- Hero MotoCorp has successfully filed patents in India for the design of two new off-road style bikes based on the popular Splendor.
- One of these models will get a host of off-road features like beak-like mudguards, knuckle guards on the handlebars and dual-sport tyres.
- The bike is likely to have the same 97.2cc air-cooled engine as the current model and a plain variant may also be available.
Hero MotoCorp has registered design patents in India for two new bikes based on its most popular 'Splendor' series. One of the designs seems to be inspired by the company's older off-road style bike, the Passion Pro TR. So far the Splendor has been known as a simple and everyday commuter bike, but Hero is now looking to give this famous name a different and rough-and-tough outlook.
New Splendor with an off-road twist
The first design patented by the company shows many of the features of the 2014 Passion Pro TR. It features off-road elements like a high-mounted front mudguard, handlebar guards and a headlamp grille. Apart from this, it is likely to get dual-sport tyres, tank pads, telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers.
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Another variant plain and simple
As for the second patent design, it seems to be a simpler version of the same bike. Knuckle guards, front beak and other extra rough-and-tough accessories have been removed from this model. However, the original parts like the telescopic forks, rear shockers and single-piece seat have been kept the same as the first variant.
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Engine and launching possibilities
There is no word yet on engine replacement in this new model. The company may use the same 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine from the current Splendor, which generates 8 bhp of power and 8 Nm of torque. Just filing a design patent doesn't mean the bike will hit the market right away, but the launch of such an off-road splendor will give Hero a great chance to give its most popular bike a new and exciting look.