At the 2023 EICMA two-wheeler expo in Milan, there could be something exciting in store for us Indian motoring enthusiasts. Hero MotoCorp has released a teaser on their social media platforms highlighting 3 products for an unveil at EICMA. We know that 2 of them are the Vida electric scooters, and we can’t really care any further about them. What’s interesting to note is the product placed in the centre. This looks like an adventure maxi-scooter, and for sure, if this is revealed, it would arrive in India soon.
If you look at the teaser image carefully, and if you zoom in, you can clearly see the XOOM branding on the rear side panel of the scooter. On the front apron, you can also notice 160 written. This hints that Hero MotoCorp is developing a 160cc maxi-scooter in the Xoom branded lineup. Teaser image reveals split headlamp styling, tall front windscreen, long travel telescopic front suspension by scooter standards, long seat, up swept exhaust, sharp body panels and more. Even the tyres look of the dual sport category. Point to note, the only such product positioning in the Indian scooter market is the Aprilia SR scooter range. Given that this would be the most modern and latest scooter from Hero MotoCorp, expect features such as smartphone connectivity, digital console, ABS, auto-start-stop tech, silent start, etc. And if this is a proper maxi-scooter, expect ample storage space too for practicality.
The Hero Xoom is currently using a 110.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 8.05 BHP and 8.70 Nm matched to an automatic gearbox. For this new maxi-scooter application, given that the 160 decal sits proudly on the front apron, we expect the engine from the Xtreme 160R 4V to be used here. That one is a 163.2cc, 4-stroke, air-oil-cooled, 4-valve, single-cylinder motor producing 16.9 PS of power and 14.6 Nm of torque. Some power and torque loss can be expected, when this motor is matched to a conventional CVT scooter-style gearbox, but this could become the most powerful scooter from Hero MotoCorp which would rival the likes of Aprilia SR & SXR series and also the Yamaha Aerox.
Exciting times ahead…
