Hero Maestro Edge Review

The 100cc bike segment which is still the one which decides which manufacturer would dominate the market is changing fast. It is very fast getting replaced by gearless scooters which are not only fuel efficient but could be used by both men and women. So, in short it is a family vehicle which can be used by mom, dad, kids and dada ji. Hero Motocorp has only 2 offering in this segment namely Pleasure and Maestro. This festive season it is going to change with the introduction of Maestro Edge from Hero which promises some of the best features, great performance and superb handling. How it takes up with its competitors especially TVS Jupitor, and Honda Activa is to be seen in the coming months. Remember, Maestro is the 3rd highest top selling scooty in India after Activa and Jupitor.

Design

A look at the Edge from front and you know it is targeted for particular type of buyers. It looks muscular, stylish, sharp from front. The mudguard on the front tyre is nosed sharp which adds to the macho look. It gives a premium feel with its loads of features and build quality. The instrument panel has a large speedometer with small digital displays and fuel gauge. Above all the panel is very pleasing and easy to eyes. Palm grip and levers that are primary touch points are high in quality and gives a feel good touch. Pass lights is another good feature which can be activated by pressing low and high beam button. The switches again are of high quality and better than its sibling Duet.

Fuel cap is located at rear which could be operated by ignition key thus the rider is not required to get down while at gas station, a feature standard in cars. The under seat bay is also loaded with features. First it could be opened via ignition key, there is a light to illuminate the bay area which is very good feature especially for night. USB charger is another good addition located in the bay area to charge mobile phone or tablets. The bag hooks are neatly placed under the seat and helmet clamp is also present to keep helmet safely while vehicle is parked. Lockable front storage is good but eats up the leg room. Silencer looks attractive and seats are comfortable.

Colors

Edge is available in 7 different colors. You have plethora of choices where you could choose from techno blue, candy blazing red, pearl silver white, panther black, shooting night star, matte vernier grey and matte blue. I am sure panther black is going to outsell all other colors.

Engine

Hero Maestro Edge gets its power from air cooled, 4 stroke single cylinder 110.9cc OHC engine that churns out maximum power of 8.31 bhp at 8000rpm and peak torque of 8.30 Nm at 6500rpm. There is also a button starter which is very convenient. Engine is very refined and smooth which shows how Hero has matured after leaving Honda years ago. Performance of Edge is similar and are at par with all the other scooters in the 110cc segment. Acceleration is evenly distributed for all speed brackets and there is virtually no vibe. The actual power comes at high revs though. If riding with a pillion than in the initial speeds it might be a bit sluggish. It feels best at 45-60kmph which is the actual speeds one requires for city roads. Due to the nicely tuned CVT system it could hold the speed above 50-60kmph for long where the actual top speed is close to 85kmph.

Handling and Ride Quality

Edge offers upright riding posture well supported by its long and comfortable seats. The telescopic front suspension is well integrated to the body to soak bumps and bad roads efficiently. The rear is fitted with single shock absorbers fastened to the engine and works as stressed body to the frame. 130mm drum brakes are fitted both in front and rear and there combined braking adds to the safety and stops the scooter efficiently when required. Whenever the rear brakes are applied, due to the combined brake system an additional front brake is applied in correct proportion.

Mileage

As of now there we do not know much about the actual mileage but company claims Edge’s overall mileage to be close to 65.8kmpl. The actual fuel efficiency figures would be available soon when we see more of it on roads.

2016 Prices and Specifications

Engine
Type: Air-cooled, 4-Stroke Single Cylinder OHC
Displacement: 110.9 cc
Power: 8.31bhp at 8000rpm
Torque: 8.30Nm at 6500rpm
Transmission: CVT
Gear box: Variomatic Drive

Mileage
Claimed: 65.8kmpl

Performance
Top speed: 85kmph

Other Specifications
Suspension(F): Telescopic, Hydraulic shock absorber
Suspension(R): Spring Loaded Hydraulic Damper
Brakes(F): 130mm Drum
Brakes(R): 130mm Drum
Tyre(F): 90/90 – 12 – 54J
Tyre(R): 90/100 – 10 – 53J
L x W x H: 1841 mm x 695 mm x 1190 mm
Wheelbase: 1261mm
Kerb Weight: 110kg
Ground Clearance: 155 mm