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Just returned from the unveiling of the newest motorcycle on the block, the Hero Honda Hunk. Hero Honda claims that the engine has been tweaked - 'piston pin is now inclined,' friction has been decimated further etc. However, the peak power and torque figures appear to be identical to the Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme. That's 14.2bhp at 8500 rpm and 12.8 nm at 6500 rpm. The information released at the event says that the engine now has tumble flow (like swirl, but vertical). If I understand correctly, that should have boosted torque. Maybe the torque curve sits higher everywhere, but has the same peak. Then again, if that were the case, I'd say as much... and they didn't. So, is the powertrain different from the CBZ X-Treme, no official word, but I think not. It is painted a nice grey, though.
But engine aside, there's a lot of pretty good stuff on the bike. The new gas charged rear shocks look good, for instance, although their dynamic benefit will become clear only after one swings a leg over. Similarly, the deeply dished saddle looks great and feels good to sit in. I do wish they'd gone the whole hog and split the seats, though. Staying with the seat, the seat lock is now separated from the helmet lock. The former is integrated (key operated) into the tailpiece, while the helmet lock is not part of the saree guard (like the CD-Deluxe? Not sure).
The styling is pretty interesting. The massive tank extensions look good, but once you are seated, it makes the tank look pretty big. On the other hand, if you like hanging off, the seat extensions offer a pretty secure place to lock in your thighs. The fairing looks neat too, although I think they could have been more adventurous with the headlamp shape and size. The rest of the bike is a striking interplay between matte black and painted panels, and I was faintly reminded of similar themes on the recent Hornet, and either a recent 600RR or a 1000RR... not sure. Upshot? Build quality is great and fit-finish is also great. Altogether, the bike does look pretty striking. Although, I will admit that it still is a far cry from what we were expecting - full fairing, monoshock, twin headlamps etc. None of which make an appearance.
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