Hero Splendor Plus : In the bustling streets of India, where every drop of fuel counts and every rupee saved matters, one motorcycle has consistently stood out as the champion of the masses – the Hero Splendor Plus.
This unassuming yet remarkable two-wheeler has etched its name in the annals of Indian automotive history, not just as a mode of transportation, but as a life-changing tool for millions of riders across the country.
Hero Splendor Plus The Splendor’s Journey: A Legacy of Trust
The Hero Splendor’s story began decades ago, evolving from the erstwhile Hero Honda collaboration. Over the years, it has undergone subtle yet significant changes, always staying true to its core philosophy of providing reliable, fuel-efficient transportation to the common man.
The Splendor Plus, the latest avatar of this iconic nameplate, continues this legacy with aplomb.
Hero Splendor Plus Unmatched Fuel Efficiency: The 65 kmpl Marvel
At the heart of the Splendor Plus’s appeal lies its phenomenal fuel efficiency. The claim of 65 kilometers per liter isn’t just a number on paper; it’s a reality experienced by countless riders day in and day out. This exceptional mileage is the result of years of refinement and engineering excellence.
The 97.2cc air-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder engine might seem modest on paper, but it’s a masterpiece of efficiency. Producing 8.36 PS at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm, it strikes the perfect balance between performance and fuel economy.
The engine’s design focuses on optimizing combustion, reducing friction losses, and ensuring that every drop of fuel is utilized to its maximum potential.
But the efficiency story doesn’t end with the engine. Hero has meticulously fine-tuned every aspect of the Splendor Plus to contribute to its stellar mileage:
Lightweight Construction: Tipping the scales at just 112 kg, the Splendor Plus minimizes the power needed to move, directly translating to better fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamic Design: While not immediately apparent, the Splendor’s simple design is surprisingly aerodynamic, reducing air resistance at typical riding speeds.
Optimized Gearing: The 4-speed constant mesh gearbox is tuned to keep the engine in its most efficient rev range across various riding conditions.
Low Rolling Resistance Tires: Specially designed tires reduce road friction without compromising on grip, further enhancing efficiency.
i3S Technology: The innovative idle start-stop system automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights and restarts it with a simple clutch pull, saving fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
These factors combine to create a motorcycle that can genuinely deliver 65 kmpl in real-world conditions, a figure that remains unmatched in its segment.
Hero Splendor Plus Affordability: The Common Man’s Companion
The Splendor Plus’s appeal extends beyond its impressive mileage. Priced competitively, it represents exceptional value for money in the Indian two-wheeler market. The base variant’s price point puts it within reach of a vast segment of the population, from office-goers in bustling metros to small business owners in rural India.
But the affordability of the Splendor Plus isn’t just about its purchase price. It’s about the total cost of ownership:
Low Maintenance Costs: With simple, robust mechanicals and widely available spare parts, keeping the Splendor Plus running is incredibly economical.
Long Service Intervals: Hero recommends service every 6000 km, reducing the frequency of workshop visits and associated costs.
Excellent Resale Value: The Splendor’s reputation for reliability ensures strong resale values, protecting the owner’s investment.
Insurance Costs: Being a small-capacity motorcycle, insurance premiums are generally lower compared to larger, more powerful bikes.
Fuel Savings: The exceptional mileage translates to significant savings on fuel costs over the life of the motorcycle.
This combination of low initial cost and minimal running expenses makes the Splendor Plus not just a purchase, but a smart, long-term investment in mobility.
Hero Splendor Plus Reliability: Built to Last
The Splendor Plus’s popularity isn’t just about numbers on a spec sheet. It’s built on a foundation of unwavering reliability that has been proven over millions of kilometers across diverse Indian conditions.
From the scorching heat of Rajasthan to the humid coastal regions, from crowded city streets to rough rural roads, the Splendor Plus has demonstrated its ability to keep running with minimal fuss.
This reliability stems from several factors:
Simple, Proven Technology: The air-cooled engine and straightforward mechanicals mean fewer components that can potentially fail.
Robust Build Quality: Despite its affordable price, the Splendor Plus is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in challenging conditions.
Extensive Testing: Hero’s R&D process involves rigorous testing in various conditions, ensuring that the Splendor Plus can handle whatever Indian roads throw at it.
Continuous Refinement: Over the years, Hero has continuously refined the Splendor, addressing any issues that have cropped up and improving its overall durability.
For many owners, the Splendor Plus isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a trusted companion that they can rely on day after day, year after year.
Hero Splendor Plus Comfort and Practicality: Designed for Daily Use
While efficiency and affordability are the Splendor Plus’s headline features, it doesn’t skimp on comfort and practicality.
Hero understands that for many riders, this motorcycle is their primary (and often only) mode of transportation, used for everything from daily commutes to weekend family outings.
The long, well-padded seat can comfortably accommodate two adults, while the upright riding position reduces fatigue on long rides.
The suspension, consisting of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear, is tuned to provide a plush ride over India’s often-challenging road surfaces.
Practical touches abound:
A large fuel tank capacity of 11 liters, which, combined with the stellar mileage, results in an incredible range.
A spacious utility box under the seat for storing essential documents and small items.
A sturdy rear grab rail and strong footpegs for the pillion rider.
Clear, easy-to-read instrumentation providing essential information at a glance.
These features ensure that the Splendor Plus can handle a variety of tasks, from the daily commute to weekend grocery runs, with equal ease.
Hero Splendor Plus Safety Features: Prioritizing Rider Protection
In an era of increasing focus on road safety, the Splendor Plus incorporates several features to enhance rider protection:
Anti-Skid Braking System (ABS): This feature prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, reducing the chances of skidding.
Side Stand Indicator: A simple yet effective feature that reminds riders to retract the side stand before moving off.
Automatic Headlamp On (AHO): Ensures better visibility in all conditions, enhancing both the rider’s vision and the motorcycle’s visibility to others.
While these might seem basic compared to more expensive motorcycles, they represent a significant step up in safety for the segment in which the Splendor Plus operates.
Hero Splendor Plus Environmental Considerations: Efficiency Meets Eco-Friendliness
In an age of increasing environmental awareness, the Splendor Plus’s efficiency takes on added significance. Its low fuel consumption translates directly to reduced emissions, making it one of the most eco-friendly options in the Indian two-wheeler market.
The engine is BS6 compliant, meeting the latest emission norms. Hero has achieved this not just through the addition of catalytic converters and sensors, but by fundamentally optimizing the engine’s combustion process. This ensures that the Splendor Plus runs cleanly without compromising on its legendary efficiency.
Hero Splendor Plus The Future: Evolving with the Times
As the automotive world moves towards electrification, many wonder about the future of iconic models like the Splendor Plus.
Hero MotoCorp has hinted at electric versions of its popular models, and it’s not hard to imagine an electric Splendor in the future, combining the nameplate’s legacy of efficiency and affordability with zero-emission technology.
However, for the foreseeable future, the conventional Splendor Plus is likely to remain a dominant force in the Indian two-wheeler market.
Its combination of unbeatable efficiency, affordability, and reliability continues to resonate with a vast segment of Indian consumers.
Hero Splendor Plus Conclusion: More Than Just a Motorcycle
The Hero Splendor Plus, with its incredible 65 kmpl mileage and affordable price tag, is more than just a motorcycle. It’s a testament to Indian engineering prowess, a tool for economic empowerment, and a trusted companion for millions of riders across the country.
Its success story goes beyond impressive sales figures or market share. The Splendor Plus has played a crucial role in India’s mobility revolution, providing affordable, reliable transportation to people from all walks of life.
It has enabled small businesses to thrive, helped students reach their educational institutions, and allowed families to stay connected.
In many ways, the Splendor Plus embodies the spirit of India itself – resilient, efficient, and always moving forward.
As long as there’s a need for affordable, efficient transportation, the Hero Splendor Plus will likely continue to rule Indian roads, one fuel-efficient kilometer at a time.