In a bold move that has caught the Indian two-wheeler market by surprise, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its latest offering – the Hero Splendor 135.
This new entrant in the highly competitive commuter segment aims to bridge the gap between traditional 100-125cc motorcycles and the more powerful 150cc+ bikes, potentially reshaping the landscape of everyday commuting in India.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Splendor nameplate has been synonymous with reliable, fuel-efficient commuting in India for decades. With the introduction of the Splendor 135, Hero MotoCorp is not just updating a model; it’s evolving an icon.
Rajesh Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer at Hero MotoCorp, explains, “The Splendor 135 is our response to the evolving needs of the Indian commuter.
We’ve retained the core values of the Splendor brand – reliability and efficiency – while injecting a dose of performance that today’s riders crave.”
Power Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the Splendor 135 lies a newly developed 134.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This powerplant strikes a delicate balance between performance and fuel efficiency:
- Power output: 11.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm
- Torque: 11.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm
- Claimed fuel efficiency: 65 km/l under standard testing conditions
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, a step up from the traditional 4-speed transmissions found in most commuter motorcycles. This additional gear allows for better power distribution and improved highway cruising capabilities.
Design Evolution
While the Splendor 135 maintains the familiar silhouette that has made the brand a household name, it incorporates several modern design elements:
- LED headlamp with DRL (Daytime Running Light)
- Digital-analog instrument cluster
- Muscular fuel tank with sharp lines
- Redesigned side panels for a more premium look
- Alloy wheels as standard
“We wanted to create a design that respects the Splendor’s heritage while appealing to a new generation of riders,” says Anoop Sharma, Head of Design at Hero MotoCorp.
“The Splendor 135 looks at home whether it’s parked in a corporate office or a rural marketplace.”
Technology Integration
Hero has packed the Splendor 135 with features that are typically found in higher segments:
- i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) for improved fuel efficiency in city traffic
- Integrated mobile charging port
- Side-stand engine cut-off feature
- Real-time mileage indicator
- Low fuel warning system
Ride and Handling
The Splendor 135 is built on a new diamond frame that promises improved stability and handling.
The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. Combi-Brake System (CBS) comes as standard, enhancing braking performance and safety.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Hero MotoCorp has positioned the Splendor 135 as a premium commuter, targeting young professionals and small business owners who desire more than just basic transportation.
The bike is priced competitively, starting at ₹75,000 for the drum brake variant and going up to ₹80,000 for the disc brake version (ex-showroom, Delhi).
This pricing strategy places it squarely between the 125cc and 150cc segments, creating a new niche in the market.
Industry Impact and Competitor Responses
The launch of the Splendor 135 has sent ripples through the Indian two-wheeler industry. Competitors are closely watching the market response, with some reportedly fast-tracking their own 135cc projects.
Industry analyst Priya Menon notes, “Hero’s move is strategic. They’re not just launching a product; they’re creating a new sub-segment. If successful, we might see a shift in how manufacturers approach the commuter motorcycle market in India.”
Challenges and Skepticism
Despite the buzz, some industry experts have expressed reservations about the Splendor 135’s prospects.
Veteran auto journalist Ravi Desai cautions, “The Indian commuter is notoriously value-conscious.
The question is whether they will see enough value in the extra performance to justify the higher price tag compared to traditional 100-110cc bikes.”
There are also concerns about the potential cannibalization of Hero’s own 150cc offerings, particularly the Xtreme series.
Environmental Considerations
In line with tightening emission norms, the Splendor 135 comes equipped with fuel injection technology and is BS6 Phase 2 compliant.
Hero claims that the new engine produces 10% fewer emissions compared to its 125cc counterpart.
The company has also announced a program to recycle old Splendor models, offering incentives to customers who trade in their older bikes for the new Splendor 135.
Future Roadmap
Hero MotoCorp has hinted at future variants of the Splendor 135, including a possible semi-faired version for those seeking a sportier look. There are also rumors of a Splendor 135 with connected features, targeting tech-savvy urban commuters.
Hero Splendor 135 : A New Chapter in Commuting
The Hero Splendor 135 represents more than just a new model; it’s a bold attempt to redefine what a commuter motorcycle can be in the Indian context.
By blending the trusted Splendor DNA with enhanced performance and modern features, Hero MotoCorp is betting on the evolving aspirations of the Indian two-wheeler buyer.
As the bike hits showrooms across the country, all eyes will be on how the market responds to this new offering. Will the Splendor 135 carve out a new niche, or will it struggle to find its place between established segments?
One thing is certain: the launch of the Splendor 135 marks a significant moment in the Indian motorcycle industry.
Whether it becomes a game-changer or a footnote in history, it represents a daring step by a company willing to challenge the status quo in a market often resistant to change.
As millions of Indians contemplate their next two-wheeler purchase, the Hero Splendor 135 offers a tantalizing proposition: the familiarity of a trusted brand with the excitement of something new. The road ahead for this ambitious project promises to be as interesting as the ride itself.