Hero Considering Diesel Motorcycles

Goodbye Honda, hello diesel?

Honda’s former Indian partner is reportedly in talks with a diesel engine supplier for future motorcycles.

The Hero Group is licensed to sell motorcycles with Honda technology until 2014 and the company is exploring alternatives as it tries to maintain its hold on India’s motorcycle market.  
According to Indian news outlet NDTV, Hero Honda is in talks with an engine supplier from Chennai, India to supply diesel engines larger than 400cc. The supplier was not identified but NDTV reports it is an Indo-U.S. firm. The company’s engines are currently undergoing certification with the Automotive Research Association of India. NDTV reports a supply agreement likely won’t be reached until the first quarter of 2012 with the first models to launch later that year.