Hero MotoCorp has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based Erik Buell Racing (EBR) on Wednesday as it wants to strengthen its presence in the high-end bike segment.

"We are entering into a long term strategic partnership with EBR, which is more into high end and high performance racing bikes,” said Hero MotoCorp Ltd Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Pawan Munjal, adding, “we have not gone beyond 225 cc engines but now with this kind of technical association we will gradually grow to get into high end bike segment.”

While EBR is more into high end Munjal said it is also possible that the US firm's technology can also be used for smaller engine bikes. Explaining in detail he said while Hero MotoCorp can use EBR’s technology for smaller engine bikes we can also manufacture high end engines in time to come in India.

Asked by when the company could launch a product using EBR technology in the market, he said: "We have already started work on some of our existing products and also on completely new product. I would tend to say that by calendar 2013 (a product will be launched)."