Hero Passion Plus derives power from a 97.2 cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine producing 8.02 bhp and 8.05 Nm
Hero MotoCorp has reintroduced the Passion Plus in the domestic market with a starting price of Rs. 76,301 (ex-showroom). The commuter motorcycle is back in business after three years of absence as its engine was not updated to meet the BSVI emission standards. We showed you pictures of the new Passion Plus a while ago, spotted at a dealer meet alongside the Xtreme 200S 4V.
The faired motorcycle is also expected to launch soon in India. On June 14, the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in the world will launch the updated Xtreme 160R with upside-down front forks, revised switchgear, new colour schemes and body graphics, more muscular styling, engine updates, new connectivity options, etc.
It must be noted that the new generation Karizma XMR 210 has already been showcased to the dealers and it will go on sale in the coming months. It will be equipped with an all-new 210 cc liquid-cooled engine. Back to the new Hero Passion Plus, it uses the same 97.2 single-cylinder air-cooled fuel-injected engine, developing around 8.02 bhp maximum power and 8.05 Nm of peak torque.
The same powertrain can be found in a number of other entry-level commuters from Hero. It is now OBD-2 compliant and E20 fuel ready. For improved fuel economy, it gets i3S engine start/stop technology as well. It is underpinned by a double cradle chassis and has a kerb weight of 115 kilograms. The suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin-sided shock absorbers at the rear.
A 130 drum brake is featured at the front and the rear and the motorcycle runs on 18-inch cast alloy wheels. Compared to the old model, the new Passion Plus gains cosmetic revisions including a new headlamp cowl design, white rim tapes around black wheels, flush fit type fuel filler cap, and a new rear grab handle amongst other inclusions.
It is retailed in three colour schemes and the features list comprises a USB charging port, self-starter and analogue/digital instrument console. The 2023 Hero Passion Plus will compete against Bajaj Platina and the recently launched Honda Shine 100.