Hero Xoom 110: hits and misses

Hero Motocorp unleashed the Xoom 110 not too long ago, in hopes of getting some share out of the lucrative small displacement scooter segment here in the Philippines.

Through the said nameplate, the Indian motorcycle company looks to penetrate the local — and eventually, the South East Asia — market, which is currently dominated by Japanese two-wheeler brands.

For those looking to be early adopters of the Hero Xoom 110, here’s a quick look at some of its hits and misses.

Pros:

Packed with decent tech

The Hero Xoom 110 appears to be packed with technological appointments, which makes it an appealing everyday ride.

One of its most notable features is its digital instrument cluster, which not only displays relevant riding information but also adds a few more convenience features to help the Hero Xoom 110’s would-be owners.

Aside from the typical speed and fuel level reading, the Hero Xoom 110’s meter panel is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to notify the rider of received messages as well as show caller information should the connected smartphone receive an incoming call.

Other information displayed includes the real-time mileage indicator and a low fuel indicator.

Additionally, the Hero Xoom 110 gets corner-bending lights, which automatically position the headlamps when approaching a corner, thus improving one’s safety when driving at night.

Unique design

The Hero Xoom 110 sports a unique design, especially when compared to other small-displacement scooters in the segment.

Noticeable is its angular fairings at the front, but the middle portion of the motorcycle appears to be beefy. Hero Motocorp insists that its body is aerodynamic, but it seems more squarish than sharp. While it may not appear as sporty as other motorcycles in the category, it looks to be able to accommodate large passengers thanks to its chunky mid-section.

Complementing the motorcycle’s aforementioned silhouette are chunky tires that measure 90/90 front and back. They wrap around 12-inch wheels with a five-spoke design that houses a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear.

Affordable pricing

The pricing of the Hero Xoom 110 is definitely appealing. With a price tag of only P69,900, it could possibly be the go-to motorcycle for buyers looking for a daily driver that won’t break the bank.

Cons:

Lackluster powertrain

At the Hero Xoom 110’s core is a 110.9 cubic centimeter engine mated to a Variomatic drive gearbox, which is basically a continuously variable transmission. The setup makes 8.05 horsepower with 8.7 Newton-meters of torque.

While it may appear to be a fuel-efficient mill, one must consider that many Japanese motorcycle brands are starting to equip their offerings with higher displacement powertrains. That said, the Hero Xoom 110 might have a hard time keeping up with motorcycles from more established brands over the years.

Customizability

Unlike motorcycles offered by Yamaha and Honda, the Hero Xoom has very little to no support from aftermarket companies here in the Philippines.

On that note, customers who might be looking to try out the nameplate could be hard-pressed to find accessories such as replacement handlebar grips, side mirrors, mufflers, fairings, top boxes, and so on.

Also read:

Hero Motocorp formally enters ASEAN market

Hero Motocorp formally enters ASEAN market

Indian motorcycle brand Hero MotoCorp to enter Philippine market