Hero MotoCorp has officially entered India’s flex-fuel motorcycle segment with the launch of the new Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel motorcycles. While Hero’s new ethanol-powered commuter bikes do not directly compete with Suzuki’s larger Gixxer SF 250 FFV in terms of engine size or performance, these are currently among the very few flex-fuel motorcycles available in the Indian market. Here’s a closer look at how the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel compares against the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV vs Splendor+ Flex Fuel: Pricing
Starting with pricing, the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel has been launched at Rs 82,810, ex-showroom, making it one of the most affordable flex-fuel motorcycles in India. In comparison, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV is positioned at the premium end of the segment and is priced at Rs 1.98 lakh, ex-showroom.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV vs Splendor+ Flex Fuel: Engine
The biggest difference between the two motorcycles lies in their engine setup. The Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel is powered by a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that has been modified to run on ethanol blends ranging from E5 to E85. The engine produces 8.4 hp at 8,000 rpm and 8.3 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It is paired with a 4-speed gearbox.Hero says the flex-fuel version produces around 7 per cent more power and 3 per cent more torque compared to the standard petrol-powered motorcycle with E85 fuel. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, meanwhile, uses a 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel. The motorcycle delivers significantly more performance compared to the Splendor+, making 28 hp and 23 Nm.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV vs Splendor+ Flex Fuel: Design and hardware
The two motorcycles also differ heavily in design. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel continues with the familiar commuter styling of the standard Splendor. Hero has added refreshed graphics and a new digi-analog instrument cluster, but the overall design remains simple. The Gixxer SF 250 FFV, on the other hand, gets a fully-faired sporty design with aggressive styling, clip-on handlebars.In terms of hardware, the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel uses telescopic front forks along with 5-step adjustable rear shock absorbers. Braking duties are handled by drum brakes. It rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 80/100 section tyres at both ends.The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, being a larger and more premium motorcycle, comes with disc brakes, 41mm telescopic front fork and a swingarm-mounted rear monoshock, and wider tyres.
