KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- With prices starting at Rs 59,998, the HF Deluxe is the most affordable motorcycle from Hero MotoCorp
- It gets a single-cylinder, air-cooled, 97.2cc engine of the HF Deluxe churns out 8 PS of power and 8.05 Nm of torque
- It is too affordable to buy and run, but it is too basic at the same time
While the culture of motorcycling is evolving heavily in the urban parts of the country, entry-level commuters still rule the roads of rural India. Hero MotoCorp is the biggest benefiter with its vast range of commuters, with the HF Deluxe being the most affordable one of the entire lineup. The Hero HF Deluxe primarily focuses on three Es efficiency and efficiency. With frugal engineering at its best, is the Hero HF Deluxe still relevant in the modern context when many people prefer more premium and slightly more powerful commuters? Lets find out: Moreover, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for all the avid petrolheads with extensive coverage of the latest news and insights from the automotive space.
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2024 Hero HF Deluxe Pros
Super affordable pricing
The majority of the countrys population still prioritizes the depth of their pocket when buying a new motorcycle. For budget-conscious buyers, the Hero HF Deluxe is a blessing in disguise because it is one of the cheapest motorcycles on sale in India.
Competition check: With prices ranging between Rs 59,998 and Rs 69,018, the Hero HF Deluxe sits below its direct rivals, the Bajaj Platina 100 (Rs 68,685), Honda Shine 100 (Rs 64,900) and TVS Sport (Rs 59,881-Rs 71,383).
Supremely efficient engine
Hero MotoCorp commuters have a long-standing reputation for delivering impressive fuel efficiency numbers, continuing the spirit of fill it, shut it, forget it. With its light kerb weight working to its advantage, the Hero HF Deluxe is one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in India.
Competition check: The fuel efficiencies of Hero HF Deluxe, Bajaj Platina 100, and TVS Sport are more or less the same in real-world riding conditions, existing in the range of 70-75 kmpl.
Long term reliability
Developed as a trusted and heavy-duty workhorse, the Hero HF Deluxe has been a reliable motorcycle, with many trusting and running it for years and years. Like the fuel bills, even the maintenance costs of the Hero HF Deluxe are among the lowest in the Indian two-wheeler industry.
Competition check: The Hero HF Deluxe and all the other entry-level 100cc commuters are equally reliable in the long run.
Easy to ride and handle
The Hero HF Deluxe's maximum curb weight is 112 kg, which, along with its slim stance, makes it a very easy motorcycle to ride and handle in congested traffic-laden streets and over rougher surfaces.
Competition check: The Hero HF Deluxe and TVS Sport weigh equally, with the Platina 100 being the heaviest (117 kg) and the Honda Shine 100 being the lightest (99 kg).
2024 Hero HF Deluxe Cons
Extremely bare-bones in features
Given that it is an entry-level motorcycle designed to deliver efficiency, the Hero HF Deluxe feels very basic regarding equipment level. The base-spec variant even misses an electric starter, though the range-topping variant gets the fuel-saving i3S technology.
Competition check: The Hero HF Deluxe is the only motorcycle in its segment that gets an idle start-stop system.
Lack of power at lower RPMs
The Hero HF Deluxe is a puny commuter with only adequate power to take on daily errands. However, in maximum load conditions and while riding on inclined or hilly roads, it struggles to keep pace at times.
Competition check: The Hero HF Deluxe's 97.2cc engine claims 8 PS of maximum power, which is more than the Platina 100 and Honda Shine 100 but slightly less than the TVS Sport.
Dated styling
Looks are the least priority for motorcycle buyers in the entry-level category. However, it would have been better if Hero had updated the HF Deluxe with more significant design tweaks than just new colour options in all these years.
Competition check: The design of the Hero HF Deluxe is as old as the Bajaj Platina 100 and TVS Sport, with the Honda Shine 100 being the newest in the category.
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Verdict
The Hero HF Deluxe might feel dated and too bare-bones in its approach. However, for the intent it has been designed and engineered, the HF Deluxe fulfils the criteria of many entry-level motorcycle buyers, delivering high mileage, reliability and ease of maintenance.
