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The Indian bike market has seen a flurry of launches in the past years. The year 2016 saw the launch of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Bajaj Dominar 400. Meanwhile, 2015 saw the Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and the Mahindra Mojo arrive on Indian roads. But Hero has been conspicuous in its absence. That might change soon with the Hero XF3R concept. The Indian automaker, which recently saw a good run at Dakar 2017, has patented the production version of the XF3R design concept that was seen at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi. Patent images leaked online have revealed that the bike has been translated almost without changes from concept to production. Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS 200 FI spotted at dealer stockyard; bookings open
Hero XF3R concept
When the XF3R concept was shown at the Auto Expo, Hero did not officially reveal specifications of the bike. But the production motorcycle is going to get a 300 cc engine, thus putting the XF3R in the same pit as the upcoming BMW G310R and TVS Akula 310. Both the BMW and TVS bikes are much closer to reality, though. The XF3R concept had some fancy features like a single-sided swing-arm, a full digital instrument console, and upside-down front forks. There are also less-unique but still important features, like a meaty 300 mm front disc brake and a 220 mm one at the rear and a mono-shock rear suspension. Two other impressive features were the dual-channel ABS and Pirelli Sport Demon rubbers, along with a Dual Map technology that probably translates to multiple riding modes. Also read: KTM Duke 250 & RC 250 won’t be launched in India
Hero XF3R patent image
It is not yet clear whether all these features, present in the concept model, have been translated to the production version. The patent filing, while a key step, also does not confirm that the launch will happen soon. But the Hero still has its fans in the crowd of Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, thanks to the strong image cultivated with its Karizma series. Good looks count for a lot in India, and the XF3R definitely has that. Despite the familiar red colour tones seen in Hero bikes, the XF3R gets some nice elements like the high-mounted exhaust, minimal side panelling, slightly exposed red sub-frame and others. Here s hoping that the XF3R does not go the way of the HX250R concept and disappear; many would be looking to get the motorcycle within 2017 itself.
Patent image source: GaadiWaadi
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