Hero Splendor (Old)

The Hero Splendor is a 100cc commuter motorcycle that has defined reliability and simplicity in India for decades. It features a 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing around 7.9 bhp and 8 Nm of torque, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The bike weighs about 112 kg, has a 9.8-litre fuel tank, and offers a comfortable seat height of 785 mm. Its drum brakes and basic suspension setup are designed for city riding, ensuring ease of use and low maintenance. The Splendor’s design is straightforward, with minimal changes over the years, focusing on durability and practicality. It remains a top pick for those seeking a no-nonsense, dependable motorcycle for everyday commuting.

The Hero Splendor represents a pinnacle of utilitarian motorcycle design that I've observed dominating Indian roads for over two decades. This bike features a compact 97.2cc air-cooled engine producing approximately 7.9-8 bhp with 8 Newton-meters of torque, offering modest but adequate performance for urban navigation and highway cruising at moderate speeds. The 4-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly, and the lightweight 112kg chassis makes handling incredibly nimble in congested traffic conditions. I particularly appreciate the drum braking system that incorporates a linked rear brake mechanism, enhancing safety by reducing skidding chances during emergency braking. The 9.8-liter fuel tank provides decent range between fill-ups, while the sturdy metal construction has proven capable of withstanding years of demanding Indian road conditions. The bike's simplistic mechanical architecture means fewer electronic components can malfunction, explaining the legendary reliability stories I've encountered from long-term owners. The seat comfort is adequate for daily commutes but becomes tiresome on extended highway journeys, and the basic suspension setup lacks sophistication for rough terrain. Overall, this is a no-frills, purpose-built commuter motorcycle that consistently delivers dependable performance.

The Hero Splendor remains a benchmark in the 100cc commuter segment in India, even after years of dominance. Its reliability, ease of use, and low maintenance make it a top choice for daily riders. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, especially in city conditions, and the handling is predictable, making it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. The engine is tuned for fuel efficiency rather than outright power, which means it’s not sporty but gets the job done with minimal fuss. Build quality is robust, and the bike feels durable over long periods. The suspension could be better, especially on rough roads, but for the price and purpose, it’s more than adequate. The Splendor continues to deliver on its promise of hassle-free ownership, making it a smart buy for anyone looking for a dependable, no-frills commuter.

After extensively evaluating the Hero Splendor across various real-world conditions and user feedback, I've found this motorcycle to be an exceptionally reliable commuter that has proven its mettle over decades of ownership. The build quality is genuinely impressive, with owners reporting that bikes from the early 2000s are still running smoothly after 200,000 kilometers with minimal engine work required. What strikes me most is the bike's no-nonsense engineering philosophy—it prioritizes longevity and dependability over flashy features, making it ideal for Indian road conditions. The ride quality in urban environments is superior to many competitors in its segment, and the chassis is agile enough for city traffic weaving. However, the platform's age shows in its limited power delivery and basic suspension setup, which can feel underdeveloped on longer highway stints. The mechanical simplicity means servicing is straightforward and economical, but riders seeking more excitement or comfort on extended rides might find it underwhelming. For daily commuting and reliability-focused buyers, the Splendor remains an exceptional value proposition that justifies its legendary status in India.

I've been tracking the Hero Splendor (Old) closely over the years, and this timeless commuter from the Hero Honda era remains a benchmark for reliability in India's bustling streets. Launched back in 1994 as an evolution of the CD 100, it packs a proven 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder OHC engine churning out 8.2 bhp at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 5000 rpm, mated to a smooth 4-speed gearbox that delivers effortless city rides up to 85 kmph. Weighing just 110 kg with 160 mm ground clearance and an 8.7-litre tank, it glides over potholes and speed breakers like few others, often returning 60-70 kmpl in real-world conditions for unbeatable running costs. Key updates specific to this model include the 2007 NXG variant's sporty dual-tone graphics and 5-spoke alloys for better stance, the 2009 special blacked-out edition celebrating 1 crore sales, and the 2011 Pro model's self-start and premium speedometer for family-friendly ease. Even post-BS6 transition in 2020 with fuel injection tweaks dropping power slightly to around 8 bhp, its drum brakes, telescopic forks, and vast service network keep it kicking strong on used markets at under Rs 52,000 ex-showroom Delhi prices, proving why it's still the go-to for daily hauls without fuss.

I've been riding the Hero Splendor Old model for years now, and it's still my go-to for reliable daily commutes across Indian cities. Launched back in the Hero Honda days, this discontinued 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder commuter churned out 8.2 bhp at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 5000 rpm through a smooth 4-speed gearbox, paired with drum brakes that handled urban traffic adequately up to 60 kmph. Weighing just 110 kg with 160 mm ground clearance and an 8.7-litre tank, it offered effortless maneuverability on pothole-ridden roads, solid build quality, and exceptional mileage that easily touched 60-65 kmpl in mixed conditions. The vast Hero service network kept maintenance dirt cheap, though I noted vibrations creeping in above 70 kmph, a slightly underpowered feel on highways, and firm suspension that jarred over rough patches—no disc brakes or ABS to speak of, keeping it basic. In 2020, BS6 updates across the range added fuel injection for cleaner emissions, but power dipped marginally; minor refreshes like alloy wheels helped, yet this old faithful remains unbeatable for value, especially used ones hovering around Rs 50,000 ex-showroom Delhi levels. Its legacy endures for budget riders prioritizing economy over frills.

I've been riding the Hero Splendor Old model for years in India's bustling streets, and its updates over time have kept it relevant for daily commutes despite being discontinued now at around Rs 51,910 ex-showroom Delhi. Launched in 1994 as a successor to the CD100 with the same trusty 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder OHC engine making 8.2 bhp at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 5000 rpm, it paired a reliable 4-speed gearbox for smooth city runs. By 2007, the NXG variant added sporty dual-tone graphics, 5-spoke alloy wheels, and metallic paint for a fresher look while retaining the 785mm seat height, 160mm ground clearance, and lightweight 110kg kerb mass ideal for pothole-ridden roads. In 2009, it hit the 1 crore sales milestone with an all-black special edition honoring its popularity among middle-class families. The 2011 Splendor Pro brought self-start, new graphics, and a premium analogue speedometer, boosting family appeal via the "Splendor lage aisa, family jaisa" campaign. Early 2020 BS6 updates introduced catalytic converters, fuel injection, and oxygen sensors, slightly dropping power to 7.9 bhp but ensuring eco-compliance and maintaining 60-70 kmpl mileage. Its vast service network and low maintenance make it a timeless pick even today.

I've been tracking the Hero Splendor (Old) closely over the years, and this classic commuter from the pre-BS6 era remains a staple in India's used market for its unmatched reliability on our pothole-ridden roads. Launched around 2009 with a 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine pushing 8.2 bhp at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 5000 rpm through a 4-speed gearbox, it weighs just 110 kg with 160 mm ground clearance, making it incredibly easy to maneuver in Delhi traffic or rural lanes. Fuel efficiency hovers around 65-70 kmpl, a boon with petrol at current prices, backed by a 8.7-litre tank and drum brakes that deliver confident stopping without fuss. Its pros shine through in solid build quality, vast Hero service network for cheap parts, and low maintenance that keeps daily commutes hassle-free, though it feels underpowered beyond 60 kmph with vibrations creeping in and no disc or ABS options. By early 2020, Hero phased it out for BS6 updates like the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 with LED lamps and Bluetooth, but the old model's lightweight agility and value still make it ideal for first-time buyers or fleet use in tier-2 cities, holding strong resale value even in 2026.

Hero MotoCorp has launched the new Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Splendor. The bike is priced at Rs 82,911 (ex-showroom) and features minor cosmetic updates, an LED headlamp with H-shaped DRLs, a digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB charging port. I think these updates make the Splendor more appealing to modern buyers while retaining its classic charm.

The Hero Splendor is available in India with an ex-showroom price starting around ₹73,500 for the base variant, while the on-road price typically ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 depending on the city and variant. The Splendor Plus XTEC, which offers slightly better features and mileage, is priced a bit higher, with on-road costs going up to ₹89,000. These prices make it one of the most affordable motorcycles in its segment. The low price point, combined with minimal running costs and easy availability of spare parts, ensures that ownership remains economical. The Splendor’s pricing strategy continues to focus on value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers, especially those prioritizing affordability and reliability over premium features.

The Hero Splendor's pricing structure in India demonstrates exceptional value, with on-road prices ranging from approximately Rs. 73,527 for the base Splendor Plus variant to around Rs. 81,353 for the Super Splendor XTEC, depending on your location and current market conditions. The ex-showroom prices are considerably lower, making the on-road premium primarily consist of registration, insurance, and road tax charges. From my perspective as an automotive reviewer, this pricing is remarkably competitive given the bike's legendary reliability and the extensive dealer network across India. What impresses me is the minimal price gap between variants, allowing buyers to access additional features like the XTEC technology or the larger 124.7cc engine without breaking the bank. The depreciation curve on these bikes is favorable compared to many competitors, as the strong resale demand keeps values relatively stable. I've observed that the Splendor Plus XTEC offers the sweetest spot in terms of value, providing incremental improvements like better fuel efficiency over the base model at a reasonable premium. For budget-conscious Indian buyers prioritizing long-term cost of ownership, these prices represent genuine value in the commuter motorcycle segment.

The Hero Splendor is known for its exceptional fuel efficiency, with real-world mileage ranging from 61 to 65 kmpl for most variants, and the Splendor Plus XTEC often delivering up to 73 kmpl under ideal conditions. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in India, significantly reducing running costs for daily commuters. For anyone concerned about mileage and long-term expenses, the Splendor stands out as a practical choice, offering consistent performance and low fuel bills even with regular use.

I've analyzed both ARAI certified and real-world owner-reported mileage figures for the Splendor, and the numbers consistently demonstrate why this bike remains popular among cost-conscious riders. The Hero Splendor Plus delivers around 61 kmpl in real-world riding, while the XTEC variant achieves approximately 65 kmpl, outperforming the ARAI ratings in many cases. The Super Splendor, with its larger engine, maintains competitive efficiency at around 61 kmpl despite increased displacement. From my evaluation, these mileage figures translate to genuinely low running costs, with fuel expenses being significantly lower than larger displacement bikes. The engine's design prioritizes efficiency, allowing you to cover substantial distances on minimal fuel consumption, which is particularly advantageous for daily Indian commutes and occasional intercity runs.