Hero HF Deluxe i3s

Introduction

One of the most affordable Hero MotoCorp products, HF Deluxe i3s is available at 59,800, with one petrol variant, Self-Start BS VI. The bike features 5 attractive single tone dual tone colour options: Techno Blue, Purple with Black, Heavy Grey with Black, Green with Heavy Grey, Black with Red. The popularity of the bike lies in the fact that it is low-priced, with reliable manufacturers, and parts are easily available. 

How is the design? 

Coming to the designs, it is not expected that Hero would disappoint its customers. That said, there is not a lot to expect from this motorbike, which appears to be quite basic, featuring a regular tail-light and a big lamp headlight. Besides this, HF Deluxe i3s features four attractive dual tone colours and one single tone colour. The graphics and body work on the motorbike comes with a new and sporty look, and it is mated with a pair of 5-spoke silver alloy wheels along with tubeless tyres. Overall, in terms of design, the HF Deluxe i3s looks a bit outdated. However, anyone looking for a bike that apparently looks nice, but certainly not out of this ordinary, the HF Deluxe i3s will suit their requirements. 

How is the performance?

Powered by a two-valves, single cylinder, air-cooled 97.2cc engine, the HF Deluxe i3s is expected to deliver an impressive on-road performance, probably the best in its segment. The engine has the capacity to churn out a maximum power of 8.2BHP at 8,000rpm, and a peak torque of 8.05Nm at 5000rpm. Apart from that, the air-cooled engine of the HF Deluxe i3s is sufficient even for long rides. At this price, it would be unfair to expect anything more than this. Another interesting feature that boosts the performance of the bike is Advanced Programmed Fuel Injection, and this is the first time this feature is integrated in a budget model. Installed with a BS-VI compliance, it is expected that HF Deluxe i3s would truly live up to its name. Thus, the HF Deluxe i3s is still considered a fuel-efficient motorbike with a mileage of up to 88.5Km/L. 

How does the HF Deluxe i3s ride? 

Overall, the ride quality of the HF Deluxe i3s is quite impressive keeping in mind that it is coming from a trusted and reliable manufacturer like Hero. Even though there could have been an improvement with the sitting posture of the rider, the seat quality may live up to the expectation, and make up for it. The seat on the bike is very well-padded and it has ample space to fit two adult riders comfortably. Besides, the HF Deluxe i3s also features a stiff suspension, which is especially designed for Indian roads, ensuring comfort to the riders even when they go for long rides. Not only that, the motorbike is believed to be apt for bumpy roads and it has the capacity to absorb shocks effectively. Overall, the ride quality of the HF Deluxe i3s is not so much of a disappointment, but it still does not come with any exceptional features. 

How comfortable is the HF Deluxe i3s? 

There is no denying the fact that the HF Deluxe i3s is exceptional when it comes to comfort. The bike is especially designed for city commuting, and therefore, provides ample comfort, even for long rides. The motorbike features drum brakes on both the rear and the front, and this ensures a high level of comfort to the rider. Now coming to the seat, the single seat on the bike is even, long and wide enough to fit two full sized adults comfortably. Furthermore, the bike provides an upright sitting posture, which is particularly important for riders using this bike for daily commuting. The seats are well-cushioned to offer an extra comfort to the riders, even when they go out for a long ride. The motorbike has been engineered to perfection to provide the necessary balance and agility. Even the fuel tank is designed in a manner so that there is more room, and that too without having to compromise on look and quality. 

How's the tech? 

At this price, there is not much to expect from the HF Deluxe i3s, rather than a few basic features including:

• Analogue Speedometer
• Fuel Gauge
• Engine-Kill Switch
• I3S Technology

Tech features is yet another aspect lacking in the Hero HF Deluxe i3s, and at this price, the manufacturer needed to cut short in various technological advancements. However, it certainly features a few things that riders expect from a daily-user bike, and the idle start/stop system is one such feature. It allows the riders to save fuel when idling for a while, The engine of the bike turns off automatically, when the bike is standing idle in neutral for a while. 

How's the mileage of the HF Deluxe i3s?   

The bike has the capacity to return a mileage of up to 88.5Km/L, which is believed to be both efficient and powerful, despite having a kerb weight of 112 Kgs. 

Is the HF Deluxe i3s good value for money?

At its price, the HF Deluxe i3s comes with all the necessary features and impressive looks. Even though it is not extraordinary in terms of performance, it is still a budget vehicle that does the job. Especially designed for Indian roads, the bike is not only ideal for daily commuting, but also for long rides. So basically, it is value for money.  

How is the after sales service? 

Hero offers 4 free services for its HF Deluxe i3s. The first free service is offered after 1 month, or 500 Km, whichever is earlier, while the second is offered after 5 months or 3000 Km, whichever is earlier. The 3rd free service is offered after 9 months or 6000 Km, whichever is earlier and the 4th free service is offered after 12 months or 9000 Km, whichever is earlier. 

Which motorbikes compete in this segment? 

The other motorbikes competing in this segment include Hero Splendor Plus, Bajaj Platina 100, TVS Radeon, Honda CD 110 and so on. 

Verdict (Value for money)

The bike definitely has much to offer. While delivering an overall impressive performance, the HF Deluxe i3s comes with comfort and is ideal for daily commuting as well as long rides, and definitely is a value for money.