No More Petrol Hassles – Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Becomes Most Affordable Bike to Run Without Petrol, Offers Great Mileage
The rising prices of petrol have made daily commuting expensive, especially for people who travel long distances. To solve this problem, Hero has come up with a smart and affordable solution — the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel. This bike can run on both petrol and ethanol (E20 to E100), which makes it a great option for cost-conscious riders.
With the new HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, riders no longer have to depend only on petrol. It’s India’s first mass-market flex fuel bike and offers the same comfort and performance as the standard model, but with better fuel flexibility and savings.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder |
| Engine Capacity | 97.2cc |
| Power Output | Approx. 7.9 bhp @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm |
| Fuel Type | Petrol + Ethanol (E20 to E100) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Mileage (Claimed) | Up to 70-75 kmpl (depending on fuel mix) |
| Top Speed | Around 85 km/h |
| Suspension | Telescopic front, 2-step rear shock absorbers |
| Brakes | Drum (Front & Rear) with CBS |
| Price Range (Expected) | ₹60,000 – ₹65,000 (Ex-showroom) |
Design & Style
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel keeps the same familiar and practical design that has made the regular HF Deluxe popular across India. It features a strong frame, upright riding position, and clean styling suitable for daily use.
However, to make the flex fuel version stand out, Hero has added new graphics and color options. The body panels, tank, and mudguards get a refreshed look, giving the bike a slightly sporty touch while keeping it simple and commuter-friendly.
The headlamp, side indicators, and taillight have the same basic shape, keeping cost low but function high.
Engine & Performance
The bike is powered by a 97.2cc single-cylinder engine, which has been modified to run on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E100. This means you can use petrol, ethanol, or a mix of both depending on availability and cost.
The engine delivers about 7.9 bhp of power and 8.05 Nm of torque, which is good enough for city riding and short highway trips. Performance remains smooth and reliable, and there’s no noticeable difference while switching between petrol and ethanol.
Starting and throttle response are consistent. The bike also gets Hero’s i3S technology (Idle Stop-Start System), which turns the engine off when idle to save fuel and restarts it with a press of the clutch.
Ride & Handling
The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel rides just like the regular version—smooth, light, and comfortable. The suspension setup is basic but effective, with telescopic forks in the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear.
Even on rough roads, the bike handles bumps well and offers decent ride comfort for both rider and pillion. The lightweight body makes it easy to handle in traffic and narrow streets.
The drum brakes at both ends, along with Combined Braking System (CBS), ensure safe and controlled braking. Cornering is easy, and the bike remains stable at normal speeds.
Features & Tech
The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel may be a budget bike, but it doesn’t skip on useful features. Here’s what it offers:
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i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) for fuel saving
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Analogue instrument cluster with speedometer and fuel gauge
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Side-stand engine cut-off
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Tubeless tyres for added safety
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Combi Braking System (CBS)
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Alloy wheels on higher variants
The features are basic but practical, focusing on safety, efficiency, and ease of use.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel truly shines. With petrol, it returns around 70 kmpl, and even with ethanol blends like E85 or E100, it gives 60–65 kmpl, depending on conditions.
Since ethanol is usually cheaper than petrol, the running cost is significantly lower. Over time, riders can save a good amount of money, especially those who ride daily for long distances.
The fuel tank can store both petrol and ethanol mixes, and switching between fuels doesn’t affect performance much.
Price & Variants
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is expected to be priced between ₹60,000 to ₹65,000 (ex-showroom), making it the most affordable flex fuel bike in India. This makes it a solid deal for budget buyers looking for low-cost mobility.
There may be two variants:
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Kick Start version for more budget-focused buyers
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Self Start with Alloy Wheels for added comfort and style
Both variants are expected to offer the same engine and mileage benefits.
FAQs
Q1: What is a flex fuel bike?
A flex fuel bike can run on both petrol and ethanol or a blend of both. It gives riders the flexibility to choose fuel based on availability and price.
Q2: Does ethanol affect engine life?
No, the engine is specially tuned to handle ethanol. It won’t harm the engine if used correctly.
Q3: Will I get the same performance with ethanol?
Yes, performance is almost similar to petrol. There might be a slight difference in power or throttle response, but nothing major.
Q4: Is ethanol easily available?
Ethanol availability is growing in India. More fuel stations are now offering E20 blends, and the network is expected to grow in the future.
Q5: Is it suitable for long rides?
Yes, but it is best suited for city and short-distance travel. It’s a daily commuter, not a touring bike.
Final Verdict
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is a smart and practical choice for Indian riders who want to save on fuel costs without compromising on performance or comfort. It brings a fresh approach to commuting by offering fuel flexibility at a very affordable price.
With rising petrol prices, this bike gives people a real chance to cut daily expenses and still enjoy reliable transport. If you’re looking for a low-cost, fuel-efficient, and future-ready bike, the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel should be on your shortlist.