Hero Splendor : The morning commute in urban India has a distinctive soundtrack—the gentle purr of millions of Hero Splendor motorcycles navigating through traffic with remarkable efficiency.
While flashier, more powerful motorcycles might capture the imagination of enthusiasts, it’s the humble Splendor that has earned its place as the backbone of Indian mobility through a perfect combination of exceptional fuel economy and increasingly refined aesthetics.
With the latest iterations of this iconic motorcycle, Hero MotoCorp has managed something that once seemed impossible—making one of the world’s most utilitarian two-wheelers genuinely attractive while maintaining the legendary efficiency that made it a household name.
Having spent two weeks with the latest Splendor Plus, I’ve gained fresh appreciation for this unassuming machine that continues to shape India’s transportation landscape.
Hero Splendor Engineering Efficiency: The Mileage Marvel
The heart of the Splendor’s appeal has always been its remarkable fuel efficiency, and the latest model continues this tradition with even more impressive numbers.
The refined 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine might seem modest on paper—producing just 8.2 horsepower and 8.05 Nm of torque—but these figures tell only part of the story.
During my testing through a mix of congested city streets and open highways, the Splendor consistently delivered between 80-85 kilometers per liter (approximately 188-200 mpg).
This efficiency wasn’t achieved through careful riding either—these figures came from normal daily usage, including frequent stops at traffic lights and occasional bursts of acceleration when needed.
“The i3S technology makes a noticeable difference in real-world conditions,” explains Rajesh Kumar, a motorcycle mechanic who has worked on Splendors for over fifteen years.
“I see customers whose older models would get maybe 70 kilometers per liter, but with these new variants, they’re regularly crossing 80 without changing their riding style.”
The i3S (Idle Stop Start System) that Kumar mentions is Hero’s implementation of start-stop technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when idling for more than a few seconds and restarts it instantly with a clutch pull.
In dense urban traffic, where waiting at signals can consume significant fuel, this system provides tangible benefits.
Equally impressive is how the engine delivers this efficiency without feeling severely underpowered.
While nobody would mistake the Splendor for a performance machine, it accelerates confidently from a standstill and maintains comfortable cruising speeds of 60-70 km/h without strain.
The engine’s refinement has improved markedly over the years, with vibrations now well controlled even when pushing toward the motorcycle’s modest limits.
Hero Splendor Understated Style Evolution
The most striking aspect of the current Splendor lineup is how Hero has managed to inject genuine style into a motorcycle once purchased purely for practical reasons.
The latest design language introduces subtle contemporary elements while respecting the motorcycle’s utilitarian heritage.
“We’ve owned Splendors in my family since I was a child,” says Priya Sharma, who recently purchased a new Splendor Plus.
“My father’s 2005 model is still running perfectly, but when I saw the new designs, especially in the Matte Shield Gold color, I wanted one for myself. It’s still a Splendor, but it has personality now.”
The Splendor’s evolution has been gradual but significant. The current models feature sharper tank shrouds, more contemporary graphics, and premium-looking badges that elevate the motorcycle’s presence.
The iconic silhouette remains recognizable, but details like the reshaped headlamp cowl, stylized side panels, and more integrated tail section give it a cohesive, deliberate aesthetic rather than the purely functional appearance of earlier generations.
Color options have similarly matured, moving beyond basic primary colors to include sophisticated metallic finishes and two-tone combinations that wouldn’t look out of place on motorcycles at twice the price point.
The Matte Axis Grey with blue accents and the Black with Sports Red options particularly stand out, offering visual appeal that transcends the motorcycle’s budget positioning.
Perhaps most impressive is how these style upgrades haven’t compromised the Splendor’s fundamental accessibility.
Despite its more premium appearance, the motorcycle remains approachable and unpretentious, reflecting the sensible values that have always defined the brand.
Hero Splendor Comfort Redefined for Daily Use
Living with the Splendor for daily transportation reveals thoughtful ergonomic improvements that enhance the ownership experience.
The riding position remains upright and natural, but the latest models feature a redesigned seat with improved padding density that significantly reduces fatigue during longer rides.
The handlebar position has been slightly recalibrated, bringing it marginally closer to the rider compared to previous generations.
This subtle change improves control in city traffic while reducing wrist strain—a small modification with considerable real-world benefits for the commuter who spends hours daily on their motorcycle.
Sadiq Mohammed, who uses his Splendor for his courier business, covering approximately 120 kilometers daily, notes these improvements: “I’ve ridden every version of the Splendor since 2008, and this new one is noticeably more comfortable.
My previous bike would leave me with back pain after a full day, but the new seat and riding position have made a real difference.”
Ground clearance of 159mm proves adequate for navigating the challenging road conditions often encountered in both urban and rural India.
During testing, the motorcycle cleared substantial speed bumps and traversed moderately rough unpaved sections without issue.
The 18-inch wheels (compared to the 17-inch wheels common on many competitors) also help manage uneven surfaces with greater confidence.
Hero Splendor Practical Features That Matter
Beyond its core attributes of efficiency and improved styling, the current Splendor incorporates practical features that enhance everyday usability.
The instrumentation, while still fundamentally simple, now includes a real-time mileage indicator that helps riders optimize their efficiency through immediate feedback.
Storage options have improved with a larger utility box under the seat that can accommodate essential documents, a basic tool kit, and smaller personal items.
The fuel tank capacity remains at 9.8 liters, which, combined with the exceptional efficiency, translates to a theoretical range exceeding 800 kilometers between fills—though most riders will refuel well before pushing these limits.
Lighting has seen significant upgrades, with brighter headlamps providing improved visibility during night riding.
The latest variants also feature automatic headlamp on (AHO) functionality for enhanced safety regardless of lighting conditions.
For those navigating urban environments, the Splendor’s remarkably tight turning radius deserves special mention.
During testing, the motorcycle easily managed U-turns in narrow alleys and confidently navigated through congested parking areas where larger motorcycles would struggle.
This maneuverability, often overlooked in specifications, represents a genuinely valuable attribute for real-world usage.
Hero Splendor Long-Term Value Proposition
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Splendor ownership experience remains its exceptional long-term value.
The motorcycle’s legendary reliability continues with the current generation, with many owners reporting minimal maintenance requirements beyond routine service intervals.
Spare parts availability remains unmatched, with genuine components available even in remote areas at reasonable prices.
This comprehensive service network significantly reduces ownership anxiety, particularly for riders in less urbanized regions where specialist mechanical support might be limited.
Resale values further enhance the Splendor’s financial proposition. Even after years of use, these motorcycles typically retain a higher percentage of their original purchase price compared to more expensive alternatives.
This depreciation advantage, combined with the minimal running costs, results in an extraordinarily low cost-per-kilometer that explains much of the motorcycle’s enduring appeal.
During conversations with numerous Splendor owners throughout the testing period, this value-oriented perspective appeared consistently.
“I considered other options, including some more powerful 125cc motorcycles,” admits college student Arjun Patel.
“But when I calculated the total cost over three years, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance, the Splendor made the most sense. The improved looks mean I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing style for practicality anymore.”
Hero Splendor The Cultural Icon Evolves
The Splendor’s significance extends beyond transportation—it has become a cultural touchstone representing reliability, sensible value, and upward mobility for millions of Indians.
The latest iterations respect this heritage while acknowledging evolving consumer expectations regarding style and features.
“Twenty years ago, owning a Splendor was purely about getting from point A to point B efficiently,” reflects motorcycle historian Vikram Singh.
“Today’s Splendor still delivers that fundamental utility but adds elements of pride and personality that previous generations would have considered unnecessary luxuries. It’s a fascinating reflection of how Indian consumer expectations have matured.”
This evolution speaks to Hero MotoCorp’s nuanced understanding of their market.
Rather than dramatically reinventing their flagship product, they’ve methodically refined it—improving efficiency incrementally, enhancing aesthetics thoughtfully, and adding features selectively—all while preserving the core attributes that built its reputation.
For the millions of riders who depend on their motorcycles not as recreational vehicles but as essential daily transportation, the Splendor continues to represent perhaps the most rational two-wheeled choice available.
That it now does so while offering genuine visual appeal only strengthens its already compelling case.
As Indian roads increasingly fill with larger, more powerful, and more complex motorcycles, the Splendor’s straightforward competence and newly found style ensure it remains not just relevant but genuinely desirable.
Some products achieve success through flashy innovation; the Splendor has earned its position through something far more difficult—consistent, thoughtful evolution that respects the practical needs of its riders while acknowledging their growing aspirations.