Hero Splendor NXG Spoke Self

Hero India has launched New Splendor NXG and the slogan for new bike is "Yaari Ki Gaadi". The facelift of the bike is again Hero style with new graphics and stickers. The basic shape and features of the bike are same like the old Splendor NXG. Next Generation (NXG) variant of Hero’s largest selling bike, Splendor was launched in order to get the attention of our Indian youth. However, despite having modern looks this bike couldn't manage to do so. Hero has once again launched this bike with few changes and hopes for better results this time.

Design and Style

Apart from Stickers, we do not find anything different in this bike. The basic design and appearance of Splendor NXG is quite familiar. This bike is available in dual tone colours. It follows the all-black theme featuring black coloured alloy wheels, engine, front forks and rear shock absorbers. It has an integrated cowl and visor which along with its headlight makes it look like Honda Dream Yuga. There are new graphics all over this bike including its visor and side panel. Body coloured rear view mirrors and clear lens indicators are familiar. Its long seat can be seen climbing on its fuel tank which features its complete name on it. At the back one can notice its big tail light with relatively short rear fender and a light reflector. This bike still lacks the style factor and we expected something better from Hero however it’s not as big and well-built as Passion but it looks way better than regular Splendor.

Instrument Console

Hero Splendor NXG sports a stylish instrument console. It has big circular dial for its analogue speedometer, odometer and trip meter. On the left side of this dial there are other indicators in it while on the right side it features an analogue fuel gauge.

Engine and Gearbox

There are no changes made to its engine. The same 4-stroke, single cylinder 97.2cc engine generates a power output of 7.8 bhp at 7500 rpm. The torque output of this air-cooled engine is 8 Nm which can be used at 4500 rpm. Similar to other siblings, this bike is available with a four speed manual gearbox with all gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

This is a reliable engine which is available in many bikes of Hero. This engine is known for its refinement and fuel efficiency. As soon as you start this engine, you can sense the high level of refinement. It’s been tested in many bikes and commuters prefer to choose this engine. This bike also feels pretty happy with this engine. The throttle response of this bike is quicker than its other siblings. Hero wants it be enthusiastic and that shows with its extremely short gear ratios which help you to get the maximum power of this engine as soon as possible. Thanks to its short gear ratios there is no need of frequent gear shifting and it gives you stress free rides. It will take you only 7 seconds to reach 0-60km/hr. You don’t need to push it too hard as gear ratios are well matched with this engine. Even if you rev it hard then noise and vibrations level are kept well under control. Yes, after 80km/hr you can notice the stress in this engine but it can still reach a top speed of 97km/hr. This bike feels faster than its rivals like Bajaj Platina and especially at high speeds, the drive ability of this engine is commendable.

Mileage

Hero Splendor NXG is lighter than Passion and has higher fuel efficiency than it. Its fuel efficiency may vary from 60-65km/ltr in city conditions and on highways it may give you a mileage of around 70-75km/ltr.

Comfort while Driving

That elongated seat on Hero Splendor NXG is just to provide you optimum comfort. It’s very well cushioned and there is enough space on this seat even with a pillion rider. It has commuter favouring front set foot pegs which allows your knees to rest by making a firm grip around its fuel tank. Its handle bar is placed upward and fits right in your palm. The plastic quality on this handle bar is also better than its cheaper siblings.

Storage Space and Safety Features

Hero Splendor NXG has nice storage options including a utility box and bag hook at the back. Moreover it has under seat storage space. Safety features in this bike include bright headlamp, pass button on handle bar, front leg guard and rear saree guard.

Suspension and Brakes

It’s a light weight vehicle and Hero has incorporated it with a capable suspension and braking system. It sports hydraulic front telescopic forks while at the back it has swing arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers. Braking system is also different and better than its younger siblings. However there is no option of disc brake but that’s not quite needed in this bike as it has effective drum brakes of 130mm and 110mm on its front and rear wheels respectively.

Ride and Handling

Hero Splendor NXG has very responsive and accurate handling giving you right amount of confidence. It steers easily which is very much needed in city traffic. To enhance the ride quality of this bike, Hero has increased its wheelbase and ground clearance to 1235mm and 160mm respectively. It feels more easy-going than regular Splendor and you can feel the extra firmness which is offered by this bike around corners and at high speeds. Its suspension can’t match the quality of comfort offered by Bajaj bikes but takes most of the bumps without creating disturbance. Its tyres also offer good grip on roads but do not push it too hard around corners.

Shades

New Hero Honda Splendor NXG is available in six shades: Black with red stripes, Black with silver stripes, Black with purple stripes, Force Silver Metallic, Candy Blazing Red and Vibrant Blue.

Verdict

Hero Splendor NXG ranges from INR 42.25-45.95K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). This is the cheapest variant of Splendor which is priced very smartly. It has a reliable and trusted engine which delivers satisfactory performance and fuel efficiency. It rides well and looks trendier than regular Splendor and other rivals. At this price with an option of self-start, it’s a complete value for money bike and should get a positive response from our youth.

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