Hero Splendor+, HF Deluxe flex-fuel variants launched in India: Check prices, ethanol compatibility, features

Hero MotoCorp has launched the flex-fuel variants of its popular Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles in India. The company unveiled the new models on Wednesday, with deliveries set to begin in July 2026. The new motorcycles have been developed to run on higher ethanol blends as India pushes for cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions.

Hero HF Deluxe, Splendor+ Flex Fuel prices

The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has been launched at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Deliveries of both motorcycles will commence from July 2026.

What makes the new flex-fuel bikes different

Flex-fuel vehicles can operate on a blend of petrol and ethanol. Hero MotoCorp said its new motorcycles have been developed to adapt to ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E100.

Ethanol is considered a cleaner-burning fuel than conventional petrol and can help reduce dependence on imported crude oil. The government's ethanol-blending programme has also encouraged automakers to develop vehicles capable of using higher ethanol blends.

Hero MotoCorp Chief Executive Officer Harshavardhan Chitale said the company is ready to make its products compatible with flex-fuel technology, allowing them to adapt from E20 to E100 fuel.

Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel: Engine and features

The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel continues to use the company's 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. However, Hero has introduced a revised engine control unit (ECU) and upgraded fuel-system components to make the motorcycle compatible with E85 fuel.

The engine produces 8.4 bhp and 8.3 Nm of torque. In comparison, the E20-compliant HF Deluxe develops 7.9 bhp and 8.05 Nm.

To distinguish it from other variants, Hero has introduced a special black paint scheme with lime-yellow graphics. The motorcycle also gets a twin-pod semi-digital instrument cluster featuring an analogue speedometer and a digital fuel gauge.

Other additions include a side-stand engine cut-off feature as standard.

Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel

The Splendor+ Flex Fuel has been priced at Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Like the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, it has been developed to support higher ethanol blends as part of Hero MotoCorp's alternative-fuel strategy.

The launch marks Hero MotoCorp's effort to bring flex-fuel technology to the mass-market commuter motorcycle segment.

Hardware remains unchanged

Mechanically, the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel remains largely unchanged. It continues to use telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers.

The motorcycle rides on 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, while braking duties are handled by drum brakes at both ends.

The launch of the new motorcycles comes as India continues to promote alternative fuels to improve energy security and reduce emissions.

Speaking at the launch, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the introduction of flex-fuel vehicles represents another important milestone in the country's efforts to lower carbon emissions and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.