Scooters used to be preferred by people for commuting. Then the Hero Honda with its Splendor arrived, changing the situation. People had the choice to ride bikes instead of large scooters if they preferred. The Hero Splendor continues to be a motorcycle that a man from the middle class may readily purchase. Since its market debut, Hero Honda Splendor has consistently fallen under the category of commuter bikes under 1 lakh. Let’s examine the bike’s background bike enthusiasts claim has fulfilled their dreams. In the past, bikes were still reserved bikes in the Indian auto industry.
1994 – India gets the Hero Honda Splendor
We all recall the prior partnership between Honda, a Japanese automaker, and Hero Motocorp. Under this partnership, the Splendor was introduced. It was the Hero Honda CD100’s replacement. The Splendor had the same engine as the CD100, and little had changed regarding the exterior design. However, the Indian clients switched from scooters to bikes thanks to this bike. This bike’s rapid growth can be attributed to its inexpensive cost of ownership and good fuel efficiency.
The engine had a 97.2cc air-cooled 4-stroke engine that could generate a respectable 7.44 horsepower and a maximum torque of 7.95 Nm. It could yield more than 50kmpl in fuel efficiency. When it was first introduced, people used to brag that it could last for weeks on a single tank of gas. Its successful run, which lasted almost 10 years, is still regarded as one of the best in the industry.
2004 – Hero Honda Splendor Plus
After being in operation for ten years, the Splendor received an upgrade. It had the name Splendor Plus and the slogan “LageAisa Family Jaisa” on it (Which means it feels like Splendor Plus is a part of the family). The new Hero Splendour Plus included a multi-reflector headlamp, a redesigned taillight, and improved aesthetics. Additionally, they spoke about what changed wheels. Now, it had the necessary alloys.
2005 – Super Splendor
In 2005, they introduced a brand-new, more potent Splendor. It had an Advanced Swirl Flow Induction System (ASFS) 125cc engine that could produce 9 horsepower. An already very fuel-efficient motorcycle saw a boost in fuel efficiency because of this new swirl technology.
And the bike’s improvements didn’t stop at the engine. The Super Splendor had alloy wheels, a digital speedometer, front disc brakes, graphic upgrades, and additional chrome on the machine and exhaust. It was also lightweight.
2011 – Hero Honda Splendor Pro
The Splendor would have been the final product of Hero and Honda’s partnership. Although what already terminated the joint venture in 2010, Honda was still required by the agreement to provide Hero with technological support through 2014. At this time, the Splendor Pro was introduced. What made no modifications underneath the hood—I kid you not—under the gas tank in this instance!
But this bike’s self-start was one of its USPs. Hero had to improve their Splendor series to stay on the right track since all the big rivals equipped their products with self-start. Alloy wheels and a few graphic modifications were present. According to legend, one of the best 100cc bikes in India of its era was the Hero Honda Splendor Pro.
2014 – Hero is on its own
What terminated the 25-year-old JV. What stopped the technical assistance? Hero had to decide what to do. It would improvise, adapt, and prevail. It was better than the Splendor. Additionally, the brand-new Hero Splendor featured cutting-edge i-Smart technology. The Splendor achieved a fuel economy of above 100kmph because of this technology! Yes, that is accurate. When the engine is idle, according to the technology, it will turn off and restart as soon as the clutch is depressed. And that is how you silence critics who asserted that “Hero won’t live without Honda.” It was propelled by a 97.2cc air-cooled engine with 7.2 horsepower and more than 8 Nm of torque.
Hero Splendor Pro Classic
However, it wasn’t all. In 2014, The Splendor celebrated 20 years. Hero decided to release the Splendor Pro in a cafe racer configuration. It had a 97.2cc engine that could generate 8 horsepower. The Pro Classic had a small handlebar, spoke wheels, chrome, and a classic tail light part. It also had retro-style rearview mirrors. Additionally, it had a cafe racer seating configuration.
BS6 Hero Splendor Plus
Hero Motocorp has made a point of continually improving its motorcycles. Splendour was also meant to receive the BS6 upgrade because it is a legacy system. It received one. The Hero Splendor Plus, which complies with BS6, features Hero’s cutting-edge PFixSens Engine technology and the slogan “Bharosa Hai, SamjhautaNahi.” The 97.2cc air-cooled engine now has 7.9 horsepower instead of its previous 7.2 horsepower. Hero Splendor Plus mileage is 60 km/l making it a reliable option for everyday commuting. The amount of torque produced is nearly the same.
Hero Splendor might not be a powerful bike, but it was never meant to be one. It was meant to give the best fuel efficiency and keep that alive. It is still one of the most sold 100cc bikes and one of the few successful ones.
