Coming from left field but hitting it squarely in the “awesome” section, Hero recently unveiled a 150cc diesel engine powered motorcycle called the “RNT”. The oil burner, with its square lines, flat surfaces and 1980’s Sci-fi aesthetics looks fantastically practical and more like a scooter than a motorcycle.
The RNT concept weighs about 300 lbs, has a top speed of 44mph, and a tank capacity of 1.5 gallons. At that weight, the Hero RNT 150 is quite pudgy compared to your typical 150cc scooter but the potential benefits of the increased efficiency and range of the Diesel might make up for that.
To top it all off, the concept features two wheel drive. It’ll be interesting to see if and how Hero goes forward with this concept.
“The wide, flat-loading surfaces, as well as multi-use folding side racks, a large comfortable seat and spacious footboards are novelties never seen on a motorcycle before,” Hero MotoCorp MD & CEO Pawan Munjal said after unveiling the concept model in the capital. “Under the surface, there is just as much that is new, exciting and practical. It comes with a high torque 150cc diesel engine with an optional turbocharger.”
Regardless, this is an interesting and potentially useful idea from a motorcycle manufacturer with global ambitions. Hero is also planning on releasing a petrol-electric hybrid scooter in 2014 called the Leap. With an 8 kW electric motor and a 124cc gas engine, it will have a top speed of 62 mph and a theoretically range of 211 miles.
Big things are happening at the Indian manufacturer.
Source: The Economic Times
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