Flex Fuel Technology: What is E85 and why is it so important?
Flex fuel means that the engine of the bike can run on a different mixture of ethanol and petrol. E85 means a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel can run on any blend from E20 (20% ethanol) to E85 (85% ethanol).
The biggest advantage of this is that as the Government of India increases ethanol blending, your bike will adapt accordingly.
The central government is focusing on increasing the amount of ethanol in petrol and 85% ethanol is being considered as the fuel of the future. This will not only reduce the import of crude oil but will also benefit the environment.
According to the government, flex-fuel technology can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by up to 77%.
However, keep in mind that the E85 infrastructure is still at a nascent stage in India. At the moment, the bike will be available in select areas of Delhi and Maharashtra, and will be gradually expanded across the country.
Design and features
The look of the bike is simple and attractive. The new black and lime yellow graphics give it a refreshed look.
The main features include a semi-digital instrument cluster, engine shut down when side stand is applied, tubeless tyres (easy to puncture), i3S stop-start technology, which saves petrol. Its seat is comfortable, the ground clearance is good, so it's easy to walk even on bad roads. Overall, the design is practical and made for everyday use.
The Engine and Performance
The 97.2 cc engine has been updated to flex fuel. It produces 8.56 PS of power and 8.3 Nm of torque on the E85 fuel.
The Flex Fuel version is slightly more powerful than the standard E20 version (7.9 PS). It runs smoothly on city and village roads, the pickup is good and does not feel tired even at long distances. Its mileage is around 65-70 kmpl, which is good enough for a commuter bike.
The Price and Availability
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex is priced at Rs 72,792, ex-showroom (Delhi). However, it can be purchased for ₹68,792 with a special discount of ₹4,000 till the end of June 2026.
This is around ₹13,315 more than the standard HF Deluxe, while only ₹172 more than the HF Deluxe Pro. The bike will be available for sale from July 2026
Conclusion
The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel is a great choice for those who want a reliable, mileage-oriented and future-ready bike in a low budget.
The ability to run on any ethanol blend from E20 to E85 makes it ready for what's to come. Its price of ₹72,792, mileage of 65-70 kmpl and features like i3S and side-stand cut-off make it a viable option.
If you plan to buy, go to the dealership and take a test ride and check the local on-road price. Stay tuned to timesbull.com for all the latest auto news, launch updates and shopping guides.
