When style meets substance, an Achiever begins to shape up

As it is

Indian roads have seen the run of Hero’s bikes for a few decades now. Hero MotoCorp – the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer – gave India and the world the legend on two wheels, the Splendor, setting the ball rolling in a watchful market, with strong, realistic 100 cc bikes offering efficiency and confidence.

In the last few years, as the market matured, young buyers began seeking more snazzy machines with power and style. While there are motos out there packing more than a punch in terms of macho-styling and rough power, a section of the customer-base has always sought a dedicated motorcycle that wears some much-needed power and speed, yet uncompromising on utility and purpose. To the treat that the market ordered, engineers at Hero have dished out and served the simple, straight-forward Achiever 150.

What Hero calls a motorcycle that helps everyday Indian motorists commute in the din of their cities’ traffic, the Achiever 150 is just that and more. It is an ideal package enabling people to graduate from the popular 100 cc commuter machines, to a more powerful, premium package. Furthermore, the bike, precisely and interestingly, presents many other new-age fun features.

Simple seriousness

What sets the Achiever apart is its appearance… No sarcasm here, but a genuine observation! While the competition – which includes the likes of Honda, Yamaha, Bajaj and Suzuki - has machines whose imposing looks have set benchmarks in the industry, Hero’s attempt at that 150-cc market, the Achiever, whose simple design is unique in a way that the company claims is much goaded towards the familiar demands that daily office-going motorcycling commuters have when looking for a hardy bike, makes sense. It would be perfect to say that the Achiever 150 garnishes onto itself a hint of nostalgia, taking one back to an era when bikes in India meant business.

While several voices in the market might call the bike’s looks to be boring or dated, the Achiever 150 makes an impactful style statement with its bold design, with no pretentions whatsoever. The bike, which is a relaunch, boasts of new headlights and winkers, large visor, bulging fender and cowl with graphics, which add toughness to its simple design.

One of the most impressive elements is the installation of a traditional, dual-clock analogue instrument cluster with needles showing the way of the road and the bike, at a time when other makers are viewing a digital future. A relevant addition to the cluster setup is a side-stand indicator, warning those in a hurry to even forget disengaging the side-stand before taking to the road.

Also, the new enlarged fuel type lid, rear fairing, tail light, RR grip and muffler cover enhance the confidence stance and premium-ness of the bike.

Riding the known road

Thanks to its familiar build, emboldened by Hero’s quality standards and motorcycle manufacturing pedigree, the new Achiever 150 is an ideal friend for the ideal commuter of today. Yet, innovations galore!

The Achiever makes a strong technology statement with the new BS-IV-compliant engine that also features the Hero-patented i3S system, which the company declares as delivering best-in-class performance and fuel efficiency of over 65 kmpl. Astride the motorcycle, the ergonomics, with a new seat profile and texture, are comfortable and make one feel that the ride would be but a breeze. Riding comfort is a gift here, especially on a bike meant for India’s notorious roads. Also, the Achiever 150 is suited to the heights of most average-sized Indians, standing at a height of 1086 mm. The push-button electric start opens the smooth and buttery engine which gives out a not-so-loud motor-hum, which is easy on the ears.

The 149.1 cc engine gives out a maximum power of 110 kW (13.4 bhp) @ 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 12.8 Nm @ 5,000 rpm.

First gear down, and the Achiever 150 quietly takes off, with subsequent gearshifts of the 5-speed constant mesh gearbox - with a conveniently-placed pedal – contributing to the seamless ride.

Top-speed

The motorcycle’s acceleration is impressive with a 0-60 kmph coming in a good over 5 seconds, garnering a top-speed of around 110 kmpl, at which point, there is little shudder or jerk. The turning radius is well-placed, and a kerb weight of 139 kg makes the strong bike feel light. Stop at a traffic signal, and the i3S comes to life.

There is a language of innovative utility that speaks through the Hero Achiever 150. The first-in-class Automatic Headlamp On (AHO) feature provides enhanced security and visibility, and adds to the safety of the rider in low-visibility conditions. In addition to the unquestionable braking performance with its disc-braking system, which is crisp, the bike is offered in drum brakes too.

Keeping the everyday commuter in mind, the Achiever 150 offers a juicy 13-litre fuel tank, which makes the chore of regularly visiting the crowded filling station passé.

Available in three colours, the new Achiever 150 is competitively priced at Rs 62,800 for the disc variant and Rs 61,800 for the drum variant (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). With the Achiever 150, Hero has triggered a new bike race. Waiting and watching out for the chequered flag!  

Hero Achiever 150

Verdict : Don’t let the looks bore you. A hardy bike for a comfortable ride to work

Engine Type    Air Cooled, 4 - stroke single cylinder OHC
Power    10 KW (13.4 bhp)@ 8000 rpm
Torque    12.80 N-m @ 5000 rpm
Max. Speed    101 Kmph
Mileage     65 kmpl
PRICE     61,800 (ex-showroom Delhi)