KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Flex-Fuel bikes support up to E85 ethanol blends
- Hero Splendor Plus now comes in a flex-fel avatar
- HF Deluxe is the most affordable option here
- Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV is the most powerful bike on the list
- Honda CB300F Flex-Fuel has been discontinued
As oil prices continue to rise due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Government of India is aggressively promoting higher ethanol blending in petrol. In the coming years, the ethanol content could increase to 85% or even 100%. In such a scenario, buying a vehicle that is fully compatible with higher ethanol blends can help ensure long-term reliability and future-proof your purchase.
Thankfully, there are a handful of motorcycles currently available that are designed to handle high ethanol content and are unlikely to face compatibility issues as blending levels increase. So, let's take a closer look at them below. In the meantime, do join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to stay updated with the latest automotive news and never miss an important update.
Also Read: Hero Launches First Flex-fuel Bikes at Rs. 72,000
Hero Splendor Plus
First on the list is India's best-selling motorcycle, the Hero Splendor Plus, which is now available in a flex-fuel-compatible avatar. The motorcycle is capable of running on ethanol blends of up to 85% (E85), making it well-prepared for future fuel regulations. It is priced at Rs 82,810 (ex-showroom).
Compared to the standard Splendor Plus, there are very few changes apart from a few green and blue graphics and a semi-digital instrument cluster. That said, Hero claims that power has increased by 7%, while torque is up by 3%. As for fuel efficiency, the motorcycle is expected to deliver around 70-72 km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes currently on sale in India.
Hero HF Deluxe
Second on the list is the HF Deluxe, a more affordable alternative to the Splendor that delivers virtually the same experience and practicality. Hero MotoCorp launched both motorcycles on the same day, and the HF Deluxe also comes with the same set of features. Moreover, it is priced at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable flex-fuel-compatible motorcycles currently available.
Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV
The Suzuki Gixxer is available in multiple versions, and one of them is a flex-fuel variant powered by a 250cc engine that produces 27.9 PS of power and 22.5 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Like the other motorcycles on this list, it is compatible with E85 fuel.
In addition, it comes equipped with several features, including LED headlights, LED tail lamps, and two matte black colour options. The Gixxer Flex Fuel is priced at Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most expensive motorcycle on our list.
Also Read: Top 125cc Bikes Under Rs 1.5 lakh For A Hassle-Free Commute
Verdict
These are currently the most accessible flex-fuel motorcycles available in India for buyers looking to future-proof their purchase against increasing ethanol-blending mandates. While the Hero Splendor Plus and HF Deluxe focus on affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 FFV caters to enthusiasts seeking stronger performance and premium features.
It's also worth noting that Honda previously offered the CB300F Flex-Fuel, a highly value-for-money motorcycle with E85 compatibility, but it has since been discontinued. Nevertheless, the motorcycles on this list remain well-prepared for India's evolving fuel landscape and offer buyers a practical way to embrace higher ethanol blends in the future.
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