HF Dawn was launched in 2002 as Hero Honda Dawn, later, it was also known as CD Dawn. This is Hero Moto Corp’s entry-level bike for Indian market. It is tagged as affordable and suitable for common man in the country. HF Dawn is one of India’s most sold bikes. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features.
Style
As this is Hero Moto Corp’s entry-level bike, there is no point in comparing its design with that of Duke KTM 360 or Honda CB Trigger. But in-spite of limited budget, Hero Moto Corp has managed to offer impressive design, and comfortable seat.
Cradle frame chassis is light weight and rigid at the same time. Bike’s ground clearance is 165 MM, and its weight is 109 kgs. Two rear view mirrors, clear lens orange colored turn indicators, and tale spherical headlamp on this bike are similar to those offered by other bikes in this segment. HF Dawn’s meter console is also basic; it consists of analogue speedometer, side stand indicator, headlight indicator and trip meter.
Wide seat makes journey easy for pillion rider while traveling long distances. Bike’s fuel tank, rear saree guard and mudguard might remind you about those simple bikes sold during 90s.
You can also opt for front-leg guard if you wish to protect your legs while traveling through cities famous for reckless bike riders. Dawn’s under seat storage space might prove to be useful for keeping documents, or small bag. You can choose your color from five options like candy blazing red, black and purple, black with red, boon silver metallic and classy maroon metallic.
Engine
HF Dawn is powered by 97.2 cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine attached to multi plate wet four speed gearbox. The bike is already famous for offering comfortable ride, and great engine performance. HF Dawn can reach 0 to 60 KMPH in just 7.8 seconds. Its top speed is 89.3 KMPH, and offers mileage of 77 KMPL. Fuel tank’s capacity is 10.5 liters. User reviews suggest that riders do not feel vibrations even while driving at bike’s top speed.
Absence of electric start option might disappoint some people.
Suspension and brakes
Front suspension is managed by telescopic adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, while rear suspension is managed by swing arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorber. Shock absorbers are good enough to absorb certain percentage of shocks while travelling on roads full of potholes. Basic, internal expanding shoe type front and rear brakes seem good enough for this 100cc bike.
Competition
Dawn is often compared with Bajaj Platina, Yamaha Crux, and TVS Sport. Yamaha Crux is fitted with 106cc engine; TVS Sport is powered with 99.7 cc engine, while Bajaj Platina’s engine is 99.27cc. All other specifications are almost similar, but HF Dawn offers better mileage compared to other three bikes.
Out of these four bikes, only TVS Sport offers electric start option. Price-wise, customers will have to pay few hundred extra for HF Dawn compared to Yamaha Crux and Bajaj Platina.
Overall, critics believe that HF Dawn is suitable for traveling on city/ village roads, due to its performance and fuel efficiency. It comes with price tag of around Rs 38,000. Price depends on local taxes and additional features that you choose.
HF Dawn’s new model in 2015
According to reports, Hero Moto Corp has recently tested Hero HF Dawn 2015. The Indian two wheeler maker may also release new Dash scooter this year. The company made it in headlines during last year when it sold around six lakh two wheelers during the month of September. Hero Moto Corp is also said to be working on affordable bikes that will be in HF Dawn’s price range.