Hero Achiever (2015)

Hero Achiever is an entry level 150cc bike which is still unrecognised in the much populated bike market of India. It’s been struggling for almost seven years and Hero is still not ready to give up. They have recently launched the refreshed version of this bike and this time they hope for different and beneficial results.

Design and Style

When it comes to styling, this bike stands nowhere close to its other rivals. Its bland looks have always kept buyers away from it. It looks like any other regular commuter bike with no visual charm. The refreshed version is almost a copy of the original bike and apart from different stickers and graphics, there is nothing much which differentiates it from its previous generation. Few noticeable changes include black finishing on alloy wheels, silencer, front forks and engine. The restyled tinted visor goes well with its headlight. From sideways, there is nothing on this bike which will excite you. Its orange coloured side indicators and silver finished leg guard also doesn't go well with its styling. One can’t opt for this bike for its looks and till now this has been the biggest reason for its failure. After so many years, Hero should have worked more on its styling to make it competitive. It is very basic and aged in terms of appearance.

Instrument Console

The bike here also loses to most of its competitors as its instrument console lacks vital features like tachometer. The bike only has an analogue speedometer and fuel gauge with a trip meter. The overall appearance of this instrument console is also a let-down.

Engine and Gearbox

There are no changes in this department. Achiever is still powered by a four- stroke, single cylinder 149.1cc engine. This air-cooled, OHC engine generates a maximum power output of 13.4 bhp at 8000 rpm. This engine yields out a torque output of 12.8 Nm which is accessible at 5000 rpm. This engine is equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and four gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This 150cc engine from Honda is also empowering their Unicorn. Being a Honda engine, it tends to be more refined and relaxed than others. It is very silent engine and the bike feels pretty calm when rev hard. The only drawback of this engine seems to be its lack of power. This engine certainly doesn’t feel as strong as others like Bajaj Pulsar and Yamaha FZ-S. In fact, it can’t even go pass its siblings Hero Hunk and CBZ. The bike takes around nearly 6 seconds to reach 0-60km/hr which is quite noticeable in city traffic. However on highways, things feel much better. The bike can easily cross the speed of 100km/hr but after that there is nothing much left in this engine. The mid-range feels powerful but its high end performance is disappointing. The gear ratios are also a matter of concern as at slow speeds to get the best out of this engine, you will have to work on in its gears. Taller gear ratios are meant to increase its fuel efficiency which results into frequent gear shifting. There are very less vibrations at high speeds and this engine feels way ahead of other bikes like Bajaj Pulsar 150 and Discover 150 in terms of refinement. The power to weight ratio is also acceptable and in mid-range it feels better than many of its competitors.

Mileage

Taller gear ratios and slow performance of this bike reduces its fuel consumption. The bike may return you a mileage of around 50km/ltr in city while on highways it can give you anything around 55km/ltr. The fuel efficiency of this bike is certainly impressive and it’s perfect for city commuting.

Comfort While Driving

Hero Achiever is made to give you maximum comfort. Its long and wide seat can hold you for hours. Its front set foot pegs and easy to reach handlebar are similar to other commuter bikes. You feel very relaxed and comfortable on this bike with perfect palm grip.

Storage Space and safety Features

There is less under seat storage space in this bike with a leg guard at its front for safety.

Suspension and Brakes

Hero Achiever is mated with Hydraulic Shock Absorbers at its front while it features Swing Arms at the back. The suspension system of this bike may not be the best in its segment but functions really well. The bike manages to give you a comfortable ride. As far as braking is concerned, Hero offers this bike with a disc brake of 240mm at its front and a drum brake of 130mm at its back. The braking system works effectively and the bike remains under control.

Ride and Handling

This bike is lighter than many of its rivals which makes it easy to use in city traffic. The bike steers very easily and accurately. Even on high speeds, the bike holds the road properly and you never lose confidence. It’s only around corners when you find this bike unfriendly. Its wheelbase (1290mm) makes it less stable around sharp corners at high speeds. The bike takes most of the bumps easily and there are no major concerns in this department.

Tyre Size

Its 5-spoke 18inch alloy wheels have R18 size of tyres which gives it an extra advantage over others as they are puncture resistant and provides extra stability.

Variants

Hero Achiever is available in 2 variants: Kick-Start and Self-Start.

Shades

New Hero Honda Achiever 150 is available in five shades: Magnetic Blue, Candy Blazing Red, Force Metallic Silver, Black Purple and Black Blue.

Verdict

The self-start variant of this bike will cost you around INR 62.9K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). At this price, Achiever is the cheapest bike which is available with Honda’s 150cc engine. We won’t say it’s a complete value for money bike but it can’t be neglected either. Yes, it has boring looks and style and lacks some vital features but to compensate this bike has a very fuel efficient and refined engine. It may not be as fast as others but certainly has the potential to impress you with its ride and performance.

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