Hero MotoCorp HX250R Launch Delays With EBR’s Bankruptcy

The country’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer earlier unveiled its first 250cc sporty motorcycle at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo along with some other models. The bike was christened as Hero MotoCorp HX250R, which was undergoing its final stage of development until its American-based racing partner, EBR Racing announced its sudden bankruptcy in U.S.

The announcement hindered the launch of this premium entry-level motorcycle that was expected to hit the markets during second to third quarter of the current financial year. On the issue, a source close to the deal which did not want to be named, said, “The EBR-led 250cc motorcycle was absolutely in the advanced stages of its development, and the company had positioned the commercial launch of this model for roughly end-Q2 or Q3 of FY2015-16 as per the original launch plan. However, with EBR’s bankruptcy, the HX250R model will now see a delay by a quarter or so.”

However, Hero MotoCorp can use its existing Research and Development centres to complete the project. It might also use its under-construction R&D facility in Kukas, Jaipur that will start its operations by the end of this year.

“Hero MotoCorp is always on a lookout for partners on the R&D and technical assessment front. It is understood that the company is looking at external help to complete the pending crucial project (HX250R), this may take some time. Honda, on the other hand, which has its own 250cc model in the market, will get some lead time to boost its falling sales in that category”, reveals another source.

Hero MotoCorp HX250R is a premium quarter-litre sportbike which is powered by a 249cc, four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 31bhp of power and 26Nm of torque and uses six-speed transmission system. The bike has telescopic shock absorbers up front and mono shock at the rear. The braking system comprises of 300mm disc brake at the front and 200mm disc brake at the rear. After unveiling, the bike will rival with Honda CBR250R, Bajaj Pulsar RS200 and Hyosung GT250R.