Hero Splendor : The Hero Splendor continues its reign as India’s best-selling motorcycle by maintaining a balance between functional design and contemporary aesthetics. The latest iterations feature refreshed body graphics, chrome accents on the exhaust and engine covers, and redesigned tail lamps that give this workhorse a more modern appearance. While “premium” might overstate its positioning, Hero has systematically upgraded the Splendor’s visual appeal without abandoning the simplicity that made it successful.
The motorcycle’s design focuses on practicality rather than flashiness, with a comfortable upright riding position that suits both daily commuters and rural riders covering long distances. The 18-litre fuel tank design has been refined over generations to maximize capacity while maintaining the bike’s slim profile, essential for navigating congested city traffic. The seat has evolved to provide better cushioning for both rider and pillion, acknowledging that many Splendor owners use their bikes as family transportation.
Recent models incorporate subtle improvements like integrated side stand indicators, USB charging ports in higher variants, and improved switchgear quality. These additions reflect Hero’s understanding that today’s budget-conscious buyers still expect modern conveniences, even in entry-level motorcycles.
Mileage Performance That Defines a Segment
The Splendor’s fuel efficiency remains its strongest selling point, with real-world figures consistently achieving 65-70 kilometers per litre under mixed riding conditions. This exceptional mileage comes from the refined 97.2cc air-cooled engine that prioritizes efficiency over outright performance. The engine produces modest power figures of around 8 bhp, but this proves adequate for the bike’s intended use while maximizing fuel economy.
Hero’s i3S technology, available in select variants, automatically switches off the engine during brief stops and restarts when the clutch is pulled, further improving fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. This start-stop system, unusual in budget motorcycles, can improve city mileage by approximately 5-7% according to company testing. Rural riders particularly value this efficiency, where fuel stations might be sparse and every kilometer per litre matters.
The four-speed gearbox, while basic compared to sportier motorcycles, offers well-spaced ratios optimized for fuel economy rather than acceleration. The tall gearing in fourth allows relaxed cruising at 50-60 km/h, the sweet spot where the engine delivers maximum efficiency.
Build Quality and Reliability Standards
The Splendor’s reputation for reliability stems from its proven mechanical simplicity and Hero’s extensive service network across India. The basic engine design has remained largely unchanged for decades, allowing mechanics even in remote areas to service these motorcycles with basic tools. This accessibility to maintenance contributes significantly to the bike’s popularity in rural markets where authorized service centers might be distant.
Component quality has improved in recent years, with better paint quality reducing rust issues that plagued earlier models. The electrical systems now feature better waterproofing, addressing monsoon-related problems that customers previously faced. The chain drive system uses improved materials that extend adjustment intervals, reducing maintenance frequency for owners who might neglect regular servicing.
Market Position and Target Audience
The Splendor occupies a unique position in India’s motorcycle market, priced between basic mopeds and more powerful 125cc commuters. Starting around ₹70,000 for base variants, it offers motorized transportation at prices accessible to first-time buyers, small business owners, and rural customers upgrading from bicycles. The motorcycle serves diverse roles from daily commuting to small-scale delivery services, testament to its versatile design.
Different variants cater to varying customer needs and budgets. The base Splendor Plus offers maximum value, while the Splendor Plus Xtec adds features like Bluetooth connectivity and real-time mileage indicators for tech-savvy buyers. The Splendor iSmart variants include the i3S system for customers prioritizing ultimate fuel efficiency.
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Hero Splendor Competition and Market Dynamics
Despite increasing competition from other manufacturers offering feature-rich alternatives, the Splendor maintains market leadership through brand trust and an unmatched dealer network. Bajaj’s Platina and TVS’s Sport compete directly, often offering more features or slightly better performance, yet struggle to match Splendor’s sales volumes.