At the 2016 edition of the Auto Expo, Hero MotoCorp showcased a concept that hints at future products from the homegrown two-wheeler manufacturer, both in terms of design, as well specifications. Hero no longer wants to be associated with just the ‘commuter bike’ tag as it looks to head in the direction of bigger capacity, premium offerings. The concept in question is the XF3R, a naked, street fighter bike that could form the basis of future Hero products. Apart from its design, not much is known about the Hero XF3R. Information regarding Hero XF3R specifications, launch, price, etc. remains scarce. Based on the details provided by Hero MotoCorp and industry speculation here’s the lowdown on the 2016 Hero XF3R Concept from the Auto Expo.
Also See – Hero Bikes at Auto Expo | Hero Xtreme 200S
2016 Hero XF3R Design
The exterior of the 2016 Hero XF3R does complete justice to the Street Fighter tag. The headlamp bears a very strong resemblance to some of Hero’s existing products. The sharp fuel tank extensions also house the indicator strips, which have been neatly integrated into the bodywork, even at the rear. The entire bike has been finished in silver, which has a brushed aluminium finish, along with black carbon fibre and red highlights. Bits of the frame finished in red peep out from under the bodywork. The smartly designed alloys have been finished in different colours, in line with the bike’s colour theme.
The one eyesore here is the side mounted exhaust placed at a very awkward height. Hero could have easily tucked it under the seat or in front of the rear tyres. That said, the XF3R is otherwise a definite head turner. But we’ll have to wait a few more years to see how much of it trickles down to the production version.
2016 Hero XF3R Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjdwukUfpHs
2016 Hero XF3R Specifications
Hero MotoCorp hasn’t disclosed much info regarding the specifications of the 2016 Hero XF3R concept. All we know is that it comes with a 300 cc Liquid cooled, 4- Stroke, 4 -valve, DOHC engine. This unit is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The 2016 Hero XF3 R boasts of a Geodesic tubular high strength steel chassis. One of the most noticeable features here is the single-side swingarm, similar to what we have seen on Ducatis. The concept reinforces Hero’s intentions to climb up the displacement ladder into the 300 cc + territory, where Hero has never had any presence in the past. Hero MotoCorp is yet to go beyond the 223 cc mark and even that engine is no longer in use following the discontinuation of the Karizma. The HX 250, which was supposed to hit production by the 2016 Auto Expo, is yet to see the light of day. Possibly, due to the troubles faced by EBR.
2016 Hero XF3R Launch
Again, the 2016 Hero XF3R gives us a peek into the future products expected from Hero MotoCorp in the coming years. We might have to wait at least a couple of years for a production version of the XF3R or its derivatives. Going by concept standards, the styling isn’t as radical as one would expect and some of the current Hero products already have hints of the 2016 Hero XF3R in their exterior design.
As we mentioned earlier, the 2016 Hero XF3R is a concept that hints at the direction future Hero bikes could take, especially bigger capacity models. hero MotoCorp desperately needs to strengthen its presence in higher segments where brands like Bajaj, Yamaha, Honda have a very well established fan base. We will, as always, bring you all the latest updates on the Hero XF3R so stay tuned to Car Blog India for the same.
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