Hero Ignitor: Old Wine in New Bottle

Ignitor is the latest addition into the 125cc motorbike segment from Hero Moto Corp. For a company that once ruled the decade for over a decade, this bike should mark a new low. It is nothing more than a plain adaptation of previous partner Honda’s model Stunner. Now we are all aware of Hero and Honda and the link between these two giants, but it is more than obvious that Hero has to put as much distance as possible between themselves and Honda even to have the slightest hint of success in this market. Now, coming back to the bike, Ignitor has rather few differences from Stunner. The look and most of the technologies that is in the bike resembles that of the Stunner and this is the biggest drawback for the bike.

Look wise, the bike can be considered as an upgrade of stunner, it is slightly better looking. Its trapezoidal headlight, front cowl, and duel tone rear view mirrors all give it a pleasing appeal. Adding to this appeal is the body coloured tail grip, and split seat. The bike comes in four body colours, all along with attractive multicolour graphics on them. The front cowl is always black in colour irrespective of the bikes colour; this neat trick actually compliments the look of the bike. The meter console which combines both digital and analogue meters together is rather well designed, easy to read and provides all the relevant information. The engine, the silencer, the crash guard and the alloys of the bike are all in black, thus increasing its street look.

Now coming to the technology and specifications of the bike, this one rather seems like a sneak peek at Honda’s Stunner. Ignitor, like Stunner, has an air cooled, 4 - stroke single cylinder OHC 124.7 cc engine that produces a maximum power of 11 bhp at 8000 rpm. A multiplate wet clutch and 5 speed constant mesh properly manages this power and delivers it right when and where it needs to be for smooth handling. Hero has also taken great interest in keeping the mileage of the vehicle up to the mark. For keeping the rider comfortable the bike has telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers in the front and swing arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers in the rear. The bike has a dia 240 mm disc - non asbestos type front break and an internal expanding shoe type ( 130 mm ) rear break. The bike also comes with tubeless tyres on both ends and has a ground clearance of 175 mm. At a length of 2010 mm, width of 710 mm, height of 1095 mm, and 1270 mm, the Ignitor is a little smaller than Honda’s Stunner, yet it is a couple of pounds heavier. The bike uses a 12 volt - 3 Ah, MF battery to power its self start, horn, 35 W / 35 W - halogen bulb head lamp, 5 W / 21 W - tail stop lamp, 10 W x 4 - turn signal lamps, and other electronic accessories. Considering its features it is not a bad buy, but again, there is nothing to it that demands a must buy.

Price: Rs. 55, 900+

Alternatives: Honda Stunner, Bajaj Pulsar 135