Hero MotoCorp has announced the launch of the Centennial– a limited-run collector’s edition motorcycle based on the Karizma XMR. First showcased at the Hero World Day earlier in January this year, the Centennial is a homage to Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Founder Chairman of Hero MotoCorp.
The Centennial was conceptualised, designed and developed by Hero at the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) based out of Jaipur and the Hero Tech Centre in Germany (TCG). Only 100 units of this meticulously handcrafted motorcycle will be produced.
The Hero Centennial Edition has been launched to honour the 101st birth anniversary of Brijmohan Lall Munjal. All 100 units of this Karizma-based naked streetfighter will be auctioned to the company’s employees, associates, business partners, and stakeholders. The proceeds from the contributions will be utilised for the greater good of the society. Deliveries of the Centennial Edition will begin from September 2024.
Further, Hero will also be inviting its customers to participate in the “My Hero, My Story’ campaign, where they can share anecdotes highlighting their unique bond and journey with the brand. A distinguished panel of experts from diverse backgrounds will carefully evaluate the submissions and the top entries will be rewarded with the coveted Centennial.
Hero Centennial Edition: Design, specs & features
The Centennial stands outs for its unique design and craftsmanship with a healthy dosage of carbon fibre and milled aluminium utilised all across. In the first glance itself, the Centennial gets a very sporty and aggressive stance with a sharp bikini fairing and sleek dual-pod LED headlamps up front giving the bike a very mean-looking face.
The exposed frame, swingarm, engine cover, and front forks are coloured red which accentuate the sporty contrast of the Centennial. On top of that, the muscular fuel tank with carbon fibre extensions, a solo seat with a carbon fibre seat cowl, and floating tail section accentuate the bike’s ultra aggressive ethos. To give a unique identity, each unit comes with a milled aluminium special edition numbered badging on the side covers.
Coming to componentry, Hero has used a lightweight aluminium swingarm for an enhanced riding experience and newly designed carbon fibre body panels for sleek aesthetics and structural rigidity. Components like the machined and anodised handlebars, handlebar mounts, triple clamp and rear-set foot pegs have been specially designed for this limited-run street naked bike.
The use of carbon fibre body panels has resulted in a very low kerb weight of 158 kg making it exceptionally light, offering superior throttle response with improved handling and braking performance. Hardware configurations include a gas-charged, fully-adjustable mono-shock from Wilbers and 43-mm upside-down front forks with damping adjustment.
The Centennial rolls on 17-inch all-black, diamond-cut alloy wheels. Adding character to the bike is the top-of-the-line carbon fibre and titanium Akrapovic exhaust system which has been tuned for peak performance. Speaking of performance, Hero hasn’t revealed the exact specs of the Centennial, but it most likely gets the same powertrain setup as the Karizma XMR.
For reference the Karisma XMR is powered by a 210cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve motor that makes 25.15 bhp at 9,250 rpm and a peak torque of 20.4 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox and gets a slip-and-assist clutch.
