Hero Motocorp stole the limelight last week by launching the flex fuel versions of two of its highest-selling motorcycles in India. Similarly, there were more such developments worth paying attention to, and just like every Sunday, we bring a round-up of the top five bike updates from last week.
The Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel was launched in India at Rs 82,810 (ex-showroom). This makes it roughly Rs 5,000 costlier than the standard, E20-compatible Hero Splendor+. Hero has made as many as 36 changes to get the motorcycle to be compatible with as high as E85 petrol (85% Ethanol + 15% Petrol). These changes include a new fuel pump, new secondary air filter and a calibrated ECU map. Besides the mechanical changes, the bike also features a new set of graphics to enhance its appearance of the bike. There is a new digital-analogue instrument cluster as well.
Besides the Splendor Plus, Hero also launched the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel in India at Rs. 72,792 (ex-showroom). This variant of the bike is Rs. 13,315 more expensive than the base HF Deluxe and Rs. 172 costlier than the HF Deluxe Pro. It continues to be powered by the same 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 8.4bhp and 8.3Nm. However, it gets a revised ECU and upgraded fuel-system components to enable compatibility with E85 fuel. For reference, the E20-compliant HF Deluxe produces 7.9bhp and 8.05Nm.
Bajaj Auto launched the 2026 Avenger Street 220 in India at Rs. 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly, the Street 220 is priced marginally above the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220. Bajaj has also discontinued the Avenger Street 160 in India, and the Cruise 220 and Street 220 are the only Avenger models on sale in India. Powering the Avenger Street 220 is the same 220cc, air/oil-cooled engine that powers the Avenger Cruise 220. The single-cylinder motor churns out 19bhp at 8,500rpm and a peak torque of 17.6Nm at 7,000rpm. It is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
Bajaj Dual-sport Bike Spotted
An upcoming adventure/dual-sport motorcycle from Bajaj was spotted testing. Over the years, Bajaj has been absent from the adventure/dual-sport space, but it now seems to be finally entering the segment. Judging by the engine crankcase, the motorcycle appears to be using either a 250cc or 350cc engine. While some elements suggest a possible KTM connection, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions at this stage. The test mule appears to be close to production-ready, and Bajaj could launch the motorcycle by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
TVS Premium Dealership Line
TVS has announced the launch of a new premium dealership line called ‘TVS Paddock’. It will be dedicated to the brand’s current and future premium motorcycle range. The new showrooms are set to launch in the second quarter of FY27, so sometime between July and September 2026. This new retail format will focus on premium customer experiences. The showrooms will offer sales, expert consultation, community engagement, and specialised service facilities for premium motorcycle customers.
