Hero HF Deluxe: When it comes to reliable, fuel-efficient and affordable motorcycles in India, the Hero HF Deluxe has established itself as a dominant force.
Designed for practicality, comfort and ease of use, the a1C has quickly become SR Suntours number 1 for commuters no matter whether it’s, students, professionals or small business users.
It’s not flashy, it’s not powerful, but it is a very efficient tool that gets the job done, and for some — many — riders that’s just what they’re in the market for.
Being priced competitively and supported by Hero’s huge service set up, the HF Deluxe is still the reigns over the entry segment of motorcycle in India.
Hero HF Deluxe: Design & Build Simple Yet Serve The Purpose
The Hero HF Deluxe doesn’t go after edgy or radical style trends. For no, it has a clean, functional look. The bike gets a stylish fuel tank with attractive graphics, a one-piece comfy seat and a nicely placed headlamp.
Changes in recent years have simply involved minor cosmetic updates including black alloy wheels, new color options and subtle tweaks to graphics to keep the appearance neat.
Blending well in with the steel tubular frame, the HF Deluxe is a well-knit motorcycle.
Its pretty well put together to be honest, far better than it needs to be. Everything has a solid feel to it, which is crucial for a bike designed to daily handle India’s unpredictable roads.
Engine and Performance
Powering the HF Deluxe is a 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder motor that makes 8.02 PS of power and 8.05 Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 4-speed constant mesh transmission.
Although the figures may appear meager, the engine’s low-end torque is impressive, and the bike returns superb mileage.
Hero’s XSens technology with Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) is the one of the highlights that improves throttle response and fuel efficiency and engine performance under varied riding conditions.
The motor stays slick in city riding, with a lot of pick-up in the low gears. It won’t excite enthusiasts, but it provides smooth and unstressed performance around town.
Mileage and Ride Comfort
Fuel efficiency is the real deal with the HF Deluxe. The bike returns a combined mileage of 65-70 km/l which may vary according to riders riding style and road conditions.
For those riding the HF Deluxe as a daily commuter, that means massive savings in the long run.
The telescopic front forks and a pair of rear shock absorbers take care of ride quality. Ride on potholes and uneven roads is also decent and ride is comfortable both for rider and pillion.
It’s an upright riding position, with a comfortable, padded seat and the handlebars situated nicely for a relaxed ride over longer cities.
Features and Practicality
The HF Deluxe is a very stripped down machine, but it is at least a little feature-rich:
Most models with electric start
Side-stand engine cut-off switch
Integrated braking system (IBS) for more secure braking
Tubeless tyres, so you can worry less about getting a puncture
Optional alloy wheels or wire spoke wheels, depending on model
The analogue instrument cluster is basic and features speedo, fuel level and neutral indicator. There’s no digital readout nor any modern gadgetry, but for a budget commuter, it gets your basic needs filled.
Pros
Excellent fuel efficiency
Low maintenance cost
Robust construction and proven engine
Comfortable riding position regardless of how tall or short the rider is.
Hero’s extensive distribution and sales network
Variety choices and acceptable price range
Cons
Lacks modern digital features
Performance is also somewhat restricted to city riding.
Outdated instrument cluster
No disc brake option
Bland design may not appeal to younger shoppers
Hero HF Deluxe: Conclusion
The Hero HF Deluxe is a bike made for India’s laboring class. It knows exactly what it is and what it’s doing and it doesn’t try to be anything more than it is.
Rather, it concentrates on providing great mileage, low maintenance expense and day-in and day-out reliability.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, no nonsense commuter that’s light on the pocket, the HF Deluxe remains among the best picks on Indian streets.
It’s not thrills you’re after — it’s trust. And in this department, the HF Deluxe does not disappoint.