Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ & HF Deluxe Launched in India: E85-Compatible Bikes Start at Rs 72,792

Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ & HF Deluxe: India’s Most Important Commuter Bike Launch of 2026

The launch of the Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ and HF Deluxe is a significant event for India’s two-wheeler industry. While electric vehicles are gaining popularity, Hero MotoCorp is taking a different route by introducing flex-fuel technology in its most popular commuter motorcycle segment.

With prices starting at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom Delhi), these motorcycles are the first mass-market 100cc commuter bikes in India that can run on ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85. Since the Splendor and HF families make up nearly one in three motorcycles on Indian roads, this launch could greatly boost ethanol adoption across the country.

Developed at Hero’s Centre for Innovation and Technology in Jaipur, the new motorcycles combine Hero’s reliable commuter platform with cleaner fuel technology, better performance, and low additional ownership costs.

Also Read: Hero Super Splendor XTEC 2.0 Launched in India With 72kmpl Mileage, Hazard Lights & New Features

Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ & HF Deluxe Price in India

Interestingly, the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel costs just Rs 172 more than the standard model, making it affordable for budget-conscious buyers. The Splendor+ Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 5,153 more than its regular version.

Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel

HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Design and Styling

The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel keeps the familiar design that has made it one of India’s best-selling motorcycles. However, Hero has added unique styling elements to set it apart from the standard version.

Key visual highlights include:

• New Black paint finish
• Lime Yellow graphics package
• Fresh Flex Fuel branding
• Modern Digi-analogue instrument console
• Tubeless tyres
• Side-stand engine cut-off feature

The design remains practical and functional, while adding enough visual changes to highlight its eco-friendly features.

HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Engine and Performance

This motorcycle is powered by Hero’s updated 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, specifically tuned for ethanol-blended fuels.

HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Specifications

Hero asserts that using E85 fuel results in approximately:

• 7% higher peak power
• 3% increase in torque

This makes the flex-fuel version slightly more responsive than the standard petrol-powered motorcycle.

HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Technology Upgrades

To handle ethanol blends up to E85, Hero has thoroughly re-engineered this motorcycle.

Key upgrades include:

• Revised ECU calibration
• New fuel pump
• Additional fuel filter
• Upgraded fuel system components
• Enhanced fuel delivery management
• Ethanol concentration monitoring

Hero states that over 36 components have been changed compared to the standard motorcycle.

Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Specifications

The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel uses Hero’s updated 97.2cc engine, which can operate on ethanol blends from E20 to E85. Hero claims around 7% more power and 3% more torque when using E85 fuel.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Launched In India At Rs 3.64 Lakh – Bullet Finally Gets Twin-Cylinder Power

Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel

Splendor+ Flex Fuel Design and Features

The Splendor+ remains India’s most iconic commuter motorcycle. The Flex Fuel version adds more technology while keeping its strong reputation.

Like the HF Deluxe, it receives:

• Black and Lime Yellow graphics
• Flex Fuel-specific detailing
• New Digi-analogue instrument cluster
• Tubeless tyres
• Side-stand engine cut-off

Additionally, the Splendor+ Flex Fuel comes with extra premium features.

Exclusive Splendor+ Flex Fuel Features

• Hero’s patented i3S Idle Stop-Start System
• Better fuel-saving technology
• More premium commuter package

The i3S system automatically turns off the engine during long stops and restarts it when needed, improving fuel efficiency in city traffic.

Splendor+ Flex Fuel Engine and Performance

The Splendor+ Flex Fuel shares the same upgraded 97.2cc powertrain found in the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel.

Splendor+ Flex Fuel Specifications

In E85 configuration, the engine offers improved power and torque compared to the standard petrol version, while delivering the reliability and efficiency that Splendor buyers expect.

What Makes Hero’s Flex Fuel Technology Special?

Unlike traditional motorcycles designed mainly for petrol, these new models can automatically adjust to different ethanol concentrations.

The updated system allows riders to use:

• E20 fuel
• E30 fuel
• E50 fuel
• E85 fuel

This flexibility reduces the range anxiety linked to alternative fuels and lets customers use any ethanol blend available in their area.

Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ & HF Deluxe Mileage Expectations

Hero has not officially released certified mileage figures yet. However, ethanol usually has a lower energy density than petrol, which might slightly affect fuel efficiency. On the other hand, ethanol’s higher octane rating can enhance combustion efficiency and performance.

For many commuter buyers, potential savings will depend on future ethanol prices and local fuel availability.

Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel Specifications

The Splendor+ Flex Fuel uses Hero’s updated 97.2cc flex-fuel engine, which can run on ethanol blends from E20 to E85. Hero claims up to 7% more power and 3% more torque when using E85 fuel, compared to the standard petrol version.

Also Read: Ultraviolette X-47 Crossover Launched at Rs 2.49 Lakh – 211 Km Range & 145 Kmph Top Speed

Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ & HF Deluxe vs Rivals

Currently, none of the direct competitors offer E85 compatibility in the mass-market commuter segment, giving Hero a notable advantage as the first mover.

Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel vs Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel – Specification Comparison

Key Differences

Expert Analysis: A Smart Alternative to Full Electrification

EV adoption is growing, but rural and semi-urban India still faces issues like charging infrastructure, charging times, and high upfront costs. The Hero Flex Fuel Splendor+ and HF Deluxe offer a practical solution.

Benefits include:

• Familiar ownership experience
• No charging needs
• Less reliance on fossil fuels
• Better performance
• Minimal price premium
• Easy transition for current users

For millions of daily commuters, this could be a more realistic option for cleaner mobility than immediately switching to EVs.