Hero MotoCorp unveiled multiple products at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. Sighting popularity of the scooter segment in India, the company showcased three new scooters during the Expo. The one that caught our attention and what we want to talk about now is the Hero Zir.
The last performance oriented scooter which went on sale in India was the Kinetic Blaze, but that was a long time ago. The current crops in the scooter segment are more for convenience and low on the performance graph. All that the companies have been doing is add a couple of decals and push it to the customers. But Hero is now all set to enter this premium performance scooter market with the Zir.
The Zir will be powered by a 157.1cc, liquid-cooled engine producing 14 BHP of power @ 8,500 RPM and 12.7 Nm of torque @ 7,000 RPM. The power scooter will get telescopic front forks and adjustable dual rear shock absorbers. Another segment first feature would be the addition of disc brakes both at the front and rear. It has a fuel tank capacity of 9 litres with 2.5 litres as useable reserve. Kerb weight of the Zir is 139 kg.
At the Auto Expo, the scooter looked attractive to begin with. It had a large and clear windscreen mounted on the handle bar. Sharp, angular rear view mirrors present did not seem like they would provide good rearward visibility. It also got a dual headlamp setup with projectors on the front apron. A large mesh section between the headlamp and the handlebar added to the sporty touch. Side profile is much larger than any other scooter available in the market. It has a XL sized seat section of the step-up category. At the back, the tail lamps were also split into two and will provide good lateral visibility at night. Exhaust end can was to be seen with chrome treatment and was medium sized. Instrument cluster had an analogue meter in the centre and a digital screen on the top.
It is about time we received a scooter which could deliver extra fun on the streets. Also, with the large profile, the scooter will have good road presence as well.
Are you looking forward for the Hero Zir?
The front looks very imposing for a scooter
The dual headlamps with projectors
Instrument cluster
Exhaust end can wrapped in chrome