Hero Hunk cruiser bike coming soon

15 October, 2007

Hero Honda Hunk, a new cruiser bike from Hero Honda is on cards. The cruiser Hunk will be pitted directly against Bajaj Avenger, the only serious cruiser bike in India. Yamaha, which had a brief flirtation with the cruiser segment with Avenger has since logged out of the market. Reports say that the 150 cc Hunk is ready for launch.

The Hero Honda Hunk launch follows the launch of Bajaj Avenger 200 cc, the cruiser from Bajaj Auto. It has an engine more powerful than the current 150 cc Avenger. The Hero Honda Hunk is expected to have a more torquey engine, Honda CBR type headlamps and split seats.

Hero Honda dealers have been quoted as saying on blog forums that the all-new Hero Honda Hunk will be launched in the next three months. However, there are different views on the Hunk. While some believe it will be a modified Hero Honda Karizma, others contend it will be an all-new bike. There are no confirmations on from the company on the new launch or its price.

Bike makers in India have been swimming against the tide of slowing sales in the 100cc bike segment. The decrease in sales was due to an increase in prices and simultaneous rise in loan interest rates. However, the premium bike segment, which includes bikes above 125 cc, has been growing decently, prompting bike companies in India to look at this segment. Bajaj Auto has already declared its intention to gradually move out of the 100cc bike market, leaving the field wide open to Hero Honda. Now, Hero Honda's intention to launch premium cruiser bike Hunk proves that the bike market is increasingly shifting towards the premium end.

Though Hero Honda has not commented and reports haven't confirmed, a monoshock suspension on the Hero Honda Hunk will be welcome. As of now, the Honda Unicorn is the only bike in India that sports a monoshock suspension. Though reports and rumours say the bike will look like the CBR, it remains to be seen if it will be just the stickers or a whole new package.