Hero MotoCorp prices first 'Hero' branded bike at Rs 66,800

The country's largest two-wheelermaker Hero MotoCorp on Monday said it will soon start selling the first 'Hero'branded bike to be launched after the break-up of Hero Honda last year -Impulse - in the Indian market at Rs 66,800 (ex-Delhi showroom).

The company is positioning the new 150-cc bike as a dualpurpose bike that can be used for both normal commuting as well as off-roadadventure. It is using the ongoing India-England cricket series as a platformto promote the new bike.

Hero MotoCorp's superhero dreams

"The Impulse is the first bike from us which will besold only under the Hero brand. We have already started dispatches and it willsoon be available at showrooms in metros and Tier-I cities," Hero MotoCorpSenior Vice-President (Marketing and Sales) Anil Dua said.

While announcing the new brand identity of the company inAugust this year in London, the company had introduced the bike 'Impulse' and a110-cc scooter, 'Maestro', to be sold under the Hero brand.

"As per our agreement with Honda, this bike is with thesupport of their technology and we are not selling it under the Hero Hondabrand," Dua said.

On the pricing front, he said: "Considering the dualpurpose of the bike and the features it has, this comes at a slight premiumcompared to other normal 150-cc bikes."

Hero MotoCorp's other 150-cc bikes include the Achiever, CBZExtreme and Hunk, which are priced between Rs 55,925 and Rs 65,215 (ex-showroomDelhi).

Dua said Hero MotoCorp is trying to create a new segment inthe market with the Impulse. "We are not positioning this as a nichesegment bike. We are targeting all the typical 150-cc bikers who have a desireto do off-road activities with their motorcycles."

Initially, the company will target metros and Tier-I citiesin the first phase and then gradually reach out other smaller cities and townsfor the new model, Dua said.

To promote the Impulse, the firm, which is one of thesponsors of the ongoing India-England cricket series, is giving away the biketo a player who excels with both bat and ball in a match.

"The idea is to bring out the dual purpose of thebike," he said, adding that the company would also conduct test rides indifferent cities.

"We are not looking at this bike as a niche product,but trying to have an extensive market reach," he said.