Hero Splendor Plus

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

The Hero Splendor is an entry-level motorcycle in the Indian two-wheeler industry. The first-generation Splendor was introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the Hero Honda CD100 and the Hero Honda Sleek, both of which were influenced by the Honda CB250RS series of the 1980s. In 2004, Hero Honda introduced the Splendor Plus, an improved version of the Splendor. When Hero Honda was renamed Hero Motocorp in 2011, the Hero emblem replaced Hero Honda in subsequent models. Following the split of Hero Group and Honda Motor Company, Hero Motocorp currently manufactures the Splendor Plus. With over 2,50,000 bikes sold, the Splendor was the best-selling bike in October 2016. In February 2020, Hero introduced the BS6-compliant Splendor Plus with a catalytic converter to meet new emission standards, as well as new graphics and colour options.

Hero Splendor Plus Design and Style

Hero Splendor Plus is an entry-level commuter with no-nonsense looks, with no unnecessary fancy elements to it as it doesn’t require that for the job it needs to do. At the front, it has a rectangular halogen headlamp with rectangle-shaped halogen turn indicators with a small visor as an extension of its plastic panel. The addition of the new triple-tone attractive graphics on the side body panel gives a fresh look to its old-school build. It is installed with a single-unit seat and a decent sized fuel tank with a rectangular fuel filler cap. The catalytic converter on the exhaust and impressive new chrome accents with fun new schemes are a few changes that the Splendor Plus is added with.

Hero Splendor Plus Engine and Gearbox

It houses a BS6 compliant 97.2cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, OHC engine with an xSens programmed fuel injection with advanced sensor tech which generates 7.91 HP of max power at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of max torque at 6000 rpm. Splendor Plus is mated with a 4-speed constant mesh manual gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch.

Hero Splendor Plus Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

2024 Splendor Plus is suspended on the tubular double cradle frame with front suspension telescopic forks and 5-step adjustable hydraulic DualShock absorbers at the rear, providing a good ride quality and smooth movement through rough surfaces. The braking duties are performed by the 130mm drum brakes at both ends, with IBS (integrated braking system) as an additional aid. As for the wheels & tyres, it is offered with 18-inch alloy wheels that are outfitted with an 80/100-18 M/C 47P (Tubeless) unit at the front and 80/100-18 M/C 54P (Tubeless) unit at the rear. IBS will engage the front brakes automatically every time you apply the rear brakes as well, giving a decent braking performance.

Instrument Console of Hero Splendor Plus

2024 Splendor Plus comes with an analogue instrument cluster that displays the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, etc. It has xSens installed that has features like Engine Cut-Off at Fall (via Back Angle Sensor), Instant PickUp (via Throttle Position Sensor), High-Temperature Control (via Engine-oil Temperature Sensor), Better Pulling Power in various loads, Precise Fuel Consumption (via Oxygen Sensor, Crank Position Sensor), Easier Uphill Climb (via Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor), Saves Petrol (via i3s Sensor), High Altitude Riding (via Intake Air Temperature Sensor) and All-Weather Easy Start (via Intake Air Temperature Sensor).

Key Features of Hero Splendor Plus

As an entry-level commuter, it is not a highly feature-rich bike but still has some pretty decent additions. Some of its features are a maintenance-free battery, 165 mm ground clearance, a long single-unit seat and 5-step adjustable rear suspension, FI programmed for pulling 6% more acceleration and i3s for better fuel efficiency, IBS, xSens, High-Tensile double-cradle frame, tubeless tyres and such.

Top Speed and Mileage of Hero Splendor Plus

In terms of performance, the 100cc entry-level commuter can reach 0-60 KMPH in 9 seconds and it has a ground clearance of 165mm. The top speed of Hero Splendor Plus is 87kmph in the real world and the BS6-compliant engine aided with i3s tech helps and boosts its fuel economy to 65-70 kmpl in real-world conditions making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in the current Indian market.

Hero Splendor Plus Colour Options

As per the official Hero MotoCorp site, all the available colours are as follows; Black with Silver, Black with Purple, Black with Sports Red, Heavy Grey with Green and Matte Shield Gold.

Hero Splendor Plus Competitors

Honda CD110 Dream, Bajaj CT 100, Bajaj Platina 100, Hero Super Splendor, Hero Glamour BS6, TVS Radeon and Honda Shine can be accepted as respectable rivals for new Splendor Plus.

Verdict

Hero Splendor Plus has been one of the most efficient and loved entry-level commuters in the Indian market and the newly launched 2022 model was purchased and had a pretty ‘splendid’ success among customers. One can hope the same thing for the latest variant and considering the past versions, this latest version is definitely set for success. If you're in the market looking for an entry-level commuter and nothing fancy, then Hero Splendor Plus is definitely the bike to consider.