Hero Passion Pro Review
Feature Rich 100cc Commuter
Thursday, December 13, 2012Overview of Hero Passion Pro
Hero Passion Pro is one of the largest selling bikes in the world. It’s the second most popular bike of Hero after Splendor. This bike has always been marketed as a premium 100cc bike which created a new segment of bikes in India. Let’s know more about the recently upgraded version of this reputed bike.
New Features in Hero Passion Pro
- Stylish New Graphics
- Analogue speedometer with digital trip meter and fuel gauge
- New Visor with Black Tinted Wind Screen and Clear lens indicator
- New Sporty Console & Handle Bar Holder cover
- All Black glossy Muffler
- Red Rear Cushion Spring
- Body Colored Rear Grip
- Body Colored Rear View Mirrors
- All Black Front Shock Absorber & leg guard
Hero Passion Pro Exterior
Hero Passion never looked like any other regular 100cc bike. It’s a well-built bike which looks pretty mature than its other competitors. The full grown size of this bike makes it look proportionate from every angle. It features an upraised tinted visor which complements the look of its cowl which sports graphics on it. The classy headlight is almost similar to the one used in original Passion. Now this bike is offered with body coloured rear view mirrors which adds premium touch to this bike. Hero offers black finish on its alloy wheels, engine and muffler. Its side panels and fuel tank features running graphics on them. At the back, you can notice its full sized garb rail and edgy tail lamp. The rear fender and clear lens indicators also complements the overall styling of this bike.
Instrument Console of Hero Passion Pro
Hero Passion Pro is one of the rarest 100cc bikes to feature a digital analogue combo meter console. It has an analogue speedometer and digital fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter. The featured LCD uses yellow colour for illumination at night. This instrument console also houses few indicators.
Engine and Gearbox
Hero Passion Pro shares its 100cc engine with many of its siblings. The power output of this air-cooled, 4-stroke OHC engine is 7.6 bhp achievable at 7500 rpm. The utmost torque production of this single cylinder engine is 8.04 Nm accessible at 4500 rpm. This bike uses a four speed manual gearbox with all gears up-shift pattern.
- 97.2 cc single cylinder air cooled engine
- Develops 7.6 bhp of maximum power at 7500 rpm
- Maximum torque of 8.4 nm at 4500 rpm
Acceleration and Performance
The bike disappoints you with its performance in this department. It’s a very less powerful engine which always feels hungry for power. The design of this bike makes it heavier than its other siblings and the bike feels slower than others. The power to weight ratio is very less in comparison to others and it’s noticeable when you drive this bike. To deal with the problem of less amount of power, Hero has opted for short and crispy gear ratios. They improve the pick-up of this bike and help it to move easily through city traffic. However things are better at high speeds. It can cross the speed of 90km/hr and feels very refined and relaxed at high rpms. This engine turns a bit noisy when you rev it really hard. Gear transitions are very smooth and you feel free to change gears. Due to its heavyweight, this bike is slower than others in its initial phase and takes around 9 seconds to complete 0-60km/hr. Undoubtedly, the drivability of this engine is better than others but the lack of power spoils the game. With a pillion rider, things get even worse.
Hero Passion Pro Mileage
The fuel efficiency of this bike reduces due to its heavyweight (119kgs). It may give you a mileage of around 60-62km/ltr in city conditions while expect a fuel efficiency of around 65-68km/ltr on long runs.
Comfort while Driving Hero Passion Pro
There are very less reasons to complain in this department. It offers you a perfect commuter riding posture which enables you to be on this bike for long durations. Handle bar is placed upwards for a relaxed position with your feet resting on its front set foot pegs. Its long and wide seat is the most comfortable seat that you can get in its class. It’s very well cushioned and gives you optimum comfort even with a rider at the back. The buttons used on the handle bar are also very nice to touch and can be easily operated.
Storage Space and Safety Features
Hero Passion Pro has good amount of storage space. It features under seat storage space and also comes with a utility box and a bag hook at the back. Front leg guard, rear saree guard and pass button are standard safety features in this bike.
Hero Passion Pro Suspension and Braking
To give you comfortable and stress free rides, Hero offers telescopic forks at its front and adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the back. Passion Pro possibly has the best braking system in its segment. The standard variant features bigger drum brakes of 130mm on its both wheels. This bike is also offered with an optional front disc brake of 240mm. Hero has blessed this bike with a very effective suspension and braking system which deals well with the heavy weight of this bike and gives you comfortable and safe journeys.
Ride and Handling
The ride and handling of this bike doesn't feel like regular 10cc bikes. It feels more composed and relaxed on our Indian roads. The potholes don’t bother you much and even with full seating there is nothing much to complain about. Its tyres properly hold the road and the bike feels more stable at high speeds than other competitors due to its heavy weight. Despite having the wheelbase of 1235mm and ground clearance of 165mm, this bike feels better than other competitors around corners. The handling of this bike is also very impressive as it steers accurately and gives you the sense of control at high speeds and sharp corners.
Variants of Hero Honda Passion Pro
Passion Pro is available in five variants:
- Spoke Kick Start
- Spoke Self Start
- Alloys Kick Start
- Alloys Self Start
- Alloys Self Start Disc Brake
Shades
New Hero Honda Passion Pro is available in six colors:
- Leaf Green Metallic
- Black with Sports Red
- Vibrant Blue
- Force Silver
- Black with Heavy Grey
- Black with Frost Blue
Verdict
Hero Passion Pro ranges from INR 45.35-50.35K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). Yes, for a 100cc bike, this is a heavy price tag but still the bike has immense number of buyers. Its sophisticated looks, refined and fuel efficient engine are the major contributors to its high sales. It’s less cost of ownership and high resale value makes it a complete value for money bike and that’s why it’s the first choice of those buyers who want premium looks without compromising on fuel efficiency.