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 don’t directly compete with Suzuki’s larger Gixxer SF 250 FFV in terms of engine size or performance, they are among the very few flex-fuel motorcycles currently available in the Indian market. Here’s a closer look at how the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel compares to the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV vs Splendor+ Flex Fuel: Pricing
Starting with the 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 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 bikes is 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 mated to a 4-speed gearbox.Hero says the flex-fuel version produces about 7 percent more power and 3 percent more torque than a standard gasoline-powered bike fueled with E85. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, meanwhile, uses a 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel. The motorcycle offers significantly higher performance than the Splendor+, making 28 hp and 23 Nm.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV vs Splendor+ Flex Fuel: Design and Hardware
There is also a significant difference in the design of the two motorcycles. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel continues with the familiar passenger styling of the standard Splendor. The Hero has added updated graphics and a new digi analog instrument cluster, but the overall design is simple. The Gixxer SF 250 FFV, on the other hand, gets a fairly sporty design with aggressive styling, clip-on handlebars, and a fully faired design.In terms of hardware, the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel uses 5-step adjustable rear shock absorbers along with telescopic front forks. Braking duties are handled by drum brakes. It rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 80/100 section tires at both ends.The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, being a bigger and more premium motorcycle, comes with disc brakes, 41 mm telescopic front fork and a swingarm mounted rear monoshock, and wider tyres.
