Hero MotoCorp is a household name across India, known for its reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable two-wheelers. Whether it’s the ever-popular Hero Splendor Plus or the off-road-friendly Hero Xpulse 200, Hero bikes have earned their place on city roads and village trails alike. But even the most trusted machines have their flaws.
Over time, users have reported common issues across certain models—some mechanical, others electrical, a few tied to long-term use or even specific batches. In this blog, we explore the most common problems across top Hero bike models, explain what causes them, and suggest straightforward, practical solutions. The aim is to inform Hero bike owners so they can spot early signs of trouble, and more importantly, know what to do next.
This blog is about common problems in Hero Bikes based on owner experiences, expert reviews, service center reports, and official sources like Hero MotoCorp and renowned auto publications.
1. Hero Passion Pro
Common Problems:
- Fuel Injection Complaints: The newer Passion Pro models come with fuel injection systems, which sometimes create jerks during throttle response. Sensors may misbehave, or the mapping could be off.
- Vibration and Engine Harshness: Even at lower speeds, riders report that the engine feels harsh or vibrates excessively. This is sometimes related to poor damping or rigid engine mounting.
- Electrical Glitches: Some users also face issues with headlight brightness or indicator response, usually due to wiring inconsistencies or low battery output.
2. Hero Glamour Xtec
Common Problems:
- Digital Meter Malfunction: Multiple users have reported issues with the bike’s fully digital instrument cluster, such as lag, flickering, or inaccurate readings. These issues are commonly rooted in sensor delays or display connector faults.
- Gear Shifting Lag: Similar to the Splendor, the Glamour also exhibits gear-shifting resistance, particularly during cold starts or in traffic conditions.
- Reduced Pickup: Though the engine is peppy, some users feel a noticeable lag in pickup during overtakes. This could be attributed to poor fuel injection calibration.
3. Hero Xpulse 200 & 200T 4V
Common Problems:
- Brake Performance Concerns: Many riders feel that the front brake lacks bite or feedback, especially on off-road trails. This may be due to the brake pads glazing or the caliper not applying enough pressure.
- Headlight Illumination: For a bike designed for adventure, the stock headlight brightness is often rated insufficient, particularly for night riding on highways or trails.
- Engine Heat Management: Extended urban rides may cause the engine to heat up quickly, linked to a compact radiator or slow coolant circulation.
You might find this interesting – Hero Xpulse 200T BS6 Listed on Official Website- See what’s NEW
4. Hero HF Deluxe
Common Problems in Hero HF Deluxe:
- Cold Starting Issues: Many HF Deluxe owners face difficulty starting the bike in the morning. This is typically a result of battery voltage drops or poor fuel-air mixture regulation.
- Handlebar Wobble: Another recurring issue is slight wobbling in the handlebars, especially at high speeds or during braking. Misaligned front forks or unbalanced wheels are common causes.
- Vibrations at Mid Speeds: The bike may begin to vibrate noticeably at 40–60 km/h. The issue usually stems from loose engine mounting bolts or uneven tyre wear.
5. Hero Splendor Plus
Common Problems:
- Gear Shifting Stiffness: Many Splendor users report that gear shifting becomes stiff over time. The gear lever may feel resistant, especially between neutral and first gear. This issue often arises due to improper clutch adjustment or worn-out transmission components.
- Engine Noise and Vibration: Another concern is unusual engine noise, especially a ticking or rattling sound, often heard after prolonged use. This can be linked to valve clearance issues or worn timing chains.
- Drop in Mileage: Users have reported inconsistencies in mileage, especially after 1–2 years of regular use. This could be due to air filter clogging, carburetor tuning problems, or general wear.
Know more about Splendor – Hero Splendor History | The National Motorcycle of India
6. Hero Maestro Edge & Hero Destini 125
Common Problems:
- Engine Hesitation: During acceleration, the scooters often show hesitation or minor jerks, especially with a pillion. This may come from poor fuel mapping or roller weight issues in the CVT.
- Braking and Rear Suspension Issues: Several riders report weak rear brakes or bouncy suspension on rough roads, reducing comfort and stability.
- Starting Delay: Both models occasionally delay ignition even with a full battery charge, which could be linked to starter relay lag or spark plug fouling.
A Quick Summary on Hero Bikes Common Problems
| Problem | Common Model(s) | Likely Cause |
| Hard Gear Shifting | Splendor, Glamour | Clutch cable tightness, worn clutch plates |
| Starting Trouble | HF Deluxe, Destini | Battery, spark plug, cold engine |
| Excessive Vibration | Passion, HF Deluxe | Engine mount, tyre balance |
| Low Mileage | Splendor, Maestro | Air filter, carb tuning, riding habits |
| Brake Weakness | Xpulse, Destini | Pad wear, hydraulic line issue |
| Digital Meter Lag | Glamour Xtec | Loose wiring, faulty sensor |
Why Knowing about Hero Bikes Common Problems Matters?
Understanding the common issues in Hero bikes gives owners clarity and helps reduce panic when something goes wrong. These aren’t dealbreakers, they’re signs that your bike might need attention. Many of these problems are avoidable with proper and regular maintenance. Here is what you can do:
- Keep tabs on Brake shoes.
- Keep the bike neat and clean.
- Checking the fluid level, like oil, brake fluid and coolant.
- Ensure proper chain and gear functionality.
- Lubricate key components.
If you ride daily, maintain this basic checklist, it takes 5 minutes and could save you hours later.
Conclusion
Hero bikes are known for their simplicity and mass appeal, but no machine is perfect. Every model has its quirks, and knowing them in advance makes you a smarter rider. Whether you ride a Hero Splendor, a Passion Pro, or an Xpulse 200, a bit of knowledge about Hero Bikes common problems goes a long way.
For Hero users, regular maintenance is not just good practice—it’s the only way to make sure your bike stays reliable every day. So the next time your bike refuses to start or the engine feels off, you’ll know where to look, and more importantly, how to respond.
Fun Reads – Here’s Why You Should Buy The 2022 Hero Xtreme 160R!
FAQ’s
- What is the cheapest hero bike?
The cheapest costing hero bike starting at Rs. 59998 is Hero HF Deluxe.
- Which Hero bike is no.1 in mileage?
With a fuel efficiency of 83.2 km/l, the highest mileage bike of Hero is Splendor Plus XTEC.
- Which bike requires low maintenance?
Bikes such as TVS Radeon, Bajaj Platina, TVS Sports, etc, are considered low-maintenance.
- What is the most expensive hero bike?
The costliest hero bike is Hero Mavrick 440, priced at 2,30,000.
Yes, they are reliable. But, the reliability of Hero bikes has fallen compared to what it used to be 10-15 years ago.