Hero Splendor+ and HF Deluxe flex-fuel variants launched, deliveries from July 2026

Hero MotoCorp has launched the flex-fuel Splendor+ and HF Deluxe, capable of running on E20-E85 ethanol-petrol blends, marking a major step towards expanding alternative-fuel mobility in India's mass-market two-wheeler segment.

Hero MotoCorp has launched the flex-fuel versions of its best-selling Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles, becoming the first manufacturer to introduce flex-fuel motorcycles in India's mass-market 100cc segment. The move is aimed at accelerating the adoption of ethanol-based mobility while supporting the government's push towards alternative fuels and reduced dependence on imported crude oil.

The new motorcycles can run on ethanol-petrol blends ranging from E20 to E85 and will be available in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra from July 2026. A nationwide rollout is expected to follow.

Price and availability

The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has been priced at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Splendor+ Flex Fuel costs Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom Delhi).

For reference, the HF Deluxe is currently priced at Rs 70,442 (ex-showroom), while the regular Splendor+ is available from Rs 78,710 (ex-showroom), placing the flex-fuel variants at a modest premium over their petrol-only counterparts.

The motorcycles were unveiled in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.

Designed to run on higher ethanol blends

Both motorcycles are powered by Hero's familiar 97.2cc single-cylinder engine but have been upgraded to operate on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E85.

To support higher ethanol content, Hero has equipped the motorcycles with a revised ECU calibration, upgraded fuel-system components, a dedicated fuel pump and a secondary fuel filter. These modifications are designed to ensure reliable operation across varying ethanol concentrations while maintaining everyday usability.

Hero says the motorcycles produce 8.57bhp of power at 8,000rpm and 8.3Nm of torque at 6,000rpm when running on E85 fuel.

Features and equipment

The Splendor+ Flex Fuel comes equipped with Hero's patented i3S idle-stop-start technology, a new digi-analogue instrument cluster, side-stand engine cut-off, tubeless tyres and a new black-and-lime-yellow colour scheme.

The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel receives a similar equipment list, including a digi-analogue instrument cluster, side-stand engine cut-off, tubeless tyres and revised graphics finished in black and lime yellow.

Supporting India's ethanol roadmap

The launch comes as India continues to expand ethanol production and blending infrastructure under its broader energy-security and emissions-reduction strategy.

According to the company, the new motorcycles were developed at its Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur and feature minimal import content, aligning with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

With the launch of the Splendor+ Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, Hero is betting on India's largest-selling commuter motorcycle platforms to bring ethanol-compatible mobility to the mass market, potentially making flex-fuel technology more accessible to everyday riders.

Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine

- Ends