Hero Honda’s reply to Bajaj Auto:
As Bajaj invades into the Hero Honda’s strong 100cc territory through its 125cc XCD, Hero Honda comes out with an another 150cc bike to dethrone the mighty pulsar and to counter the raising apache RTR’s threat. Already there are three two 150cc bikes from the Hero Honda’s stable – Unicorn Achiever and CBZ X-Treme. Hero Honda has doubled its volume and marketshare in the premium segment since the launch of 150 cc CBZ Xtreme in october 2006. But as Pulsar mania refuses to die and as Suzuki and Yamaha planning to launch 150cc bikes in 2008, Hero Honda feels that yet another bike in the 150cc segment is necessary to maintain the market share. ‘Hunk’ is Hero Honda’s diwali bonaza.
Hunk’s Engine:
Hunk’s engine is same(neither bored nor stroked) as the X-Treme’s 4 stroke 150cc engine. Hunk’s 150cc engine develops 14.4Ps at 8500rpm of power and 12.8Nm of Torque. Hunk’s 150cc engine is mated with a conventional 5speed (1-down 4-up pattern) gearbox. Engine breathes by means of CV carburettor. Similar to the TVS CVTi engine the Hunk’s 150cc engine produces tumble induction for efficient burning which means more efficiency. The Hunk has a 150cc engine integrated with advance tumble flow induction (ATFI) technology, which delivers a balance of fuel efficiency and power.
Hunk’s styling:
Hunks headlamp resembles the TVS flame but thanks to Hero Honda for moving away from the older chrome stripped unicorn type front fairing. Unexpectedly hunk does not come with a full fairing, this Hunk has a small fairing and has tank shrouds. The tank shrouds are big and Hunk’s tank has good knee recess. Dummy cowl raises from the swingarm bolt section and extend up to the Hunk’s large scoops. Similar to some popular international bikes, Hunk’s telescopic fork is golden in colour. This nicely gels with the 5 spoke black alloy wheels. The gas holder of the rear suspension is also golden. Hero Honda’s hunk embraces the contemporary black theme – the handlebar weight, alloy wheels, silencer guard and the grab rail of the new Hunk are painted black. Suspension is through telescopic fork at the front and the rear suspension is a 5 step adjustable gas charged one. Hero Honda has coined out a new term called ‘GRS’ with the new Hunk 150cc. GRS – Gas Reservoir Suspension
The size of the Hunk’s tyre is same as the CBZ X-Treme and Hunk’s rear tyre comes with tuff – up tube. With the fatter rear cowl and the inverted gas charged absorbers Hunk again resembles the TVS apache. The rear of the Hunk is not attractive as CBZ X-Treme and mud-flap seems to be hanging on the bike. Unlike the CBZ X-Treme, Hunk’s indicators at the front and rear are conventional (not integrated). Hunk’s graphics and the decals are simple(Hunk badge is shiny and embedded on the top of the tank shrouds).
Hunk’s Dimensions:
Hunk’s is almost CBZ X-Treme dimensionally. The wheelbase(1325mm), length(2080mm), width(765mm) and the kerb weight(143kg) are same as the X-treme. The only change is with the bike’s height Hunk is 50mm shorter than CBZ X-Treme. As visible in the photo, the tank has grown up in size. Hunk’s fuel tank can hold 12.4L of fuel with 2.2L of usable reserve.
Hunk’s instrumentation:
Similar to the Hero Honda’s super splendour, Hunk features tripod instrumentation. Fuel gauge, speedometer and rpm meter are analogue. Nothing digital!. Hunk speedo(red in the background) which houses the Hunk decal is bounded by a chrome ring. Hunk’s battery is the same 12V-7Ah and the ignition is through AMI(Advanced Microprocessor Ignition). Contemporary pilot lamps and LED tail lamps fails to find a place in the Hero Honda’s new Hunk.
Hunk’s price and the colours:
Hero Honda launched its 150cc bike ‘Hunk’ at a starting price of Rs 55,000 (at ex-showroom Delhi). Hero Honda has launched two variants of the mobike kick-start and self-start. While kick-start would be available at Rs 55,000, the company would charge a premium of Rs 2,000 for the self-start model which is priced at Rs 57,000. Hero Honda’s Hunk will be available in four colours – black, blue, red and silver
Hero Honda’s bets on Hunk:
The Hunk is the fourth offering in the premium bike segment for the Hero Honda after 156 cc CBZ Xtreme, 150 cc Achiever and 225 cc Karizma. Hero Honda once led the performance segment with the CBZ wanes to become a 100cc maker after the advent of Bajaj’s pulsar family. Presently, Hero Honda has 15-20 per cent share in the premium bike segment which is currently dominated by Bajaj’s pulsar and TVS apache RTR. Hero Honda hopes to regain the top slot with the new Hunk. Here are those official words, “The Hunk would complete our product portfolio in the premium segment. From our models in the premium segment, we are expecting highest numbers from the Hunk,” HHML Managing Director Pawan Munjal. But he declined to project any sales targets for the new Hunk.
Wanna test drive the Hunk?
The ‘Hunk’ will be immediately available for test drives and bookings are open acroos the Hero Honda’s wide network of dealers. Hunk would be available commercially by the last week of this October.
Hero Honda dedicates the Hunk:
Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, HHML, said “The ‘Hunk’ is our tribute to the Youth of India today – confident and ready to take on the world. It personifies the very fighting spirit and resilience of our youngsters, who are making a mark for themselves in their chosen fields of vocation. Some of the key findings of our extensive research amongst the youth have been incorporated into the ‘Hunk’ to make it a complete package of world class technology, unprecedented features and stunning looks. I am sure there will be many more ‘Hunks’ on Indian roads soon.”
Here is the hero Honda’s 150cc Hunk pictures
photos from Hindustan Times and The Hindu