In the vast landscape of Indian motorcycles, one name stands tall above the rest – the Hero Splendor Plus.
This humble commuter bike has not just won hearts; it has become an integral part of millions of Indian households, earning the moniker “The Bike of India.” Let’s delve into what makes the Splendor Plus a true legend on two wheels.
A Legacy of Trust
The Splendor’s journey began in the 1990s, and since then, it has been a constant presence on Indian roads. Its reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs have made it the go-to choice for riders across the country, from bustling cities to remote villages.
The latest iteration, the Splendor Plus, continues this legacy while incorporating modern touches to stay relevant in an ever-evolving market. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a testament to Hero’s understanding of the Indian consumer’s needs and aspirations.
Design: Timeless Simplicity
At first glance, the Splendor Plus might not turn heads with flashy design elements. However, its beauty lies in its simplicity and functionality.
The clean lines, comfortable ergonomics, and no-nonsense approach to styling have stood the test of time.
The bike features a long, comfortable seat that can easily accommodate two riders. The upright handlebars and well-positioned footpegs ensure a relaxed riding posture, crucial for those long commutes or leisurely rides through winding rural roads.
Recent updates have brought in new color schemes and graphics, adding a touch of modernity to the classic design. The chrome-accented exhaust, stylish alloy wheels (in select variants), and sleek tail lamp design contribute to its understated elegance.
Heart of the Matter: Performance and Efficiency
Powering the Splendor Plus is a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This small but mighty powerplant produces 8.02 PS at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm.
While these numbers might seem modest, they translate to excellent real-world performance, especially in urban riding conditions.
The engine’s character is one of smoothness and reliability. It offers enough pep for quick starts at traffic lights and comfortable cruising on highways.
But where the Splendor Plus truly shines is in its fuel efficiency. Hero claims a mileage of up to 80 kmpl under ideal conditions, a figure that puts it at the forefront of fuel-efficient motorcycles in India.
This exceptional fuel economy is achieved through a combination of the efficient engine design and Hero’s i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology. The i3S system automatically shuts off the engine when idling and restarts it when the clutch is engaged, saving fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Stability
The Splendor Plus offers a ride quality that belies its entry-level positioning. The suspension setup, consisting of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear, does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections.
The bike’s lightweight nature (112 kg kerb weight) contributes to its nimble handling, making it a joy to maneuver through congested city streets. Yet, it maintains stability at higher speeds, inspiring confidence during highway jaunts.
The 18-inch wheels, shod with tubeless tires, offer a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The 130mm drum brakes at both ends, coupled with an integrated braking system (IBS), provide adequate stopping power for the bike’s performance capabilities.
Features: Blending Tradition with Modernity
While the Splendor Plus is positioned as a no-frills commuter, Hero has incorporated several features to enhance its appeal:
Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: Provides essential information at a glance, including a digital fuel gauge and trip meter.
i3S Technology: Enhances fuel efficiency in urban riding conditions.
AHO (Automatic Headlamp On): Improves visibility and safety.
Side Stand Indicator: A simple yet effective safety feature.
USB Charging Port: Available as an accessory, catering to the modern rider’s needs.
These features, while not groundbreaking, add significant value to the overall package, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Reliability: The Cornerstone of Success
The Splendor Plus’s legendary status is built on its unparalleled reliability. Stories abound of Splendors running for lakhs of kilometers with minimal issues, a testament to Hero’s engineering prowess and quality control.
This reliability stems from the bike’s simple, robust design and the use of tried-and-tested components. Regular maintenance is straightforward, and spare parts are readily available across the country, thanks to Hero’s extensive service network.
For many owners, the Splendor Plus is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a trusted companion that rarely lets them down, day after day, year after year.
Environmental Considerations
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the Splendor Plus has kept pace with evolving emission norms. The latest models are BS6 compliant, incorporating programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) for optimized fuel combustion and reduced emissions.
While not marketed as an eco-friendly vehicle per se, the Splendor’s excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions make it an environmentally responsible choice in the commuter segment.
Market Position and Competition
The Hero Splendor Plus operates in one of the most fiercely competitive segments of the Indian motorcycle market. It goes up against established players like the Honda CD 110 Dream, Bajaj Platina, and TVS Star City Plus.
What sets the Splendor Plus apart in this crowded field is its unmatched brand value and the trust it has built over decades. For many buyers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, the Splendor is synonymous with motorcycles, a testament to its cultural impact.
The Road Ahead
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, the future of commuter motorcycles like the Splendor Plus is a subject of much speculation.
However, Hero has shown a commitment to evolving the Splendor platform, and it’s likely that we’ll see further refinements and possibly even hybrid or electric variants in the coming years.
For now, the Hero Splendor Plus continues to serve as a benchmark in its segment, challenging competitors to match its blend of reliability, efficiency, and overall value proposition.
Hero Splendor Plus has arrived in a new look for those who used to bully in college
The Hero Splendor Plus stands as a testament to the power of understanding and catering to the core needs of consumers.
In a market often swayed by trends and flashy features, the Splendor has maintained its position through sheer competence and reliability.
For the daily commuter facing long rides on varied road conditions, the Splendor Plus offers a compelling solution. It may not be the most exciting or feature-laden motorcycle in its class, but it excels in the areas that matter most to its target audience – comfort, reliability, and efficiency.
As urban congestion continues to grow and commute times increase, motorcycles like the Hero Splendor Plus play a crucial role in keeping India moving.
By prioritizing the essentials and executing them flawlessly, Hero has created a product that not only serves a functional need but also enhances the quality of life for its users.
In the grand tapestry of Indian motorcycling, the Hero Splendor Plus may not be the most vibrant thread, but it is undoubtedly one of the most essential.
It represents the perfect fusion of understanding Indian consumer needs and delivering a product that consistently meets and exceeds expectations. The Splendor Plus is not just a motorcycle; it’s a part of India’s mobility story, and its legacy is set to continue for years to come.