Hero launches flex-fuel Splendor+ and HF Deluxe; prices start at Rs 72,792

Hero MotoCorp has launched its first flex-fuel motorcycles in the 100cc segment. The company introduced E85-compliant variants of the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel and the Hero Splendour Plus Flex Fuel. These bikes were unveiled in the presence of Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri. They are engineered to run on ethanol blends ranging from E20 up to E85, which is 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol. If you want a bike that can run on cheaper, greener fuel, these are the first options in India.

The flex-fuel technology adds a small premium over the top-end regular petrol models. The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is priced at ₹72,792, ex-showroom Delhi. The Hero Splendour Plus Flex Fuel is priced at ₹82,810, ex-showroom Delhi. Sales will officially kick off in July 2026 across Delhi-NCR and select regions of Maharashtra before expanding nationwide.

To combat the corrosive properties of high-ethanol blends, Hero made 36 major component changes. These include a new fuel pump, a secondary fuel filter, a recalibrated ECU map, and upgraded fuel system lines. Running on E85 fuel actually unlocks a performance bump from the trusted 97.2cc single-cylinder engine. The power output is 8.56 PS, which is 8.44 bhp, at 8,000 rpm. This is roughly a 7 per cent increase over the standard E20 version. The peak torque is 8.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm, marking a 3 per cent torque improvement. The environmental benefits are also huge. Tailpipe emissions see a 77 per cent reduction in carbon monoxide. This is much better for the environment.

Both models get subtle equipment and style updates to distinguish them from standard variants. They have a refreshed digi-analogue console featuring an analogue speedometer next to a digital fuel gauge screen. The visual styling includes refreshed body graphics. There is a brand-new Black with Lime Yellow colour scheme paired with an E85 fuel tank badge. Tubeless tyres come standard on 18-inch alloy wheels alongside a side-stand engine cut-off safety sensor. The more premium Splendour Plus Flex Fuel retains Hero’s patented i3S idle-stop-start system to further conserve fuel. This feature is absent on the HF Deluxe.

If you are thinking of buying one of these flex-fuel bikes, you should get the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel if you want the most affordable entry into flex-fuel technology. You should get the Splendour Plus Flex Fuel if you want the extra fuel-saving i3S system and a slightly more premium feel. You should buy these bikes if you have access to E85 fuel in your area. You want to save money on fuel, as ethanol is cheaper than petrol. You want to reduce your environmental impact. You are willing to pay a small premium over the regular petrol model. You should wait until July 2026 when sales begin in Delhi-NCR and Maharashtra. You should check if E85 fuel is available at your local petrol pump before buying.

You should consider the regular petrol versions of the HF Deluxe or Splendour Plus if you do not have access to E85 fuel. You want to save money on the initial purchase price. You are not concerned about the environmental benefits of ethanol.

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