The launch of the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has expanded India's small but growing flex-fuel motorcycle segment. While it sits in a completely different category compared to the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV, both motorcycles are among the very few two-wheelers in the country capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel. Here is a closer look at how the two motorcycles compare.
Hero HF Deluxe vs Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV: Key Details Compared
Hero MotoCorp recently launched the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel alongside the Splendor+ Flex Fuel in India. These motorcycles can run on ethanol blends of up to E85. Prices for the HF Deluxe Flex Fuel start at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom). In contrast, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV is positioned at a much more premium end of the market, priced at Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom).
Engine and Performance
Powering the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that has been extensively reworked to support ethanol blends ranging from E5 to E85. The motor produces 8.4 hp and 8.3 Nm of peak torque and comes paired with a 4-speed gearbox. Hero claims the flex-fuel setup delivers around 7 percent more power and 3 percent more torque compared to the standard petrol version. To support higher ethanol blends, Hero has introduced multiple mechanical changes, including a revised fuel pump for filtering E85 molasses, a secondary fuel filter, and a recalibrated ECU that can automatically adjust fuel delivery depending on the ethanol blend being used.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV uses a much larger 249cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine capable of running on ethanol-blended fuel as well. This engine produces 28 hp and 23 Nm of torque, offering considerably higher performance than the Hero commuter motorcycle. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
Design and Features
The two motorcycles also differ heavily in terms of styling and hardware. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel retains its commuter design with refreshed graphics and a new digi-analog instrument cluster. It continues with telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, while braking duties are handled by drum brakes.
The Gixxer SF 250 FFV, on the other hand, gets a sharp fully-faired design. It comes equipped with disc brakes, wider tyres, clip-on handlebars, telescopic front forks, and a rear monoshock suspension setup.
Conclusion
While both motorcycles support E85 fuel compatibility, they target completely different buyers. The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is an affordable commuter designed for fuel efficiency and low running costs, whereas the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV is a premium performance motorcycle aimed at enthusiasts seeking a sporty ride with flex-fuel capability.
