New Hero flagship sportsbike coming

We've just received this set of spy images, showing a faired-in sportsbike from world two-wheeler market sales leader, Hero MotoCorp. The premium new Hero bike is clearly in its final stages of testing, and bears a strong Karizma family resemblance. Hero's new flagship should be a Karizma successor, that steps in and takes on rivals including the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, KTM 200 Duke and Honda CBR250R.

While details are presently sparse with Hero unwilling to part with any information, the pictures tell us the upcoming Hero deploys a fairing and runs astride alloy wheels. It's got clip-on handlebars, alloy footrests and clear lens indicators, while a tapered, minimalistic mudguard brings up the rear, in addition to a tyre hugger. The motorcycle tail tapers upwards in typical sportsbike fashion, with an exposed drive-chain also seen.

Expect Hero's new motorcycle to house a four-stroke, single-cylinder, Honda tech derived engine that displaces in the region of 225cc. A five-speed transmission should be standard.

Telescopic forks are standard in front, while a set of gas-charged shock absorbers can be seen behind, mounted atop a rectangular section steel swingarm. A single rotor disc brake will do duty in front, while the pictures show two test bikes, one using a disc rear brake and another with more conventional drum rear brake.

Expect Hero's new flagship to enter showrooms shortly, around the upcoming Indian festive season, before which we will bring you a lot more detail.