Hero Splendor Plus Xtec: In the sprawling landscape of Indian motorcycles, few names command the respect and recognition that the Hero Splendor does.
For over three decades, this humble commuter has been the backbone of Indian mobility, ferrying millions across the subcontinent’s diverse terrain.
The latest iteration, the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec, represents the marriage of trusted reliability with modern technology, creating a package that acknowledges its heritage while embracing the future.
Hero Splendor Plus Xtec: A Legacy of Trust
The Hero Splendor has been a household name in India for more than 30 years, earning its reputation through consistent performance and dependability.
What began as a basic commuter motorcycle has evolved through careful iterations, maintaining its core values while adapting to changing times.
The Splendor Plus Xtec is the premium variant of this iconic motorcycle, designed to offer enhanced features without compromising the fundamentals that made it India’s favorite two-wheeler.
Design Philosophy: Familiar Yet Fresh
The Splendor Plus Xtec retains the iconic silhouette that millions have come to recognize instantly on Indian roads.
This design continuity is intentional – Hero MotoCorp understands that their target audience appreciates familiarity and simplicity. However, subtle modern touches have been incorporated to keep the motorcycle relevant in 2025.
The most noticeable update is the squared-off headlight now complemented by an offset LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), adding both style and safety to the front profile.
The side panels and tail section maintain their clean, uncluttered appearance with minimal graphics, lending an understated elegance to the motorcycle.
Chrome accents on the engine guard, tail rack, and exhaust heat shield add premium touches that differentiate the Xtec variant from its standard siblings.
The color options – including Gloss Black, Gloss Red, and Matte Grey – offer a blend of traditional and contemporary choices to suit varied tastes.
Technological Integration
Where the Splendor Plus Xtec truly distinguishes itself is in its technological offerings. Hero MotoCorp has wisely infused modern features without overwhelming the user experience:
Fully Digital Instrument Cluster: A segment-first feature that includes Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts, twin trip meters, and a real-time mileage indicator
USB Charging Port: A practical addition for today’s smartphone-dependent riders
LED Lighting: Enhanced brightness and extended beam range for improved nighttime visibility
Hazard Warning Indicator: Another segment-first safety feature allowing riders to alert other motorists in emergency situations
Side Stand Engine Cut-off: Prevents the motorcycle from moving when the side stand is engaged, enhancing safety
i3S Technology: Hero’s Idle Stop-Start System automatically shuts the engine off at traffic signals to improve fuel efficiency
These features represent thoughtful additions that enhance the ownership experience without radically altering the motorcycle’s character or complexity.
Performance and Practicality
The heart of the Splendor Plus Xtec remains its trusted 97.2cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. This power unit generates 7.9 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm – modest figures that prioritize efficiency and reliability over outright performance.
The engine is paired with a smooth 4-speed manual transmission that provides effortless gear shifts for city commuting.
The Advanced Programmed Fuel Injection system ensures optimal fuel delivery across varying conditions, contributing to the motorcycle’s impressive claimed mileage of 73 kmpl.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a swingarm with 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear.
This combination is specifically tuned to absorb India’s varied road surfaces, providing comfort during daily commutes. The motorcycle rides on 18-inch tubeless tires (80/100 section both front and rear) mounted on black alloy wheels.
Braking duties are handled by 130mm drum brakes at both ends, with an Integrated Braking System for enhanced safety.
For those seeking additional stopping power, the Splendor Plus Xtec is also available with a front disc brake option – the first-ever Splendor to offer this feature.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The Splendor Plus Xtec features a longer, more ergonomically designed seat that enhances comfort during extended rides.
With a seat height of 785mm, the motorcycle remains accessible to riders of varying heights. The upright riding position, well-placed footpegs, and natural handlebar reach combine to create a fatigue-free riding experience that’s perfect for daily commuting.
At 112kg, the Splendor Plus Xtec is light enough to be maneuverable in congested traffic yet stable at cruising speeds.
The 9.8-liter fuel tank capacity, combined with the excellent fuel efficiency, ensures fewer refueling stops and extended range between fill-ups.
Ownership Experience
Beyond the motorcycle itself, Hero MotoCorp has focused on enhancing the overall ownership experience. The Splendor Plus Xtec benefits from Hero’s extensive service network – the largest in India – ensuring that maintenance and support are never far away.
The company has also streamlined the purchasing process, offering online booking options and simplified paperwork.
The motorcycle’s legendary reliability translates to low maintenance costs, making it an economical choice over the long term. Regular service intervals and readily available spare parts further contribute to hassle-free ownership.
Market Positioning and Variants
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec is available in multiple variants to cater to different preferences and budgets:
Splendor Plus Xtec Drum: The base variant with drum brakes
Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0: Enhanced version with LED lighting and hazard warning features
Splendor Plus Xtec Disc: Top variant with front disc brake for enhanced stopping power
Priced between ₹81,001 and ₹86,051 (ex-showroom), the Splendor Plus Xtec positions itself as a premium commuter offering significant value through its feature set.
While slightly more expensive than the standard Splendor Plus, the additional features justify the price difference for those seeking modern conveniences in their daily ride.
The Competition Landscape
The Splendor Plus Xtec competes in the crowded 100cc commuter segment against models like the Honda Shine 100, TVS Radeon, and Bajaj Platina 110.
What distinguishes the Splendor is its perfect balance of traditional values and modern features, along with the unmatched legacy that comes with the name.
While some competitors offer larger engines or different styling approaches, the Splendor Plus Xtec leverages its trusted reputation and newly added features to maintain its dominant market position.
The motorcycle’s consistent sales figures – with over 300,000 units of the Splendor range sold in March 2025 alone – testify to its enduring appeal.
Environmental Considerations
In response to evolving environmental regulations, the Splendor Plus Xtec is fully compatible with E20 petrol, reflecting Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to sustainability.
The i3S technology further reduces unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions, making the motorcycle more environmentally friendly without compromising performance.
Hero Splendor Plus Xtec: Tradition Meets Technology
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec represents a thoughtful evolution of India’s most trusted motorcycle. By maintaining the core attributes that made the Splendor a legend – reliability, efficiency, and simplicity – while integrating modern features that enhance the ownership experience, Hero MotoCorp has ensured the continued relevance of their flagship commuter.
In a rapidly changing world where technology often overwhelms tradition, the Splendor Plus Xtec finds the sweet spot between heritage and innovation. It respects its roots while acknowledging contemporary needs, offering riders a motorcycle that feels both familiar and fresh.
For millions of Indians seeking dependable, efficient, and now feature-rich mobility, the Splendor Plus Xtec continues the legacy of being not just a motorcycle, but a trusted companion for life’s daily journeys.
This balanced approach to evolution, rather than revolution, ensures that the Hero Splendor will likely remain a dominant force on Indian roads for decades to come, continuing to earn its tagline as “India’s favorite commuter motorcycle” with each passing generation.