Heroes inbound | Delhi-based Hero to bring A2 friendly 440 roadster single to the UK market

Indian motorcycle firm, Hero MotoCorp, have announced they will soon be introducing a new A2-legal single-cylinder roadster to the UK market.

The bike is currently on sale in India as the Mavrick 440, but it is not clear if that name will carry over. With competition from the likes of the Triumph Speed 400 and Royal Enfield Bullet 350 already available for under five grand, Hero will need to ensure keen pricing.

Back in late 2023 Hero CEO Niranjan Gupta told MCN an expansion into Europe was on the cards for 2024 using well-established MotoGB as distribution partners. 

At that time we were told the first of their machines to enter the UK would be the Vida V1 Pro electric scooter, and that may still be the case.

The 440 roadster, meanwhile, features a two-valve SOHC 440cc single-cylinder engine housed in a basic steel trellis chassis.

The identical Hero Mavrick was recently launched in India on 14 February, with pre-orders being taken now from just under £1900 equivalent on the Indian market. Actual UK prices are yet to be announced though and availability dates remain unknown for now.  

The motor puts out a slightly pedestrian 27bhp at 6000rpm and 26lb.ft of torque at just 4000rpm. It is matched to a six-speed gearbox and slipper clutch, which should help newer riders. Fuel capacity is 13.5 litres for decent range.

While the new model will be aimed at the lower end of the market, Hero haven’t scrimped on spec, providing customers with a digital speedometer with phone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The bike is available in India in five colour options. 

Hero may be new to the UK but they are not new to the bike market and the Delhi operation have been building bikes since 1985, delivering more than 110 million of them to customers across more than 40 countries, making them the second largest current motorcycle manufacturer globally – with only Honda maintaining a larger global output.

The new machine is largely based on the recently released Harley-Davidson X440, which was built as a collaboration between Hero and Harley last year. Hero say the as yet unnamed UK model will share “common underpinnings” with the small-bore Harley, including its thumping 440cc motor and some chassis components.  

Speaking about its Indian release, the company boss told MCN: “Coming close on the heels of the Harley-Davidson X440, the Mavrick 440 will now build on this momentum of our journey to win in premium markets.

“This expansion underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional products that cater to the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, as we strive to cater to the diverse preferences of our discerning customers.”