Hero Splendor : Hero MotoCorp has unveiled a dramatically redesigned version of its iconic Splendor, bringing unprecedented style to the country’s best-selling motorcycle without compromising the affordability that made it a household name.
The all-new Splendor represents the most significant visual overhaul in the model’s four-decade history, addressing the growing demand for stylish commuters among increasingly design-conscious young buyers.
Industry experts are already labeling this launch as potentially game-changing, offering style-conscious commuters an option that satisfies aesthetic desires without stretching tight budgets in an increasingly challenging economic landscape.(Hero Splendor)
With over 30 million units sold since its introduction, the Splendor nameplate carries unmatched brand equity, now rejuvenated with contemporary design elements previously unseen in this ultra-competitive segment.
The refresh comes at a strategic time as competitors have begun challenging Hero’s dominance with visually appealing alternatives, forcing the market leader to respond with more than just its traditional reliability and efficiency advantages.
For young riders who previously felt forced to choose between pragmatic transportation and head-turning style, the new Splendor eliminates this compromise with thoughtfully executed design that doesn’t demand premium pricing.
Hero Splendor Design Revolution: Stylish Without Sacrificing Identity
The new Splendor features a complete visual transformation while maintaining just enough familiar elements to keep its iconic identity intact, walking the delicate line between revolution and evolution.
The front end receives the most dramatic update with a sleeker headlamp assembly featuring integrated LED daytime running lights that create a distinctive light signature – a first for motorcycles in this price category.
The fuel tank has been completely resculpted with sharper character lines and knee recesses that give the motorcycle a more premium, muscular appearance despite maintaining the same practical capacity.
Chrome accents have been strategically applied around the headlamp bezel, fuel cap, and side panels, adding visual interest without crossing into the excessive brightwork that characterizes some competitors’ attempts at premium styling.(Hero Splendor)
Color options expand to include eight contemporary choices including three metallic finishes and two matte options, moving beyond the conservative palette previously associated with commuter motorcycles.
The instrument cluster receives a comprehensive redesign with a part-digital display that adds a modern touch to the cockpit while maintaining excellent readability in all lighting conditions.
New alloy wheels feature a distinctive five-spoke design that replaces the conventional pattern of earlier models, significantly enhancing the motorcycle’s side profile and communicating a more premium positioning.
The seat receives both aesthetic and functional updates with contrast stitching, textured surfaces for better grip, and a slightly revised profile that improves comfort without compromising the accessible seat height that makes the Splendor so rider-friendly.
Despite the comprehensive styling updates, Hero engineers have maintained the iconic silhouette that makes the Splendor instantly recognizable – understanding that radical departure might alienate the loyal customer base built over decades.
Engineering Excellence: Proven Reliability With Thoughtful Enhancements
Powering the refreshed Splendor is the refined version of Hero’s trusted 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, now upgraded with programmed fuel injection, producing 8.2 PS at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at a very accessible 6,000 rpm.
The proven powerplant maintains the legendary fuel efficiency that made the Splendor famous, with claimed figures of 80 kilometers per liter under test conditions and real-world riding consistently delivering 70-75 kilometers per liter even in challenging urban environments.
Engineers have focused on enhancing refinement rather than outright performance, with revised engine mounting points and balancer shaft tuning that reduces vibration to levels previously associated only with more expensive motorcycles.
The four-speed gearbox receives subtle improvements with a refined shift mechanism featuring positive engagement and shorter throws, addressing a common pain point in the commuter segment where vague shifting can detract from the riding experience.
Hero’s i3S (idle Start-Stop System) technology comes standard, automatically shutting down the engine when stationary for more than 10 seconds and restarting instantly with clutch engagement, eliminating wasteful idling at traffic signals.
Cold starting reliability, often a challenge with small-displacement engines, has been addressed through improved starter motor design and electronic fuel management that optimizes the air-fuel mixture based on ambient temperature.
Despite the focus on efficiency, the engine delivers perfectly adequate performance for urban environments, with 0-60 km/h acceleration in under 9 seconds and a top speed of 90 km/h – more than sufficient for the intended usage.
The exhaust note has been carefully tuned to produce a pleasantly refined sound without excessive noise, striking a balance between audible presence for safety and consideration for early morning departures in residential areas.
Comfort Redefined: Practical Enhancements For Daily Riders
Ride quality receives significant attention in the updated model with retuned suspension components that strike an ideal balance between comfort over rough surfaces and adequate control during cornering and braking maneuvers.
The seat foam density has been increased by 20% compared to the previous generation, reducing compression over long rides and maintaining support even after years of daily use – a thoughtful enhancement for a motorcycle that often serves as primary family transportation.
Handlebar positioning has been recalibrated after extensive ergonomic research, placed slightly higher and closer to the rider to create a more natural upright posture that reduces wrist and shoulder fatigue during daily commutes.
The footpeg position has been optimized to reduce knee bend while maintaining adequate ground clearance, creating a more relaxed riding position that accommodates riders of various heights comfortably.
Vibration levels have been addressed through additional rubber mounting points at key contact areas including handlebars, footpegs, and seat rails – creating a smoother riding experience typically associated with more expensive motorcycles.
Ground clearance remains an adequate 180mm, ensuring confident navigation over speed breakers and rough roads without concerns about scraping – addressing a common practical consideration for commuters in areas with poor infrastructure.
Wind protection has been subtly enhanced through careful sculpting of the headlamp nacelle and tank extensions, reducing rider fatigue during highway stretches without compromising the clean aesthetic or adding cost through unnecessary plastic components.
Hero Splendor Technology Integration: Practical Innovations For Everyday Convenience
The new Splendor introduces several practical technology enhancements including a USB charging port integrated near the instrument cluster, allowing riders to keep their devices powered during journeys – a thoughtful acknowledgment of modern connectivity needs.
LED lighting elements enhance visibility while reducing power draw on the electrical system, contributing to both safety and efficiency without significantly increasing production costs.
The electronic fuel injection system provides more precise fueling across various conditions including cold starts, high altitudes, and varying temperatures – enhancing both performance consistency and fuel efficiency.
The enhanced instrument cluster includes a gear position indicator, fuel efficiency monitor, and service reminder function – practical features that improve the ownership experience without unnecessarily complex interfaces that might confuse traditional customers.(Hero Splendor)
Hero’s xSens technology incorporates multiple sensors monitoring engine parameters to optimize performance in real-time, adjusting fuel delivery and ignition timing based on ambient conditions, altitude, and riding style.
The revised electrical system incorporates a higher-capacity alternator that supports additional accessories without straining the battery, addressing a common limitation of basic commuter motorcycles.
Value Proposition: Affordable Excellence Redefined
The most remarkable aspect of the new Splendor remains its pricing strategy, with the refreshed model starting at just ₹75,990 (ex-showroom) for the standard variant – representing an increase of only ₹3,500 over the outgoing model despite the significant enhancements.
This aggressive pricing positions the Splendor as an exceptional value proposition, offering design elements and features previously available only on motorcycles costing significantly more while maintaining the economic accessibility that made it India’s favorite motorcycle.
Hero dealerships nationwide are offering special launch incentives including extended warranty coverage, free first three services, and attractive financing options with interest rates as low as 5.99% through banking partners.
The comprehensive warranty package includes 5-year coverage on critical components, reflecting Hero’s confidence in the product’s durability and providing peace of mind for value-conscious buyers concerned about long-term ownership costs.
The ownership economics prove particularly compelling when calculating total cost over typical 5-year ownership, with the impressive fuel efficiency potentially saving owners up to ₹20,000 in fuel costs compared to less efficient alternatives in the segment.
Resale value projections remain exceptionally strong for the Splendor, with data showing previous generations typically retaining 65-70% of their purchase price after three years – further enhancing the overall value equation.
Market Positioning: The Intelligent Choice For Modern Commuters
The refreshed Splendor has been strategically positioned to appeal to style-conscious commuters who appreciate visual appeal but aren’t willing to sacrifice practicality or pay significant premiums purely for design – essentially the vast majority of Indian motorcycle buyers.
Primary target demographics include young professionals in early career stages seeking practical yet presentable transportation; family riders upgrading from older models attracted by the improved features; and college students whose parents are financing their first two-wheeler.
Against direct competitors like the Bajaj Platina and TVS Sport, the Splendor counters with superior finish quality, more contemporary styling, and the reassurance of Hero’s unmatched service network – creating a compelling value proposition despite similar pricing.
For customers considering 125cc offerings primarily for their styling rather than performance advantages, the Splendor makes a strong case by highlighting the significant savings in both purchase price and running costs that could instead be allocated toward other priorities.
Hero Splendor Conclusion: Redefining What Budget Motorcycles Can Be
The 2025 Hero Splendor successfully transforms utilitarian transportation into a motorcycle that satisfies both practical requirements and aesthetic desires – a difficult balance in the price-sensitive commuter segment.
By addressing the evolving expectations of today’s design-conscious yet value-oriented buyers, Hero has created a motorcycle that owners can ride with genuine pride rather than merely tolerance, establishing a new benchmark for visual appeal in affordable two-wheelers.
Industry insiders suggest the enhanced design could potentially expand the Splendor’s already dominant market share, attracting younger buyers who previously considered the nameplate reliable but visually uninspiring despite its practical advantages.
For the millions of Indians who rely on affordable two-wheelers for daily transportation, the refreshed Splendor represents not just a motorcycle but a meaningful improvement in quality of life – making the daily journey as pleasant as possible without straining limited financial resources.
As the motorcycle market continues its post-pandemic recovery, Hero’s strategy of injecting genuine style into its volume models rather than reserving design excellence for premium offerings suggests a new competitive landscape where budget no longer dictates aesthetic appeal.
The Splendor’s transformation from purely practical transportation to genuinely desirable everyday machine proves that fabulous style and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive – a revelation that could potentially reshape consumer expectations across the industry.