So, today we are going to take a look at the Hero Hunk. Here she is. A 150cc bike made in India. The reason that you find so many 100-150cc bikes in India and Turkey is in part due to driving license classifications but mainly due to economy. A single cylinder bike like this is very frugal on the fuel and it is extremely cost effective to run when compared with bigger bikes.
The Hero Hunk motorcycle is a good performer in the 150cc segment. It has some impressive new design features. It has Air cooled, single cylinder, 4 stroke, OHC powertrain Engine which generates a top power of 14.4 PS at 8500 rpm and develops a peak torque value of 12.85 NM at 6,500 rpm. The bike has improved stability and control with advanced latest suspension system. The dynamic braking system of the Hero Moto corp Hunk is useful for instant braking and de-accelerating and controlling the bike in the event of high speed.
It is ideal for daily commuting and reasonable on longer rides. I say reasonable because to be honest anything over and hour and you really do want to pull up for a break. With its sturdy looks and strong build quality it comes into its own on secondary roads and windy lanes.
The Hero Hunk is made by Hero MotoCorp and is essentially a Honda copy. The Hero corporation of India is one of the world’s biggest producers of motorcycles and yet most people in Europe or the USA would not recognise the name.
Having been launched in 2007 with a drum rear brake it had an option for a rear disc which became the norm on later models. The engine is the same engine as used in the Honda Unicorn. The chain cover on the Hunk is a nice touch. On dusty hot Turkish roads during the summer the chain is going to need a lot of maintenance but being covered like this means that you can run it without any trouble for longer periods.
On the subject of servicing the manual recommends that it should have its first check between 500-750 km which is essentially to check the oil, spark plug and chain tension etc and the first main service between 3000-3500 km, after which servicing should take place every 3000 km.
Periodic maintenance and servicing suggests:
Cleaning the bike
Control of fuel lines or pipes
Checking for slack in the throttle grip and adjusting as necessary
Clean and check carburettor. Adjust as necessary.
Clean air filter and change every 12000 km
Clean and check the spark plug and change every 12000 km
Check the oil and change as necessary
Check oil filter and centrifuge filter and change every 6000 km
Check oil circulation is working correctly
Check the ignition system
The chain and sprockets should be checked every 1000 km and the chain should be oiled and adjusted as necessary,
Check the voltage and charging of the battery
Check brake pads and adjust if necessary. Check brake fluid and hydraulic pipes, callipers and adjust any play in the brake lever.
Check all lighting and instrumentation
Check clutch lever and adjust any play as required
Oil foot pegs or foot mounts for both rider and passenger
Check tyre pressures
Check steering and adjust as required. Oil after 12000 km.
Check front and rear suspension thoroughly
Tyre pressures on this bike are recommended at 29 psi for the front and back but 33 psi on the rear if carrying a passenger. The kerb weight of this motorcycle is 146kg. Total fuel tank capacity is 12 litres but there is a 2 litre reserve tank.
The manufacturer states that this bike can do 53 km per litre and I can confirm that it does around 50 km which on a full tank gives the Hunk a range of 600 km on a full tank which is pretty good by all accounts.
In so far as comfort and handling is concerned its stepped seat and rear foot pegs are stylish but comfortable for both rider and passenger. Vibrations through the footpegs are minimal. The gas charged rear shock absorbers are adjustable and help to give a good ride.
Under the seat you have a small space for your tool kit and documents.
With its 149 cc engine the Advanced Tumble Flow induction technology was designed to reduced emissions and fuel consumption. With its semi digital dashboard, ridged exhaust cover and front and rear disc brakes it looks pretty good. The tubeless tires and contoured visor are standard. The single cylinder air cooled engine was advertised as being able to achieve 118km at 9500 rpm which I can only think must have been on a downhill slope with a backwind because although it will attain a speed of around 100 km per hour or 60 mph it won’t budge much over this whatever the conditions. Still, this is ample enough for any commuter bike.
The funky looking fuel tank and the rugged lines of the bike might be a little pretentious but for the price you pay, just over £1300 sterling, this is certainly value for money motorcycling. Interestingly enough, the bike is still for sale in Turkey with 0 km brand new in the showroom some 3 years after it ceased production in India.
With new emissions regulations and poor sales the Hero Corporation put paid to its production in 2016. These bikes were still being sold in reasonable numbers throughout 2017. This particular one was registered on Turkish roads in May 2018. The only thing that has been added are the front crash bars and the rear rack and top box.
Being a single cylinder bike the servicing is pretty straight forward and most motorcycle mechanics in Turkey will have no trouble in servicing this bike. Long term it remains to be seen how easy it will be to purchase parts for it although there is some comfort in the fact that some Honda models may have compatible or identical parts albeit a little more expensive.
The bike is easy to ride and you feel at one with it. It climbs hills reasonable well and isn’t strained or laboured on the open road. For short to medium term distances it is good for about 50 km before you have had enough. The standard road tyres are not great on a dirt track or stoney road and riding in these conditions needs careful concentration but then this isn’t an adventure bike.
The mirrors worked their way lose a couple of times which is a minor annoyance and the centre stand on this bike is not very well designed. It is easy enough to put the bike on the stand but pushing it off the stand requires some effort since it seems to want to remain in situe and slides along with the whole bike rather than effortlessly returning to the closed position.
If you leave this bike for more than a couple of weeks without using it then you will find that it takes a while to start. In the winter if left for any longer then you might have to re-charge the batter and clean the spark plug. Give it a run once a week and it will be trouble free.
Overall I am very pleased with this motorcycle. I never thought that such a small bike could be such a pleasure to ride. It takes everything in its stride and performs with reliability and predictability every time I take it out.
It’s a good all rounder and if you are looking for a robust and cost effective run about then you have found it.