Hero Splendor 125: In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian two-wheeler market, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has unveiled its latest offering – the Hero Splendor 125. This launch marks a significant milestone for the iconic Splendor brand, which has been a household name in India for decades. The introduction of the Splendor 125 is not just a product launch; it’s a strategic move that could reshape the competitive landscape of the 125cc segment in India.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Splendor name has been synonymous with reliability, fuel efficiency, and value for money since its inception. With over 100 million units sold globally, the Splendor has been the backbone of Hero MotoCorp’s success story. The introduction of the Splendor 125 is a bold step towards evolving this legacy to meet the changing needs of the Indian consumer.
Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, stated at the launch event, “The Splendor 125 is not just an upgrade; it’s a reimagination of what the Indian commuter bike can be. We’ve taken the trust and reliability that the Splendor brand stands for and infused it with modern technology and enhanced performance.”
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the new Splendor 125 is a 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This powerplant is a significant upgrade from the 97.2cc engine found in the Splendor Plus. The new engine produces 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. These figures put it in direct competition with established players in the 125cc segment like the Honda Shine and Bajaj Pulsar 125.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, a step up from the 4-speed transmission found in its smaller sibling. This additional gear is expected to provide better fuel efficiency on highways and more relaxed cruising at higher speeds.
Hero MotoCorp claims a fuel efficiency figure of 65 kmpl under standard testing conditions. While real-world figures may vary, this still positions the Splendor 125 as one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in its class.
Design and Styling
The Splendor 125 retains the familiar silhouette that has made the brand instantly recognizable on Indian roads. However, Hero’s designers have introduced subtle changes to give the bike a more premium and modern look.
The bike features a redesigned headlamp cluster with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), a first for the Splendor range. The fuel tank has been resculpted to give it a more muscular appearance, while still maintaining the classic Splendor lines. New graphics and color schemes, including Blazing Red, Sparkling Blue, and Panther Black, give the bike a fresh appeal.
The seat has been redesigned for better comfort during long rides, addressing a common request from Splendor users who often use their bikes for extended commutes.
Features and Technology
Hero MotoCorp has packed the Splendor 125 with features that are a first for the Splendor brand:
- Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: Provides essential information including speed, fuel level, and trip meter.
- i3S Technology: Hero’s start-stop system that switches off the engine when idling and restarts it when the clutch is pressed, improving fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
- Side-Stand Engine Cut-off: A safety feature that prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is down.
- USB Charging Port: A practical addition for keeping devices charged on the go.
- Real-Time Mileage Indicator: Helps riders optimize their riding style for better fuel efficiency.
Chassis and Suspension
The Splendor 125 is built on a new diamond frame that Hero claims offers better stability and handling. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is designed to provide a balance between comfort and handling, crucial for a bike that will spend most of its time navigating city streets and occasional highway jaunts.
Brakes and Safety
In line with current regulations, the Splendor 125 comes equipped with a Combined Braking System (CBS). The base variant features drum brakes on both wheels, while a higher-spec variant offers a front disc brake for enhanced stopping power. The inclusion of CBS is expected to significantly improve braking performance and safety, especially for less experienced riders.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Hero MotoCorp has priced the Splendor 125 aggressively, with the base drum brake variant starting at Rs. 72,000 and the disc brake variant at Rs. 76,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This pricing strategy positions the Splendor 125 as one of the most affordable 125cc motorcycles in the Indian market.
Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy at Hero MotoCorp, explained the pricing strategy: “We want the Splendor 125 to be the gateway to the 125cc segment for millions of 100cc users looking to upgrade. Our pricing reflects our commitment to making this transition as seamless as possible for our loyal customer base.”
Competition and Market Impact
The launch of the Splendor 125 is set to shake up the 125cc segment, which has been dominated by the Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and TVS Raider. With its competitive pricing and the strength of the Splendor brand, Hero MotoCorp is aiming to capture a significant market share in this segment.
Industry analyst Amit Kaushik from AutoWise Consulting commented, “The entry of the Splendor brand into the 125cc segment is a game-changer. Hero’s vast dealership network and the trust associated with the Splendor name could potentially alter the dynamics of this highly competitive segment.”
Production and Availability
Hero MotoCorp has announced that the Splendor 125 will be manufactured at its state-of-the-art facility in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The company has invested in upgrading this facility to meet the expected high demand for the new model.
The bike will be available across Hero’s extensive network of over 6,000 touchpoints across India. Bookings have already commenced, with deliveries expected to begin from January 2025.
Future Plans and Variants
While Hero has launched the Splendor 125 in two variants – drum and disc brake – sources within the company hint at the possibility of more variants in the future. There are rumors of a fully digital instrument cluster and even a potential fuel-injected version to meet future emission norms.
Hero MotoCorp has also not ruled out the possibility of introducing the i3S technology across its entire range if it proves successful on the Splendor 125.
Environmental Considerations
In line with the growing focus on environmental sustainability, Hero MotoCorp has ensured that the Splendor 125 is compliant with the latest BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. The company claims that the new engine is not only more powerful but also more environmentally friendly than its predecessors.
Consumer Response and Initial Reviews
Early reviews of the Splendor 125 have been largely positive. Motorcycle enthusiast and popular YouTuber Abhishek Bhat said in his first ride review, “The Splendor 125 feels like a natural evolution of the brand. It retains the comfort and reliability of the Splendor while offering that extra punch that 125cc engines are known for.”
Consumer response, gauged from initial bookings and showroom inquiries, has been enthusiastic. Many existing Splendor owners see this as a natural upgrade path, allowing them to stick with a brand they trust while moving up to a more powerful segment.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for an Iconic Brand
The launch of the Hero Splendor 125 marks a new chapter in the storied history of one of India’s most beloved motorcycle brands. By entering the 125cc segment, Hero MotoCorp is not just expanding its product portfolio; it’s making a statement about its vision for the future of commuter motorcycles in India.
With its blend of trusted reliability, enhanced performance, and competitive pricing, the Splendor 125 has the potential to redefine the 125cc segment. As it hits the roads across India, all eyes will be on how this new avatar of an old favorite fares against established competitors.
For Hero MotoCorp, the success of the Splendor 125 could mean more than just sales numbers; it could be the key to cementing its position as a leader in the evolving landscape of Indian two-wheelers. As the Indian automotive market continues its gradual shift towards higher capacity engines and more feature-rich vehicles, the Splendor 125 stands as a bridge between the old and the new – a familiar name ready to take on the challenges of the future.