Hero Splendor Pro Alloy Self

Hero Splendor Pro is the newest member in Splendor family. Hero has stuffed this bike with new features to compete with its rising competitors. This segment of bikes is the busiest segment in Indian bike market and with this bike; Hero will try to take the competition to the next level.

Design and Style

‘Old is gold’; that’s what Hero believes in as this bike has no different looks than its previous generations. Hero has once again played their favourite game of stickers with this bike. They have tried to distinguish it from Splendor Plus by adding new graphics on this bike. Its integrated visor and cowl are the same, covering its unique headlight. Clear lens indicators are a new addition to this bike with new body coloured rear view mirrors. If you look it closely then you can notice its new silver finished alloy wheels and front mudguard which are different than its Plus variant. Sideways, this bike is the exact copy of its plus variant and features only different graphics on its fuel tank and side panel. Chrome shield on its silencer and carrier are a standard part of this bike. Side indicators at the back is the only difference between Pro and Plus variant, otherwise from its rear fender to its tail light, everything is the same.

Instrument Console

Hero has tried to make its instrument console look more premium and stylish. It features twin circular pods with chrome surroundings. The ignition switch has side turn indicators on its both sides. One of these dials features an analogue speedometer and odometer while the second dial houses analogue fuel gauge and other indicators.

Engine and Gearbox

This bike uses the same 100c engine used in Splendor Plus but it’s been altered for improved performance. This 4-stroke, mono cylinder engine yields out a peak power output of 7.6 bhp at 7500 rpm. The torque output of this air-cooled, OHC engine is 8.04 Nm which can be achieved at 4500 rpm. Hero has equipped this bike with a four speed manual gearbox with all gears up- shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

The alteration made to this engine seems to be effective as this bike feels more responsive and quick than its Plus variant. It now reaches 0-60km/hr in less than 8 seconds. Its revised gear ratios are also helpful while driving in city traffic. The power and torque output of this engine is available early. This bike can reach a top speed of 85km/hr. The crispy gear ratios remove the laziness from this engine. It still can’t go pass the engines of Bajaj bikes in terms of high end performance and pick up but feels certainly better if you talk about refinement. It’s a very silent motor which bothers you least when rev hard. The early availability of torque has resulted into better throttle response and that can be easily felt when it’s in big gears at low rpms. There is very less power offered by this engine after 6000rpm and that disappoints you highways. However noise and harshness levels are very less and that gives it an advantage over others. It’s not the best engineered engine in its class but surely has the quality and potential to impress you.

Mileage

Fuel efficiency of Hero Splendor Pro is more or less similar to its Plus variant but shorter gear ratios have increased its performance which has cut down its fuel efficiency marginally. This may give you a fuel efficiency of around 62-66km/ltr in city conditions while it increases by 5-7km/ltr on highways.

Comfort while Driving

There are no changes in this department. You won’t find its riding posture different than the regular Splendor. It’s still best for city commuters with an easy reach to its handle bar. There is no change in the quality of plastic buttons either. Front-set foot pegs and comfortable seat are carried over from the Plus variant.

Storage and Safety Features

Hero Splendor Pro has under seat storage space and utility box to keep the essentials. Moreover it features rear bag hook and carrier which can be used to carry bags. Pass button, multi reflector light and front leg guard are some of the standard safety features in this bike.

Suspension and Brakes

Hero Splendor Pro shares its suspension and braking system with its cheaper sibling Splendor Plus. At the front of this bike, it has telescopic forks while it features swing arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the back. Its braking system consists of effective drum brakes of 130mm on its both front and rear wheel. Unfortunately, there is no option of disc brake in this bike.

Ride and Handling

Hero Splendor Pro is based on the same platform of its Plus variant which means it has similar physical dynamics. There is a lot of sense of familiarity in the ride and handling of this bike. There is nothing new in its ride quality which is not good news. The same skinny tyres and wheelbase of 1230mm finds it hard to make it stable at high speeds and around sharp corners. Nasty potholes and speed breakers are still a matter of concern due to its low ground clearance (159mm).

Shades

Splendor Pro is available in seven shades: Granite blue, Black with purple stripe I, Black with purple stripe II, Black with purple .stripe III, Black with silver stripe, Cloud silver and Candy red

Variants

Hero Honda Splendor Pro is available in 4 variants: kick start and spoke wheels, self-start and spoke wheels, kick start and alloy wheels, self-start and alloy wheels.

Verdict

Hero Splendor Pro ranges from INR 44.15K-47.15K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). Yes, this is the price of a 100cc bike which has nothing to do with style and feels like many entry level bikes in terms of ride and performance. So, do you wonder what makes it so expensive; it’s the trust of Indians. Everyone believes in this bike and that’s the reason why it has been the world’s largest selling bike for many years. But not any-more, recently Bajaj Discover took over this bike and it’s a big warning for Hero. They should understand that people now look for complete value for money bikes not for old fashioned and expensive bikes.

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