Hero Honda partnership in India lasted a lifetime. The Indo-Japanese venture gave us some unforgettable bikes. However, there are a few which may have been erased from the memories of people. We bring you ten forgotten bikes from Hero Honda and Hero MotoCorp.
CBZ
The CBZ can be regarded as the bike that kickstarted the era of the affordable performance motorcycles in India. The bike was launched in 1999 even before the Bajaj Pulsar came into the scenario.
It was powered by the 156.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that featured a 5-speed transmission on a four-stroke bike. It was the first bike in India to get the 5-speed transmission. Hero later launched different variants of the bike.
Ambition 135
The Ambition was launched in 2002 after the success of the CBZ and was slotted lower than the CBZ in the market. The bike was targeted at the college-going students who wanted performance at a lower price. It was powered by 133cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produced 11 Bhp – 10.5 Nm. It also came with a 5-speed transmission.
Ignitor
The Ignitor was Hero’s rebadged model of the Honda CBF Stunner. The semi-faired motorcycle came with attractive body graphics, adjustable rear shocks and digital-analogue speedometer. All these features were missing in the Honda Stunner. It was powered by 124.7 cc engine the generated 11 Bhp – 11 Nm.
Joy
The Joy was launched in 2001 that was launched for the entry-level commuter segment. The bike came with basic essentials and a round headlamp setup. It was powered by 97.2cc, air-cooled engine that produced a maximum power of 7.8 Bhp and 8 Nm. It was one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles available in its time.
Sleek
The Sleek was launched way back in 1989 and was one of the first motorcycles from the venture. The bike carried a sporty design aimed at the youngsters. The Sleek was powered by a 97.2cc, single-cylinder engine that generated a maximum power of 6.8 Bhp and it was mated to a 4-speed transmission.
Street
The Street was the first utility bike produced by Hero Honda. It was shaped like a scooter to provide maximum space to the riders and was launched to compete with the Bajaj M80 in 1997. The Street was powered by 97.2cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that produced a maximum power of 6.5 Bhp.
Hunk
The Hunk was launched in 2007 and was called so because of its muscular body. The motorcycle came with Advanced Tumble-Flow induction Technology (ATFT) that reduced the emissions and the fuel consumption of the bike. It was powered by a 149.2cc engine that generated 14.4 PS and 12.8 Nm. It also featured a disc brake at the front wheel.
CD-Dawn
Hero introduced the CD-Dawn in 2003 targeting the entry-level commuter segment. The motorcycle was based on the CD 100 SS but carried a different design. It was powered by a 97.2cc, air-cooled OHC engine that generated around 7.5 Bhp – 8.04 Nm.
Splendor Classic Pro
Hero launched the Cafe Racer version of the Splendor named as Classic Pro. It was termed as the world’s cheapest cafe racer and was the flagship model of the Splendor series. It carried the same 97.2cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that develops a maximum of 8.4 Bhp – 8.05 Nm. It had only one seat and there was no option to add a pillion seat.
CD100
The CD100 was the first successful motorcycle for the Hero Honda. The motorcycle was launched in 1985 and became very popular. Even the army used the CD 100 in that era. The motorcycle was powered by 97cc, four-stroke engine that produced 7.5 Bhp and 7.16 Nm. It returned a mileage of 80 km/l.