Hero Super Splendor Review
Refreshed & Improved
Thursday, December 13, 2012Overview of Hero Super Splendor
Hero Super Splendor is the most powerful variant of Splendor till now. It’s an entry level 125cc bike which is placed below Hero’s Glamour. It’s been re-launched with some new up-gradations to make it prominent in our Indian bike market.
Additional/New Features of Hero Super Splendor
New Hero Honda Super Splendor comes with following additional features:
- New graphics
- Redesigned alloy wheels
- Redesigned tail light
- Redesigned headlight
- Translucent bikini visor
- New meter console
- Broad exhaust muffler
- Black coating on the engine
- Chrome garnish on storage compartment
Hero Super Splendor Exterior
This bike has always been the most mature bike amongst all Splendor variants in terms of appearance. It’s a full size bike with decent looks. It’s been designed for everyone. At front, you can instantly notice its restyled tinted visor which suits the new graphics on its cowl. There is a gap in its cowl just below its headlight which differentiates it than others. Front mudguard has been extended from both sides around its front forks. The bike also features body coloured rear view mirrors and new clear lens indicators. Hero has used black colour on its alloy wheels, engine, rear grab rails and silencer. To enhance its look, Hero has fitted a chrome shield on its muffler which complements its chromed rear shock absorbers. Side panel and fuel tank features new characteristic graphics on them. Just below the fuel tank, it has chrome finishing on its utility box which can easily be noticed. It looks like most of the Hero bikes when seen from the back. Its rear fender and tail lamp are quite familiar.
Instrument Console of Hero Super Splendor
Hero Super Splendor has a very smartly designed instrument console featuring three circular dials in it. These three dials and key switch have chrome surroundings. It is completely analogue and its overall appearance is quite soothing. At the centre, it has an analogue speedometer and Odometer while on the ride side it features an analogue fuel gauge. The left dial houses two indicators in it and this concept of having three dials in its instrument console from Hero manages to impress you.
Engine and Gearbox
This mono cylinder 125cc engine can also be seen its elder sibling, Glamour. It’s a four-stroke, air-cooled, OHC engine which pumps out a peak power of 9 bhp at 7000 rpm. The maximum torque output of this engine is 10.35 Nm which can be used at 4000 rpm. The same four speed manual gearbox with all gears up shift-pattern of Glamour makes its way to this bike.
Acceleration and Performance
There is hardly any difference in the performance of this bike and Glamour. In fact, you may feel its gear ratios a bit taller than Glamour for better fuel efficiency. It’s certainly not on the faster side but feels better than other 100cc bikes. Unfortunately it’s not as powerful as other 125cc rivals and that spoils the game in city traffic. The constant gear shifting may irritate you as the bike lacks power and its throttle response is also not very impressive. However what can impress you is the refinement level of this engine. It’s a very silent motor which promises you least noise and harshness at high speeds. It takes around 8 seconds to complete 0-60km/hr and after that it can reach to a top speed of 90km/hr which is also disappointing as even many 100cc bikes like Bajaj Platina manage to get a top speed of 95km/hr but it’s hard for this bike. Gear transitions are very smooth which is really helpful in city driving. The bike performs best between 3000-6000rpm and soon after that the power starts to taper off which is a big setback for this bike.
Hero Super Splendor Mileage
There is a slight difference in the fuel efficiency of this bike and Glamour. Super Splendor seems to be more fuel efficient as it may deliver you a mileage of around 63-68km/ltr in city traffic while these figures may increase up to 5km/ltr on highways.
Comfort while Driving Hero Super Splendor
Hero Super Splendor is a typical commuter bike and it’s clearly stated by the riding posture offered by this bike. It has front set foot pegs and a straight seat which gives you proper comfort. Your knees stays in a relaxing posture and you can easily grab its commuter friendly handle bar which is placed upwards.
Storage Space and Safety Features
Hero Super Splendor is a very spacious bike in its segment featuring a utility box and under seat storage space. The bike has standard safety features like Pass button, front leg guard and rear saree guard.
Suspension and Braking
The familiar five step adjustable rear shock absorbers and telescopic front forks are supporting this bike. It’s a very competent suspension system which can be seen in many bikes of Hero. This bike has the potential to carry the weight of this bike without complaining. There is no option of disc brake in this bike as it features 130mm drum brakes on its front and rear wheel. Hero Super Splendor Ride and Handling This bike is lighter in weight in comparison to Glamour which improves its drive ability in city traffic. The light handling acts as a boon for city commuters. However on highways, the bike lacks stability due to rigid suspension system and small wheelbase (1265mm). Things become worse with its poor ground clearance of 150mm which makes it unsuitable for our nasty Indian roads. The bike is unstable around corners and its tyres find it hard to keep this bike grounded. An optional disc brake is missed badly at some situations where you need accurate control on this bike. Its ride quality would have improved significantly with the help of a disc brake.
Shades Available in Hero Super Splendor
Hero Honda Super Splendor is available in seven shades:
- Vibrant Blue
- Cloud Silver
- Black with fiery red
- Candy blazing red
- Black with electric purple
- Graphite Black
- Heavy Grey
Verdict
This bike comes with a price tag of INR 59.65K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). It’s a smart package from Hero which offers average looks and performance according to its price. It has decent fuel efficiency and comes with all essential features. Yes, it lacks an optional disc brake but at this price, it’s should not be a big issue and we feel it’s completely worth to buy this bike. The pricing of this bike is its biggest USP and that’s what makes it a complete value for money bike.