Hero Passion xPro Drum Kick Spoke Review
Hero Passion xPro - Improved and Better Passion
Thursday, December 13, 2012Overview of Hero Passion xPro
Hero Motocorp has launched its first ever 110cc bike. Hero has chosen one of their favourite bikes, Passion to get this honour and they have named the new bike as Passion xPro. Hero aims to utilize the credible image of this brand. Let’s get into the detailing of this new bike.
Hero Passion xPro Exterior
This new bike gets the mature looks of regular Passion but to differentiate, Hero has made this bike more stylish and aggressive. This time Hero has not just played with stickers only. It may resemble to its younger sibling but its additional length and width is clearly noticeable. It features a new trapezoidal headlamp which complements its restyled tinted visor. The new edgy cowl and clear lens indicators also catch your attention easily. Similar to Passion, this bike also gets body coloured rear view mirrors. Both sides of this bike are given new graphics and style. Its fuel tank now gets new tank extensions with new graphics and xPro written on them. Hero has altered its silencer with a new chrome shield covering. For a change, this bike gets new stepped seat and cropped black coloured grab rail. Its rear fender also gets new treatment and the bike looks wider than its sibling. However there are no changes in its tail light. In terms of appearance, it’s a very good bike and carries the much needed style in its designing.
Instrument Console of Hero Passion xPro
Sadly, there are no changes in this department. This bike gets the same instrument console of regular Passion. It features an analogue speedometer and digital fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter. Other indicators and yellow colour for illumination are also familiar.
Engine and Gearbox
This is the biggest USP of this bike. It gets a new mono-cylinder, 4-stroke 110cc engine. This engine can also be seen in Honda’s Twister and Dream Yuga. The power output of this air-cooled, OHC engine is 8.5 bhp at 7500 rpm while its torque output of 9.36 Nm arrives at 5500 rpm. Passion xPro gets a four speed manual gearbox with all gears up-shift pattern.
Acceleration and Performance
Hero Passion xPro feels better than its younger sibling in terms of performance. Its increased torque and power output is quite noticeable. The responsiveness of this engine gives it a certain advantage over others. It’s more nimble and swift than before. With this bike within 7-8seconds, you can reach 0-60km/hr. Gear transitions and gear ratios give you no chance to complain. The bike utilizes most its power in its mid-range which makes it quick in city traffic. Even on highways, the bike manages to achieve a top speed of 95km/hr which is more enjoyable than before. The major concern was to improve its power to weight ratio so that it feels faster than its many light weight competitors and Hero has successfully managed to do so. The refinement level of this engine is surely commendable and its linear power delivery is also impressive. Throttle response is better than its younger sibling and that improves with its well matched gear ratios. At high speeds, there are very less vibrations and it feels better than many other 125cc bikes.
Hero Passion xPro Mileage
One may expect this bike to return a fuel efficiency of around 60km/ltr in city conditions while on highways, these figures tends to increase by at least 5km/ltr. Comfort while Driving Hero Passion xPro This bike even feels more comfortable than Passion due to extra width and length. It has a very comfortable seat with foot pegs set to give you relaxed position while driving. Its extra width allows you to stick your knees around its fuel tank easily. The reach to handle bar is also very convenient. The riding posture may not be sporty but feels very comfortable for day to day usage. Handle bar has been slightly extended to give you better and firm palm grip.
Storage Space and Safety Features
Hero Passion xPro has under seat storage space and bag hook at the back but there is no utility box in it. For safety, this bike comes with optional tubeless tyres and standard features like front leg guard, rear saree guard and powerful headlamp for clear visibility at night.
Hero Passion xPro Suspension and Braking
The suspension and braking system of Hero Passion xPro makes its way to this bike. It also sports telescopic front forks and adjustable hydraulic rear shock absorbers. This bike is available with an optional front disc brake of 240mm while drum brakes of 130mm on its both wheels are standard in its braking system.
Ride and Handling
The ride and handling of Hero Passion xPro is very impressive. It’s even better than its younger sibling. It handles really nice in city traffic and with its effective suspension and braking system, things just get better. It never gives away the confidence as Hero has extended its wheelbase to provide it extra stability. It has a wheelbase of 1265mm which is best in its class. That’s the reason why despite having the similar tyres of Passion, it feels more comfortable around corners. You get a nice control on this bike and it also remains grounded on highways.
Shades Available
Hero Passion xPro is available in eight eye-catching shades:
- Black with frost blue
- Black with heavy gray
- Black with sports red
- Electric yellow metallic
- Force silver metallic
- Leaf green metallic
- Sports red
- Vibrant blue metallic
Variants and Price of Hero Passion xPro
Hero Passion xPro is available in five variants:
- Drum Kick Spoke - INR 46,800.00
- Drum Self Spoke - INR 47,800.00
- Drum Kick Alloy - INR 48,800.00
- Drum Self Alloy - INR 49,800.00
- Disc Self Alloy - INR 51,800.00
The above mentioned prices are ex-showroom New Delhi.
Verdict
Hero Passion xPro has been priced very competitively. It ranges from INR 46.8-51.8K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). This bike bridges down the gap between Passion and Glamour. This is a new variety from Hero which will stop buyers from buying its cousin rivals Twister and Dream Yuga. This bike features more stylish looks than Dream Yuga and also comes with an optional disc brake while if you compare it with Twister then xPro has higher fuel efficiency and comfort level. Apart from these factors its price tag, performance and most importantly wide service network of Hero makes it a complete value for money bike. The bike is a nice blend of mileage and performance and proves to be a perfect commuter bike. This step from Hero will bring more credibility to the brand image of Hero and Passion simultaneously.