Hero Splendor 135 : In a bold move that has sent ripples through the Indian two-wheeler market, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its latest offering – the Hero Splendor 135.
This new entrant in the Splendor lineup marks a significant departure from the brand’s traditional 100-125cc offerings, pushing into the territory of more powerful commuter motorcycles.
Hero Splendor 135 Design Evolution
The Hero Splendor 135 retains the iconic silhouette that has made the Splendor series a household name across India.
However, subtle design changes give this new model a more muscular and contemporary look.
The fuel tank features sharper lines, complemented by redesigned side panels that hint at the increased power lurking beneath.
The bike’s front fascia has been updated with a sleeker headlamp cluster, incorporating LED daytime running lights – a first for the Splendor series.
This not only enhances visibility but also gives the Splendor 135 a premium touch.
The rear section has been tweaked to accommodate the more powerful engine, with a slightly upswept exhaust adding a sporty flair to the overall design.
Hero Splendor 135 Powerful Heart
At the core of the Splendor 135 lies its namesake – a robust 135cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
This new powerplant is a significant step up from the 97.2cc and 124.7cc engines found in other Splendor models.
Hero’s engineers have tuned this engine to deliver an impressive balance of power and efficiency, a crucial factor for the brand’s target audience.
The 135cc engine churns out a respectable 11.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.
These figures position the Splendor 135 as a formidable competitor in the 125-150cc segment, offering enough grunt for confident overtakes and comfortable highway cruising, while still maintaining the fuel efficiency that Splendor riders have come to expect.
Hero Splendor 135 Transmission and Performance
Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox, an upgrade from the 4-speed units found in smaller Splendor models.
This additional gear allows for better power distribution across the rev range, contributing to improved fuel efficiency at higher speeds.
The Splendor 135’s performance is noteworthy, with a claimed top speed of 110 km/h.
While this might not set the streets on fire, it’s a significant improvement over its smaller siblings and provides ample performance for both city riding and occasional highway jaunts.
Hero Splendor 135 Fuel Efficiency: The Splendor Legacy Continues
Despite the increase in engine capacity and power output, Hero has managed to maintain impressive fuel efficiency figures.
The company claims that the Splendor 135 can deliver up to 65 km/l under standard testing conditions.
While this is slightly lower than the smaller Splendor models, it’s still highly competitive in its class and ensures that the new model stays true to the Splendor’s reputation for frugality.
Hero Splendor 135 Chassis and Suspension
To handle the increased power, Hero has upgraded the Splendor 135’s chassis.
The bike features a new diamond frame that offers improved rigidity and better handling characteristics.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, both tuned to provide a balance between comfort and sporty handling.
The increased power is reined in by a 240mm disc brake at the front, a significant upgrade from the drum brakes found on most Splendor models.
The rear retains a 130mm drum brake. This combination, coupled with the standard single-channel ABS, ensures confident braking performance in various conditions.
Hero Splendor 135 Features and Technology
Hero has packed the Splendor 135 with features that elevate it above the typical commuter motorcycle:
1. Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: A modern console that displays essential information including speed, fuel level, and gear position.
2. i3S Technology: Hero’s start-stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at traffic stops to conserve fuel.
3. USB Charging Port: A practical addition for keeping devices charged on the go.
4. LED Headlamp and Taillight: Enhancing visibility and giving the bike a premium look.
5. Alloy Wheels: Stylish and lighter than spoke wheels, improving handling and fuel efficiency.
6. Side-stand Indicator: A safety feature that prevents the bike from starting if the side stand is down.
Hero Splendor 135 Comfort and Ergonomics
The Splendor 135 maintains the comfortable riding position that the series is known for.
The slightly raised handlebar and neutrally positioned footpegs create an upright seating posture, ideal for long rides and daily commutes.
The seat has been redesigned to accommodate the slight increase in seat height, ensuring that riders of various heights can comfortably plant their feet on the ground.
Hero Splendor 135 Market Positioning and Competition
With the Splendor 135, Hero MotoCorp is clearly targeting riders who are looking to upgrade from their 100-125cc motorcycles but aren’t ready for the leap to 150cc+ models.
This strategic positioning places the Splendor 135 in competition with bikes like the Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and the TVS Raider 125.
The Splendor brand’s strong reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs gives the 135 model a significant advantage in this segment.
Additionally, Hero’s vast service network across India provides peace of mind to buyers, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where after-sales service can be a crucial factor in purchase decisions.
Hero Splendor 135 Pricing and Variants
Hero has priced the Splendor 135 competitively, with an ex-showroom price starting at Rs. 85,000 for the drum brake variant and going up to Rs. 90,000 for the disc brake version.
This pricing strategy positions the Splendor 135 as an attractive option for buyers looking for a power upgrade without a significant price jump.
The bike is available in three variants:
1. Splendor 135 Drum
2. Splendor 135 Disc
3. Splendor 135 Disc with i3S
Hero Splendor 135 Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Splendor Legacy
The launch of the Hero Splendor 135 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of one of India’s most beloved motorcycle series.
By introducing a more powerful engine while maintaining the core values of efficiency and reliability, Hero MotoCorp has created a product that caters to the evolving needs of the Indian commuter.
The Splendor 135 is more than just a new model; it’s a statement of intent from Hero MotoCorp.
It shows that the company is willing to innovate and push boundaries, even with its most established brands.
As the Indian motorcycle market continues to mature, with riders demanding more performance and features from their daily rides, the Splendor 135 stands ready to meet these expectations.
With its blend of increased power, modern features, and the trusted Splendor DNA, the Hero Splendor 135 is poised to create a significant impact in the market.
It offers a compelling upgrade path for existing Splendor owners and presents a strong alternative to competitors in the 125-150cc segment.
As the Splendor 135 hits the roads across India, it carries with it the hopes of continuing the legendary success of the Splendor name, while also writing a new chapter in Hero MotoCorp’s story.
Only time will tell if this new offering will achieve the same iconic status as its predecessors, but one thing is certain – the Hero Splendor 135 has arrived, and it’s ready to make its mark on the Indian motorcycling landscape.
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