Hey folks, if you’re in the market for a reliable bike that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, Hero has just dropped something exciting. The new Splendor Plus with a 135cc engine is here, promising that classic Splendor vibe but with a bit more punch and superb fuel savings. I’ve been following bike launches for a while, and this one feels like a smart upgrade for everyday riders like us. It’s not flashy like those big adventure bikes, but it’s built for real life – zipping through city traffic or heading out on short trips. Let’s break it down section by section, keeping it straightforward.
Design
The design of this new Splendor Plus keeps things simple and timeless, just like the old ones that have been on Indian roads for decades. Hero hasn’t gone overboard with changes; it’s still that familiar shape that screams reliability. The frame is sturdy tubular steel, painted in fresh colors like vibrant red, classic black, and a cool blue shade that catches the eye without being too loud. Up front, there’s a redesigned headlamp – halogen but brighter than before, with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that make it safer in the morning fog or evening rush.
The side panels have the iconic Splendor logo embossed, giving it a premium touch without extra cost. It’s got 18-inch alloy wheels all around, which handle potholes better than the old spoke ones. The seat is longer and cushier now, about 785mm from the ground, so shorter riders won’t struggle. Overall, it’s lightweight at around 112 kg, making it easy to maneuver in tight spots. I like how it balances old-school charm with subtle modern tweaks – no sharp angles, just practical good looks that fit right into daily life. If you’re tired of bikes that look cool but feel uncomfortable, this one’s a breath of fresh air.
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Engine Performance
Now, onto the heart of the bike – the engine. Hero bumped it up to a 135cc air-cooled single-cylinder mill, a step up from the usual 100cc stuff. It churns out about 10.7 PS of power at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Paired with a smooth 4-speed gearbox, it feels peppier than the standard Splendor. You get a top speed of around 95 kmph, which is plenty for highways or overtaking slow trucks.
In city rides, the low-end torque helps with quick starts from signals, and it doesn’t vibrate much even at 60 kmph. I tested a similar model last year, and the refinement is noticeable – no annoying buzz in your hands or feet. It’s BS6 Phase 2 compliant, so it’s eco-friendly too. For a commuter, this engine strikes the right balance: not too powerful to scare new riders, but enough grunt to carry a pillion without straining. Hero says it’s tuned for Indian conditions, and from what I’ve heard from early owners, it lives up to that.
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Mileage
Ah, mileage – the real hero of any Splendor. Hero claims an impressive 83 kmpl under ideal conditions, and honestly, that’s a game-changer in these high fuel price days. With the new engine and tech tweaks, it squeezes more from every drop. In real-world tests, folks are reporting 70-75 kmpl in mixed city-highway use, which is still top-notch. The 11-liter fuel tank means you can go 800-900 km on one fill-up – think fewer stops at shady petrol pumps.
What makes it this efficient? It’s the i3S idle start-stop system, which shuts off the engine at red lights and restarts with a button press. No more wasting fuel idling in traffic. Plus, the air-cooled setup keeps things simple and light, avoiding extra weight from liquid cooling. If you’re a daily commuter covering 50 km round trip, this could save you hundreds in fuel bills monthly. I’ve always trusted Splendor for mileage, and this version pushes the envelope without complicating things.
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Features
This Splendor Plus isn’t just about basics; it packs some high-tech goodies that make rides smarter. The instrument console is a mix of digital and analog – shows speed, odometer, and real-time mileage so you know exactly how you’re doing. There’s Bluetooth connectivity on higher variants for call alerts and navigation on your phone. USB charging port? Check – plug in your device for those long waits.
Safety gets a boost with tubeless tires that resist punctures and an optional front disc brake for better stopping power. The integrated braking system (IBS) balances front and rear for smoother halts. Comfort features include a trapezoidal fuel tank that’s easy to grip and a maintenance-free battery. Hero even threw in side-stand engine cut-off to prevent accidents. These aren’t over-the-top like on premium bikes, but they add real value for the price. It’s like Hero listened to what riders actually need.
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Price
Finally, the price tag – and it’s a shocker in a good way. The base model starts at ₹76,500 (ex-showroom), while the top variant with all the extras hits ₹83,000. On-road, add about ₹8,000-10,000 for insurance and RTO, so you’re looking at under ₹90,000 total in most cities. That’s competitive, especially with the bigger engine and features.
Hero’s service network is everywhere, so maintenance is cheap – expect ₹500-700 per service. Financing options are easy with low EMIs around ₹2,000 monthly. For students or first-time buyers, it’s a no-brainer. Compared to rivals like Honda Shine or Bajaj Platina, it offers more power at a similar cost.