Motorcycles were once only available to those with large budgets, according to the Indian auto industry. People used to flavor scooters for commuting. Then the Hero Honda, with its Splendor, arrived, and the whole situation was altered. Individuals could choose to enjoy a bike ride instead of lugging along heavy scooters. And a middle-class man may still readily get a Hero Splendor motorbike nowadays. Let’s examine the background of the bike that is credited with realizing the dreams of countless bike enthusiasts.
For centuries, Hero Splendor, the world’s best-selling motorcycle, has been a familiar name in many households. Hero MotoCorp recently introduced the Splendor Plus Xtec, one of the several avatars that Splendor has been available in over the years. We now examine the Splendor family of engines, which range in displacement from 100 to 125cc.
Hero Splendor History – Timeline (2001-Present)
1994 – HERO HONDA SPLENDOR ARRIVES IN INDIA
As everyone knows, Hero Motocorp once worked with Honda Motorcycles, a Japanese carmaker. This partnership gave rise to Splendor. However, it wasn’t the manufacturer’s first bike. It was the Hero Honda CD100’s replacement. The Splendor’s engine was the same as the CD100’s, and not much of the design was altered either. However, this bike forced Indian consumers to convert from scooters to motorcycles. This bike caught off so well because of its low ownership costs and good fuel efficiency.
In terms of power, it was propelled by a 97.2cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine that had a respectable 7.44 horsepower and a maximum torque of 7.95 Nm. It could achieve fuel efficiency above 50 kmpl. In fact, back then, a single tank refill could last for weeks, according to some people. For about a decade, this model was in production, and its prosperous run is still regarded as one of the greatest in the motorcycle industry.
2004 – HERO HONDA Splendor PLUS
Ten years after its debut, the Splendor received an improvement. It was marketed under the name Splendor Plus and had the phrase “Lage Aisa Family Jaisa,” which implies that Splendor Plus feels like a member of the family. Along with a new tail light and multi-reflector headlamp, the new Splendor Plus also has some upgraded graphics. Additionally, the spoke wheels were changed. It now has alloys for just this use.
2005 – SUPER Splendor
In 2005, a new, more potent Splendor was introduced. The engine was a 125cc Advanced Swirl Flow Induction System (ASFS) that could produce nine horsepower. This revolutionary swirl technology raised the fuel efficiency of an already highly fuel-efficient motorcycle.
Furthermore, the bike and engine were upgraded further. In addition to its digital speedometer, alloy wheels, front disc brakes, upgraded graphics, and additional chrome on the exhaust and engine, the Super Splendor was lightweight.
2011 – HERO HONDA SPLENDOR PRO
This was supposed to be the final Splendor produced in conjunction with Honda and Hero. Although the joint venture was canceled in 2010, Honda was still required under the agreement to provide Hero with technological support through 2014. At this time, the Splendor Pro was introduced. In this instance, there were no alterations beneath the petrol tank—just kidding!
However, this bike’s self-start feature was one of its USPs. Hero also needed to improve its Splendor series to stay competitive since all of its main rivals were including self-start features in their products. Alloy wheels and a few graphic modifications were present. The Hero Honda Splendor Pro is regarded as one of the most reliable 100cc motorcycles available.
2014 – THE HERO STANDS ALONE!
The twenty-five-year-old JV has ended. There was no longer any technical help. How would Hero respond to this? It was to overcome, adapt, and improvise. They upgraded the Splendor. Also, cutting-edge i-Smart technology was included with the brand-new Hero Splendor.
Thanks to this technology, the Splendor achieved fuel efficiency of more than 100 kmph! That is accurate, really. According to the tech, the engine will turn off and restart itself as soon as the clutch is depressed whenever it gets idle. And that’s how you silence those who claim that Hero cannot live without Honda. It was propelled by an air-cooled 97.2cc engine that produced over 8 Nm of torque and 7.2 horsepower.
But that wasn’t all! 2014 marked Splendor’s 20th anniversary. Hero decided to release a Splendor Pro cafe racer variant. It was propelled by a 97.2cc engine that could generate eight horsepower. The Pro Classic had spoke wheels, a small handlebar, chrome accents all around, and a section dedicated to retro tail lights. Additionally, it had a cafe racer seating configuration.
HERO Splendor PLUS (BS6)
Hero Motocorp has made a point of updating its motorcycles over time. Moreover, given its heritage status, Splendor was meant to receive the BS6 update as well. It also received one. With the tagline “Bharosa Hai, Samjhauta Nahi” and Hero’s cutting-edge PFixSens Engine technology, the BS6-compliant Hero Splendor Plus is an impressive device. The 97.2cc air-cooled engine now produces 7.9 horsepower instead of just 7.2. Nearly equal torque is created.
Hero Splendor was never intended to be a powerful bike, even though it may not be one now. It indeed maintains the highest fuel efficiency, as intended. It is still one of the most popular and uncommonly successful 100cc bikes. What do you think about India’s national motorbike? Tell us in the space provided for comments below.
2014 – HERO Splendor ISMART
The Hero Splendor iSmart is powered by a relatively larger 113.2cc fuel-injected engine with i3S technology and has a more upscale and athletic appearance. It produces 9.15 PS and 9.89 Nm and has a four-speed gearbox. Additionally, a brand-new single-downtube frame houses the engine.
The bike appeals to consumers who want the dependability of the Splendor in a more fun and youthful package. It has a more premium appearance and premium hues. In contrast to the Plus model, the iSmart has an optional 240mm disc brake up front.
Hero Splendor Models Available In India
1. HERO SPLENDOR PLUS XTEC
The Splendor Plus Xtec is a more contemporary version of the Splendor Plus. Along with a few minor functional additions, this new motorcycle receives some minor design updates in the form of new paint schemes and graphics.
According to the manufacturer, the Splendor Plus Xtec boasts the industry’s first entirely digital instrument cluster. The new cluster allows calls and SMS notifications to be viewed on the cluster screen via Bluetooth connectivity. As an entry-level 100cc motorcycle, this one also has a real-time mileage indicator, which is really good.
| ENGINE | 97.2 cc |
| POWER | 7.9 bhp @8000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 8.05 Nm @6000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 87 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 9.8L |
| PRICE | 95,520/- |
2. HERO SPLENDOR PLUS
Hero Motocorp’s best-selling product is the Splendor Plus. Three versions of the motorcycle are available: kick-start with alloy wheels, self-start with alloy wheels, and self-start with alloys and i3S.
The Splendor Plus’s 100cc carbureted engine has been upgraded to a fuel-injection system using Hero’s “XSens technology.” At 8,000 rpm, the engine now generates 7.91 horsepower and 8.05 Nm. The torque figure remains constant but reaches 1000 rpm later, representing a 1.3 horsepower decrease. The engine is still coupled to a four-speed gearbox.
| ENGINE | 97.2 cc |
| POWER | 7.91 bhp @8000 rpm |
| TORQUE | 8.05 Nm @6000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 87 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 9.8L |
| PRICE | 90,251/- |
3. HERO SUPER SPLENDOR
A more expensive, higher displacement variant of the Splendor is called the Super Splendor. Rather than using the traditional 100cc and 110cc engines seen in its younger siblings, Hero MotoCorp has equipped it with a 125cc engine. Hero has been benefiting from Splendor’s consistent sales for almost 20 years, and the brand has grown in significance over that time. It is renowned for being long-lasting, dependable, and fuel-efficient.
| ENGINE | 124.7 cc |
| POWER | 10.72 bhp @7500 rpm |
| TORQUE | 10.6 Nm @6000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 90 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 12L |
| PRICE | 96,910/- |
4. HERO SUPER SPLENDOR XTEC
The 2023 Hero Super Splendor Xtec’s debut in the Indian market included several improvements over the regular motorcycle. This particular 125cc commuter motorcycle model has a fully digital, Bluetooth-enabled display that includes a phone battery level monitor, missed call warnings, SMS notifications, and incoming call alerts. Turn-by-turn navigation is missing from this motorbike, even though it has an Xtec emblem.
| ENGINE | 124.7 cc |
| POWER | 10.72 bhp @7500 rpm |
| TORQUE | 10.6 Nm @6000 rpm |
| TOP SPEED | 90 kmph |
| FUEL TANK CAPACITY | 12L |
| PRICE | 1,01,688/- |
