stiffer rear suspension. Both the motorcycles are happiest between 30 to 75kmph. The Passion Pro and Passion XPro get the option of a 240mm disc upfront. And they stop well with adequate feedback. Our suggestion would be to get the disc variant for better stopping power.
Efficient?
Our ride only lasted for a few kilometres, so we can’t give our word for “kitna deti hai”. But we still estimate that the figures would be upwards of 65kmpl. And the patented Hero MotoCorp i3s technology works well to save fuel, whenever it can. The Passion Pro, however, benefits from a larger 11-litre fuel tank.
Value?
The motorcycle hasn’t been launched yet, so there’s a question mark where we usually write the price. However, we reckon the top variant would hover around the `55,000 mark. The Passion Pro would be priced slightly lower.L