Hero Splendor Plus : You’re weaving through the chaotic morning traffic of Sonipat’s bustling streets, dodging auto-rickshaws and potholes like a pro.
The engine hums steadily, sipping fuel like it’s on a diet, and you arrive at work without breaking a sweat—or your wallet. That’s the Hero Splendor Plus in action.
Launched way back in 1994, this humble 100cc commuter hasn’t just survived; it’s thrived, selling over 10 crore units and becoming India’s best-selling motorcycle ever. What keeps it relevant in 2026, when flashy EVs and sporty scooters dominate headlines? Simple—reliability wrapped in affordability.
I remember my first ride on a Splendor during a family trip to the Haryana countryside. The bike felt like an old friend: predictable, sturdy, and forgiving. No fancy tech, just pure, no-nonsense engineering that gets you from A to B without drama.
Priced around ₹75,000 to ₹85,000 (ex-showroom, depending on variants like Drum or Disc brake models), it’s the go-to for daily commuters, small business owners, and first-time riders. Hero MotoCorp hasn’t messed with the formula much, but recent updates like the XSens fuel injection and i3S stop-start tech keep it compliant with BS6 norms while boosting efficiency.
Engine and Performance: Power in Simplicity
At its core beats a 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, churning out 8.02 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It’s not about blistering acceleration—0-60 kmph takes a leisurely 12-15 seconds—but torque delivery is smooth from the get-go, perfect for city crawls or loaded pillion runs. Top speed hovers around 90 kmph, enough for highways without feeling strained.
Fuel efficiency? A standout 60-70 kmpl in real-world conditions, thanks to that efficient XSens EFI system. I pushed one hard on a 50-km loop from Sonipat to Panipat, carrying a week’s groceries, and it still returned 65 kmpl. The i3S idling stop-start cuts fuel waste at signals, a small but smart touch for urban warriors.
Vibrations are minimal up to 60 kmph, though they creep in at higher revs—nothing a firm grip can’t handle. Transmission is a slick 4-speed gearbox, with a light clutch that’s easy on newbie riders.
Design and Build: Tough as Nails, Practical as Ever
Hero nailed the “form follows function” vibe here. The Splendor Plus sports a classic teardrop fuel tank (9.8 liters capacity), upright handlebar, and a long 2043mm wheelbase for rock-solid stability.
Weighing just 112 kg, it’s nimble yet planted, with 18-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) shod in 80/100-18 tubeless tires for better puncture resistance.
Recent facelifts added subtle flair: LED headlamp for sharper night visibility, trapezoidal multi-reflector tail lamp, and engine kill switch for safety. Colors like Matte Axis Grey, Cool Silver, and Imperial Red give it a fresh look without screaming for attention.
Build quality shines through—rust-resistant chassis and painted engine parts hold up against monsoons and dusty roads. Seat height at 785mm welcomes riders from 5’4″ to 6’2″, and the tuck-and-roll seat comfortably fits two adults for those essential family errands.
Suspension duties fall to telescopic forks upfront (135mm travel) and adjustable twin shocks at the rear. It soaks up most bumps gracefully, though aggressive off-roading isn’t its game.
Braking mixes a 130mm drum front and 110mm rear (drum variant) or 240mm petal disc upfront (Disc variant) with IBS—integrated braking system—for balanced stops.
Features That Punch Above Its Weight
Don’t expect a TFT dash or Bluetooth; the analog speedometer with odometer, fuel gauge, and tell-tale lights keeps it straightforward. Side-stand engine cut-off and AHO (automatic headlamp on) are standard safeties.
The self-start (electric and kick backup) fires up reliably, even in cold mornings. For fleet owners, low maintenance (valve clearance every 6,000 km) and Hero’s vast service network make it a no-brainer.
Real-World Ownership: Costs and Verdict
Running costs are Splendor’s secret sauce. Expect ₹0.80-1 per km, with service bills under ₹500 and spares dirt cheap—a chain sprocket set costs ₹300. Resale value holds strong; a 5-year-old model fetches 70% of original price.
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Hero Splendor Plus Timeless Choice for Everyday Heroes
The Hero Splendor Plus isn’t sexy or cutting-edge, but that’s its superpower. In a world chasing 200 kmph superbikes and 300 km range EVs, it reminds us what matters: dependability, economy, and joy in the journey.
Whether you’re a Delhi-NCR commuter battling fuel prices or a rural rider hauling crops, the Splendor delivers without fuss. Hero could add tubeless tires across the board or a digital console, but why fix what’s unbroken? If you’re scouting your first bike or a trusty workhorse, test-ride one—you’ll see why it’s India’s undisputed champion. Long live the Splendor!