Hero MotoCorp is moving towards the premium segment and the road to more expensive models was laid down this year with multiple launches right from the Xoom 110 scooter to the new Xtreme 160R 4V and Karzima XMR 210. Both these models showcased Hero’s capabilities in the premium space with the two-wheeler maker bringing USD front forks on the former and liquid cooling on the latter. The brand now seems to be gearing up to move up even higher and will bring a new flagship in the near future in the form of the Hero Hurikan 440.
The Hero Hurikan 440 is the latest name to be trademarked by the two-wheeler giant and this has brought possibilities of a new flagship motorcycle in the works. The Hurikan 440 is expected to be a streetfighter that will employ the newly developed 440 cc single-cylinder engine that powers the Harley-Davidson X440.
Hero has been developing its own motorcycle based on the 440 platform and Hurikan could just be the model that uses the same mechanicals, albeit in a completely different body style. While details are scarce, the upcoming motorcycle could employ a trellis frame, a first we saw with the new Karizma, while the 440cc motor could develop identical power to the X440. On the latter, the air- and oil-cooled engine is tuned to produce 27PS and 38Nm of peak torque, with 0-100kmph coming up in 9.6 seconds.
What needs to be seen is how different the engine’s character will be when compared to the Harley. Given that the Hero Hurikan could be a streetfighter, expect more aggressive performance from the motorcycle. We also expect it to be lighter than the Harley X440, which should further make it a fun-to-ride proposition. Visually, the Hurikan will be dynamically different from the cruiser.
We expect to wait about a year for the Hero Hurikan 440 that could arrive right in time for the festive season in 2024. Without a doubt, hopes will be high for the Hero flagship that will take on offerings from KTM, Kawasaki, Zontes, and many other brands. The sub-500cc is certainly a hotly-contested space in India at the moment and we hope the Hurikan brews up a hurricane of sorts with its arrival.
