Is The Hero HF Deluxe Worth Buying This Diwali?

When you buy a bike for daily use, the number that matters most after the purchase is how much you spend on petrol. That's why a lot of festive-season buyers end up looking at bikes like the HF Deluxe, a 100cc commuter that puts low maintenance & mileage first. Refer to the table below for a variant-wise price breakdown:

Hero claims 72kmpl. That's a big promise, so here's what else comes with the bike, and whether it all adds up to good value this Diwali.

An engine built around low running costs

The HF Deluxe runs on a 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder OHC engine. It controls the valves efficiently and contributes to smoother and more efficient engine operation. The engine makes 8PS at 8,000rpm and 8.05Nm at 6,000rpm, and it's paired with a 4-speed gearbox. Fuel injection is standard. Electric start comes on the Self Cast variant, while the Kick Cast, as its name suggests, is kick-start only.

Those power numbers are modest, and that's the point. You pick this bike for the petrol bill, not for acceleration. With the claimed 72kmpl and a 9.6-litre tank, you're looking at close to 690km between fill-ups, on paper. That said, Real-world mileage usually comes in lower than the claim, so treat it as a best-case target.

Two bits of tech are there to help. Hero's Xsens Smart Sensor Technology is meant to keep fuel use low while still giving quick pick-up. Also, the i3S idle stop-start system, available on selected variants, switches the engine off at a standstill and restarts it when you're ready to move. That saves fuel in stop-and-go traffic.

A simple setup for everyday commuting

The basics are easy to like. The bike weighs just 112kg, so pushing it out of a tight parking spot isn't a chore. Ground clearance is 165mm, which helps over speed breakers. The frame is a tubular double-cradle unit, designed to provide a strong and sturdy base for the bike.

Up front, you get telescopic hydraulic suspension, which helps absorb bumps and keep the ride comfortable. At the back, there are hydraulic shock absorbers with 2-step adjustment, so you can set them for lighter or heavier loads

Useful features without overcomplicating things

This isn't a bare-bones commuter. You get a digital console, which Hero says is easy to read, along with an LED headlamp that Hero says offers brighter light and a wider spread. Hero also calls the LED headlamp a first in the segment.

There are a couple of safety touches too. The engine cuts off if the bike falls over and when the side stand is down. So, all in all, you get what you need from a simple commuter.

Built For Everyday Use

The HF Deluxe gets 18-inch wheels with 80/100 tubeless tyres at both ends. Braking comes from 130mm drums front and rear, and the rear one gets the Integrated Braking System. The battery is a 12V, 3Ah maintenance-free unit.

It's a plain, traditional setup. There's no disc brake and nothing here to confuse a first-time owner. Compared with Hero's cheaper HF 100, the Deluxe adds tubeless tyres. And the buyer gets a bigger 9.6-litre tank (the HF 100 has 9.1 litres), and you can also get i3S on selected variants.

The small details that add to the value

We’ve talked about the spec and features now; some useful details that you should be aware of. The most useful detail is the warranty. Hero covers its motorcycles for 5 years or 70,000km, whichever comes first (terms apply). For someone planning to keep the bike for years of daily riding, that's a real plus.

The brand also lists EMI plans starting at Rs 1,200 a month. It's also offering a year of free roadside assistance on online bookings, plus an exchange offer for your old vehicle. Terms apply, so check the details with your dealer. 

BikeDekho Says

If fuel savings are the goal, the i3S Cast is the one to look at. With a claimed 72kmpl, a light body, an LED headlamp, tubeless tyres and a 5-year warranty, the HF Deluxe covers what a daily commuter needs. This one is a good to go  for those buyers who just don't expect thrills. 

So, is it the best value for money this Diwali? If low running costs matter most to you, it has the right ingredients. Check the exact price and festive offers at your dealer, and take a test ride before you decide.