Hero Splendor+ & HF Deluxe Go Flex-Fuel (E85); Sales From July 2026

The Indian two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has launched the flex-fuel version for two of its commuter motorcycles, the HF Deluxe and Splendor+. Notably, the former is just ₹172, and the latter is only ₹5,153 costlier than the standard E20 models, meaning the newly introduced Hero Splendor+ is available with an ex-showroom price of ₹82,710, and the Hero HF Deluxe is ₹72,792.

Reportedly, the flex-fuel versions of Splendor+ and HF Deluxe support ethanol blending between E20 and E85. The manufacturer is all set to start the sale of these two commuter motorcycles from July 2026. Firstly, it will be available for sale in Delhi and a few parts of Maharashtra, and by late 2026, it will be available for sale across the nation.

Notably, the flex-fuel HF Deluxe and Splendor+ are powered by a 97.2 cc single-cylinder engine that is mated with a four-speed manual gearbox. The system delivers the power of 8.6 hp at 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 8.3 Nm at 6,000 rpm, slightly better than the E20 models that are already on sale in the Indian market.

To make these motorcycles high-ethanol-blending compatible, many changes are made. Now its engine control unit, the brain of the ICE (internal combustion engine) that controls fuel and spark, has been recalibrated to ensure that it manages the air-fuel ratio required for the high-ethanol-blend fuel so the bike runs smoothly in urban areas as well as on the highways.

Even though the fuel pump, which sucks the fuel into the engine, has been upgraded with stronger internal parts and seals, to ensure that, with high-blending alcohol fuel that often thickens easily, it doesn’t get sucked into the engine easily, so it doesn’t get rusted or damaged by alcohol.

They have also added a secondary fuel filter, ensuring the clean fuel is sucked by the ICE, giving a smooth riding experience without any problem. The reason behind its addition is that high-ethanol-blend fuel can dissolve dirt from tank trims, leading to fuel impurity, which may result in jerking while riding.

And the newly introduced Splendor+ is now equipped with the i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), which automatically turns the engine off when the bike idles to save fuel and reduce emissions and restarts just by pulling the clutch lever.

Besides these changes or upgrades, these two commuter motorcycles from Hero Motocorp remain the same in terms of design, dimensions and features.

Dimensionally, the Splendor+ measures 2000 mm longer, 720 mm wider and 1052 mm taller. Its wheelbase is 1236 mm, and ground clearance is 165 mm. The HF Deluxe has a length, width and height of 1965 mm, 720 mm, and 1045 mm, respectively. Its wheelbase is just 1 mm shorter than the Splendor+, but the ground clearance is identical.

The fuel efficiency may be slightly lower than the E20 models; the manufacturer is yet to reveal these; they may make it public by the start of the sale in Delhi. It is also uncertain if there will be any changes to their speed.

The ARAI-certified mileage for both of these motorcycles with E20 fuel is 70 kmpl; with E25 or E30, the mileage may be reduced by 7-10 kmpl. Reportedly, the top speed for the flex-fuel version is anticipated to be similar to the E20 models.

Reportedly, in the financial year 2025-26, a total of 35,41,628 units of Hero Splendor+ were sold, up from 32,65,402 units in FY 2024-25, registering year-on-year growth of 8%; on the other hand, the sales number in FY 2025-26 is 10,12,199 units, 4% up from the FY 2024-25 sale of 9,71,119 units.