The Hero Splendor has long been a favorite in India’s commuter-bike segment — a simple, no-frills machine built to be reliable, fuel-efficient, and low cost. For many people who need a ride every day, between home, work, errands, etc., the Splendor ticks most of the right boxes. Below I’ll explain in detail why the Hero Splendor offers reliable performance for everyday city commuting — its strengths, some of its compromises, and what to expect if you ride one daily.
Brief Overview
The Splendor family (and its variants: Splendor Plus, Splendor Plus XTEC, Super Splendor, Splendor 125 etc.) is a line of commuter motorcycles by Hero MotoCorp, primarily designed for practical usability rather than sport. They are modest in engine displacement (roughly 97-125 cc in many models), comply with current emission norms (BS6), and come equipped with features aimed at comfort, ease of maintenance, and fuel savings. Hero MotoCorp+3Autiv+3mlewguntur.in+3
What Makes Splendor Reliable for City Commuting
Here are the features and design choices that make the Splendor a dependable commuter in city traffic:
- Fuel Efficiency / Mileage
- One of its biggest advantages is mileage. Many Splendor models deliver very high fuel efficiency: owners report 60-70 km per litre (or more) in city conditions. wbnrhm.in+3BikeWale+3mlewguntur.in+3
- Certain newer Splendor variants include features like i3S (Idle Start-Stop System), which shuts off the engine at traffic lights or during long idling, thereby saving fuel. Autiv+2Hero MotoCorp+2
- Simplicity of Engineering
- The Splendor uses a simple, tried-and-tested air-cooled single-cylinder engine. Fewer parts, simpler mechanics: less that can break down. mlewguntur.in+1
- The transmission is generally a straightforward 4-speed or 5-speed manual gear box. Not high performance, but reliable and easier to service. ncsportblair.in+2Hero MotoCorp+2
- Low Maintenance & Cost of Ownership
- Spare parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Since many mechanics are familiar with Splendor bikes, repairs and servicing tend to be easier and cheaper.
- Because of its modest engine displacement and simpler features (at least in base trims), ongoing maintenance (oil changes, servicing brakes, clutch, etc.) is less complex than for feature-rich or high-power bikes.
- Comfort and Maneuverability in Urban Conditions
- The weight of many Splendor variants is moderate (around ~110-115 kg for many 100cc / 97 cc variants) which means the bike is nimble in tight traffic and easier to stop and start. mlewguntur.in+1
- Suspension is tuned for city roads: telescopic front forks and adjustable rear shocks (in some variants) to handle potholes and uneven surfaces. This improves comfort for daily rides. mlewguntur.in+2Hero MotoCorp+2
- Dependable Safety / Usability Features
- Some modern variants include features like Integrated Braking System (IBS) or Combined Braking (CBS), which improve braking safety. Hero MotoCorp+2Hero MotoCorp+2
- LED lights, side-stand cut-off, real-time fuel-efficiency displays, USB charger, etc., are being introduced in certain newer Splendor models, particularly the Splendor Plus XTEC. These add to convenience, visibility, and sometimes safety. Hero MotoCorp+2ncsportblair.in+2
Practical Performance in Daily City Use
What you will actually experience in everyday city commuting:
- Start-stop traffic: Splendor handles this reasonably well, especially with i3S in modern variants. Though acceleration is modest, it’s sufficient for city speeds (30-60 km/h).
- Climbing inclines with load / pillion: Not its strong suit compared to more powerful 125-cc or 150-cc bikes. With a pillion and uphill stretches, the performance is modest; expect slower acceleration and more down-shifting.
- Cruising speed: On highways or open stretches, you won’t feel like you’re on a high-speed bike. Beyond ~60-70 km/h, it will be more strained, engine vibrations might increase, and fuel economy may drop. For purely city use, this isn’t a serious issue.
- Riding over bad roads: The bike’s suspension and frame are decent for rough patches and broken tarmac. Ground clearance on certain models is good, though on very bad roads or with heavy load, the ride will feel less plush.
Variants and Upgrades: What to Choose
If you’re considering the Splendor for city commuting, here are some variant features to weigh:
| Feature | Base Splendor / Plus | Splendor Plus XTEC / Splendor 125 / Super Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| Engine power / displacement | ~97-100 cc, lower torque, 4-speed gearbox. Good for essentials. | 125 cc gives more power, better acceleration especially with pillion / moderate loads. |
| Fuel saving tech | i3S (stop-start), efficient carburetor / basic fuel delivery. | Fuel Injection (FI) in some models, better instrument cluster (real-time fuel efficiency), digital display, more features. |
| Braking & safety | Drum brakes in many; some with CBS/IBS. | Front disc brakes are more common, CBS/IBS, better lighting (LED/DRL) in upgraded trims. |
| Comfort features | Simple seats, basic lighting. | Better lighting, better speedometers, possibly USB charging, more ergonomic touches. |
Depending on your budget, you might prefer to spend a bit more for a variant that gives more comfort and features, especially if your commute is long, you often carry a pillion, or ride in poor lighting / road conditions.
Trade-Offs / What to Watch Out For
Even though the Splendor is good in many ways, there are some compromises. Being aware of them helps you set expectations properly.
- Limited top-end power: On highways or during overtakes, the Splendor’s engine often operates near its limits. If you frequently drive on highways or need sustained high speeds, a larger bike might serve better.
- Vibrations and engine noise: At higher RPMs (especially above ~60-70 km/h), vibrations may increase. This is often acceptable for city commuting, but for longer rides it can become tiring.
- Feature-rich competition: Some other brands/bikes in the same price or slightly higher price range offer more features (LED lighting, better styling, sharper handling) if you’re willing to spend more.
- Comfort on long rides: For rides beyond city—longer distances, highways etc.—the basic seat padding, windshield (if any), and ergonomics may prove less comfortable than larger or more premium bikes.
- Upfront cost vs variant: The higher-feature variants (XTEC, FI, etc.) cost more, so comparing upfront cost versus long-term benefits (fuel savings, comfort) is important.
Conclusion: Is the Splendor a Good Everyday City Commuter?
Yes, for many commuters the Hero Splendor remains a very solid choice. Its mix of fuel efficiency, low cost of operation, easy maintenance, and adequate performance for typical city riding makes it a dependable ride. If your daily routes consist of short-to-medium distances, many stops (traffic lights etc.), sometimes riding with a pillion, and you value savings over flashy performance, then Splendor delivers very well.
If your commuting needs often include highway stretches, overtakes, or consistently riding at higher speeds, then opting for a slightly more powerful model (125cc class or above) or higher variant of Splendor with FI, disc brake etc., might be more comfortable in the long run.
