If there’s one motorcycle that defines India’s daily commute, it’s the Hero Splendor Plus. This is the bike you see everywhere from early-morning milk runs to late-night office drops. It’s the machine that powered generations, survived fuel price hikes, flooded monsoons, and patchy roads… and still shows up every single morning without drama.
And in 2025, the Splendor Plus continues to dominate because it sticks to the basics: phenomenal mileage, bulletproof reliability, and ultra-low ownership cost. No over-the-top gimmicks, no complicated tech — just honest engineering that works.
Let’s unpack what keeps this legend at the top even after three decades.
Design That Prioritises Purpose With a Touch of Freshness
The Splendor Plus has never chased aggressive styling trends, and frankly, it doesn’t need to. The design stays clean, compact, and instantly recognisable, which is precisely why riders of all ages gravitate toward it.
You get:
- A slim, traffic-friendly profile
- Glossy new graphics
- Blacked-out alloy wheels
- Fresh body colours that keep it modern
It’s functional, light, and easy to weave through tight city corners — exactly what a commuter bike should be. And while it isn’t flashy, the subtle updates give it enough personality to look fresh on the road.
Engine: The 97.2cc Workhorse That Refuses to Quit
The Splendor Plus is powered by Hero’s trusted 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, delivering:
- 7.9 bhp power
- 8.05 Nm torque
- 4-speed gearbox
On paper, the numbers may look modest. But on the road? This engine is smooth, predictable, and unbelievably durable. Thousands of riders routinely clock 60,000–1,00,000 km without major issues — that’s the kind of reliability that built the Splendor’s reputation.
Gearshifts are light, clutch pull is soft, and cold starts are never a struggle. It’s easy for beginners, senior riders, and anyone who wants zero-hassle commuting.
Mileage: The Undisputed King of Fuel Efficiency
Let’s be real — this is the No. 1 reason most Indians buy a Splendor.
65–70 kmpl
That’s real mileage, not lab-tested fantasy figures.
With today’s fuel prices, saving even 5 kmpl matters — Splendor saves 15–20. And with Hero’s i3S idle-stop system, you squeeze out even more efficiency during traffic signal halts.
Over a year, the fuel savings are genuinely significant.
Comfort: Light, Upright & Stress-Free
Daily commuting can be exhausting — the Splendor Plus is designed to make it easy.
- Neutral upright seating
- Well-padded long seat
- Light weight (~112 kg)
- Easy handling for all height groups
- Suspension tuned for broken Indian roads
You can ride it for hours without back or wrist fatigue. Even tight U-turns or crowded market lanes feel effortless thanks to its nimble geometry.
Features: Simple, Useful & Modern Enough
Hero doesn’t overload the Splendor with unnecessary tech. Instead, it packs in practical additions that matter for commuter riders.
- i3S start-stop system
- Alloy wheels
- Tubeless tyres
- Engine cut-off with side stand
- Self and kick start options
- LED DRLs in XTEC
- Digital speedometer (XTEC)
The XTEC version brings a stylish digital console with readouts for mileage, real-time efficiency, and ride info — a neat upgrade for modern city riders.
Variants: Something for Every Budget
Here’s the quick variant breakdown:
| Variant | Key Features | Approx Price (₹, Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Kick Start | Basic, no self-start | ₹75,000 |
| Self Start | Electric start | ₹76,500 |
| i3S | Idle Stop-Start | ₹78,000 |
| XTEC | Digital console, DRLs, refreshed styling | ₹80,000 |
Even the top-end variant remains extremely affordable for the average buyer.
Popularity: Why India Still Can’t Quit Splendor
The Splendor Plus is not a trend — it’s an institution. And it continues to lead because it nails every commuter’s checklist:
- Outstanding mileage
- Ultra-low running cost
- Reliable engine
- Cheap and easily available spare parts
- Huge service network
- Excellent resale value
- Light and easy to ride
- Trusted by millions
It’s the kind of bike that rarely breaks down, rarely asks for money, and rarely gives you a reason to complain. In a country where daily commutes can be chaotic, the Splendor brings predictability.
Final Thoughts
The Hero Splendor Plus is the bike you buy when you want a partner, not a showpiece. It’s simple, frugal, and incredibly dependable — the kind of machine that doesn’t shout for attention but proves itself every single day.
Whether you’re a student, delivery rider, employee, or someone who just wants reliable transportation at the lowest possible cost, the Splendor remains a rock-solid choice.
It isn’t fast. It isn’t flashy.
But it never lets you down and that’s why India still loves it.
