Passion Pro TR Test Ride Review [Exclusive]

• Aug 12, 2014
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Hero MotoCorp had showcased different versions of Passion and Splendor series at the 2014 Auto Expo, out of which one bike stands out was the "Passion Pro TR" with partial offroading capabilities. The bike with bold Headlight grill with high front mudguard coupled with Front Tyre Hugger and Knuckle guards on board was enough to change the persona of good old image of Passion. It was until now Hero has softly launched the new Passion Pro TR at its official website, the bike finally came into existence. The official launch of the bike is still due and BikesIndia once again breaking the ice and presenting to you the Exclusive Test Ride Review of the new Passion Pro TR.

The offroad avatar of the Top seller Passion makes all of us amazed as what made Hero Motocorp feel launching such product when they already have a so called proper on road- off road bike- Hero Impulse. Lets check it out.

Styling:

The Styling of the bike is subjective, some of you may find the bike looking ugly but one thing is sure you can not make a standard stock condition Passion any better than this as far as Practicality is concerned. The Bold Headlight Grill is made up of high grade Steel protecting the Headlight efficiently from any obstacle, engine has received under belly pan and coupled with elongated Knuckle guards it gives the sturdy look of a "Rugby Player" to the bike. The Back light is not LED but the blinkers are with clear glass to give Passion Pro TR a distinct look. Instrument Cluster And Switch Gears

The instrument console of Passion Pro TR is neat and provides every vital information handy, the ODO and the Trip Meter with Fuel Gauge comes in Digital where as the Speedo is kept analog. Side Stand indicator is also integrated with Neutral light and the Headlight Indicator and they are kept cleanly on the left side of the Console. Switch gears are directly taken from the Passion and as usual they are made up of good quality of plastics. The Light Pass Switch is placed ergonomically and can be used easily with the index finger of your left hand. However the Engine Kill Switch would have been very handy but ignored in Passion Pro TR. Ergonomics:

As Passion Pro TR shares the same chassis of Passion Pro the dimensions are moreover same. With the seat height kept low maneuvering the bike is easy. The Seat is broad providing adequate cushioning and is made up of non slippery material fabric. The high raised Handlebar is stubby and comes with "cross bar" giving not only the offroad looks to the bike but also adds strength to the Handlebar. It is the handlebar which adds different feel to the bike while riding the bike offroad, it gives ample of control and confidence in maneuvering the bike on dirt track. Performance And Gearbox:

The Passion Pro TR shares same 97.2cc air cooled engine of Passion Pro producing 7.8Ps of Power at 7500 Rpm with 8.0Nm of Torque at 4500Rpm. The engine is refined and mated to 4-speed gear transmission. However the Torque is insufficient to use the bike for hardcore offroading purpose. Riding Dynamics:

The Passion Pro TR is equipped with same setup of Suspensions as of Passion Pro, the front receives Telescopic Shock absorbers whereas the rear end has twin Spring loaded Hydraulic adjustable Shock absorbers. What we strongly felt was that at least Hero MotoCorp should have given different setup to the Shock absorbers to complement the bike's offroad image (long traveling front shock-ups were desired). The Passion Pro TR has received all new "Mogrip MRF Tyres" complementing the offroad capability of the bike though we felt ourselves more comfortable and in command on the rough terrain as compare to the asphalt. The Passion Pro TR comes with front disc brake as standard feature with the rear drum brakes, while using the bike rough on dirt we found front disc brake very effective and helpful. Verdict:

The Passion Pro TR is a practical bike with subjective looks, it does what it is suppose to do well. However we feel that it would have been fun if Hero MotoCorp given a more dedicated set of Suspensions with Engine tuned to rev a little harder.
We've been able to do this Exclusive Review with the support of "My Hero", Authorized Dealer Hero MotoCorp, Bhopal. We would like to extend our gratitude towards Mr. Kundan Singh Sales Head, My Hero.

By: Farhan Kashif